Next Steps Lesson 8:
What Is The Church?
“I will build My Church”
- Jesus (Matthew 16:18)
- Jesus (Matthew 16:18)
WHAT DOES THE WORD “CHURCH” MEAN?
- From the Greek, “Ekklēsia” which meant “a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly, for a specific purpose.
- Used 118x in New Testament (KJV)
- Translated 115x as “church”
- Translated 3x as “assembly”
- Jesus is the first to use the word in the New Testament for the gathering of His people. — Matthew 16:18
- The purpose for the New Testament gathering is the understanding that Jesus is the Christ. — Matthew 16:16
- Our gathering together in the name of Christ should not be neglected. — Hebrews 10:24-25
OTHER NEW TESTAMENT DESCRIPTIONS OF THE CHURCH
- The Body of Christ — Ephesians 1:22-23
- The Bride of Christ — Ephesians 5:25-27
- The Household of Faith — Galatians 6:10
- The Household of God — I Timothy 3:14-15
- The Family / Children of God — Romans 8:14-17
- The Temple of God — II Corinthians 6:16
- A Spiritual House — 1 Peter 2:4-5
- The New Jerusalem / Holy City — Revelation 21:2-3
CHURCH HISTORY
Christians have always believed we should gather as the church
(Acts and the New Testament)
Role of the church was always assumed… only one ancient work
was written solely concerned with defining the church, “Unity of the
Catholic Church” by Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage in 251A.D.
Nicene Creed stated “We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic
church” (4th Century)
The church was not solely written about again until John Wycliffe
penned “The Church” in 1378.
Reformers came along and decided to assume nothing.
They began to further define the church…
John Calvin (1535), Lutheran Augsburg Confession (1530), 42 articles
of the Church of England (1553), Belgic Confession (1561), etc.
The definitions have continued to accrue giving us an estimated
34,000 denominations in the world, 1,200 of those being in U.S.
(Acts and the New Testament)
Role of the church was always assumed… only one ancient work
was written solely concerned with defining the church, “Unity of the
Catholic Church” by Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage in 251A.D.
Nicene Creed stated “We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic
church” (4th Century)
The church was not solely written about again until John Wycliffe
penned “The Church” in 1378.
Reformers came along and decided to assume nothing.
They began to further define the church…
John Calvin (1535), Lutheran Augsburg Confession (1530), 42 articles
of the Church of England (1553), Belgic Confession (1561), etc.
The definitions have continued to accrue giving us an estimated
34,000 denominations in the world, 1,200 of those being in U.S.
WHAT CHURCH SHOULD I ATTEND?
With all these denominations, how do I know I am attending a good
church? Look for these things…
HISTORIC
The church is built upon events based in History. Beware of ministries built on fads, gimmicks, or current events.
ORTHODOX
The church has always understood the “right way to think” about Scripture and its interpretation. Follow the trail of Godly teaching and don’t be misled by errant strains of new theology.
CHRISTIAN
It all needs to lead to Jesus! He builds the church (Matt. 16:18), and leads the church (Colossians 1:18)!
Remember, if the church isn’t pointing you to Jesus… It is not a Spirit empowered church (Acts 1:8).
Remember, if the church isn’t pointing you to Jesus… It is not a Spirit empowered church (Acts 1:8).
FAITH
Are you being “built up” in your faith and unified with others in Christ?
Many churches practice “adventures in missing the point” by only “tearing down” other people and ministries.
The true church always seeks “unity” and building others up in the Gospel.” — John 17:21; I Cor. 3:1-17; 14:26;
Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:1-16; I Peter 2:4-5
Many churches practice “adventures in missing the point” by only “tearing down” other people and ministries.
The true church always seeks “unity” and building others up in the Gospel.” — John 17:21; I Cor. 3:1-17; 14:26;
Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:1-16; I Peter 2:4-5