Ecclesiology: the study of the Church

1
Ecclesiology the study of the Church

• Since the Church is the Bride of Christ, there is
  nothing on earth dearer to the heart of God

2
Definition

• The German designation kirche, is derived from
  the Greek word kuriakon, the neuter adjective of
  kurios (Lord ), meaning belonging to the Lord
• church also translates the Greek word ekklesia,
  which is derived from ek, meaning out of, and
  kaleo, which means to call, hence, the church
  is a called-out-group.
• Ekklesia appears 114 times in the New Testament,
  3 times in the gospels, and 111 times in the
  epistles. In the gospels it appears only in
  Matthew 1618 and 1817 in a prophetic sense
• It is used non-technically to describe any
  meeting or assembly (Acts 738 1932), as well
  as the term for NT churches

3
Aspects of the Church

• Local (visible) church
• Group of believers identified as a local assembly
• Without a building, they met in homes (Romans
  165 Also greet the church in their house
  Philemon 2)
• Came together for worship (1 Corinthians 1425
  The secrets of his heart are disclosed, and in
  this way he will fall down with his face to the
  ground and worship God, declaring, "God is really
  among you."),
• fellowship (Acts 24546 431Acts 246 Every day
  they continued to meet together in the temple
  courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate
  together with glad and sincere hearts,),
• instruction (Acts 242 They were devoting
  themselves to the apostles' teaching Acts 1126
  1 Cor. 417),
• for ministry (Acts 132 153 2028).
• The result was that people were continually being
  saved (Acts 247 praising God and having the good
  will of all the people. And the Lord was adding
  to their number every day those who were being
  saved.)

4
Aspects of the Church

• Universal (invisible) Church
• He promised to build it (Matt 1618 And I tell
  you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will
  build my church, and the gates of Hades will not
  overpower it.)
• All those born of the Spirit and, by the Spirit,
  placed into the Body of Christ (1 Cor 1213 For
  in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.
  Whether Jews or Greeks or slaves or free, we were
  all made to drink of the one Spirit. 1 Pet 13,
  22-25)
• The Body for whom Christ died (Eph 524 Acts
  2028 Watch out for yourselves and for all the
  flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you
  overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he
  obtained with the blood of his own Son
• He is the Head and gives it direction (Ephesians
  122-23 And God put all things under Christ's
  feet, and he gave him to the church as head over
  all things. 23 Now the church is his body, the
  fullness of him who fills all in all.
• Colossians 118 He is the head of the body, the
  church

5
Formation of the Church

• Future in Matt 1618, I will build my church, and
  the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
• Manner of formation (1 Cor 1213, For in one
  Spirit we were all baptized into one body) work
  of Spirit baptizing believers into Christ. Eph
  122-23 identifies Church with Body of Christ
• Still future in Acts 15 For John baptized with
  water, but you will be baptized with the Holy
  Spirit not many days from now.
• Began in Acts 21-4
• Confirmed in Acts 1115, as at the beginning
• Church began at Pentecost

6
The Purpose of the Church What are we supposed
to do?

• The Great Commission (Matthew 2819,20)
• Reiterated in Mark 1615 Luke 2445-47 and Acts
  18
• Spoken by Christ, the Head of the church (Matthew
  2818)
• The Command Go and make disciples
• means that we must take the initiative.
• Make disciples means make followers,
  learners.
• The Means Baptizing, Teaching
• Baptizing Public identification with Christ
• Teaching to obey Learning the scripture for
  the purpose of applying it

7
Figures of the Church

• Body illustrates unity and universality. Christ
  is the Head (Eph 122-3) Who gives diversity of
  gifts (members) (1 Cor 1213) and gifted
  leadership to mature her (Eph 411-16).
• Bride (Eph 523) Illustrates the great affect of
  Christ and the exalted position of the Church.
• Building the wall of separation abolished
  between Jew and Gentile (Eph 211-18) Foundation
  laid by apostles (220) Each piece is fitted
  together (221) Grows as under construction (1
  Pet 25)
• Priesthood 2 Pet 25,9 Rev 19 As priests we
  can intercede with boldness (Heb 414-16) and be
  dedicated to service
• Flock Relationship of trust and fellowship (Jn
  1026-27 Acts 2028 1 Pet 53). The flock is
  ever growing, Jn 1016.
• Branches Christ is the root, believers are the
  branches in Jn 151-16, which shows vital union
  with Christ

8
Image as Body of Christ

• Christ is the HEAD of the Body (Col 118 Eph
  110)
• Authority to direct and control (Col 29-10)
• Nourishment of motivation and security (Col
  219)
• INTERCONNECTION of believers building up,
  serving and mutual sharing
• FELLOWSHIP of believers in commitment and love
  (benefiting others)
• UNIFIED Body Corinth was a divided church (1 Cor
  1117-19)
• UNIVERSAL BodyAll believers everywhere are
  united (Col 311)
• EXTENSION of Christs ministry through Great
  Commission (Mt 2818), even greater scale (Jn
  1412)

9
Distinction in the church

• Distinct from Israel The Church is neither the
  continuation of, nor synonymous with Israel (Acts
  312 48, 10 521, 31, 35 2119). See also 1
  Cor 1032.
• Distinct from the Kingdom
• Universal Kingdom Christ rules the universe (Psa
  10319 1397-10)
• Kingdom on earth (Matt 610 the prayer of
  believers)
• Kingdom of heaven (occurs 32 times in Matthew)
  refers to the heaven-reign of God throughout ages
• All are distinct from any parallel with the Church

10
Functions of the local church

• Worship
• Proskuneo, which means to bow down or
  prostrate
• Latreuo has a basic meaning of priestly service
  of sacrifice (Rom 121)
• Sebomai means to reverence or fear God (1 Tim.
  210 54 2 Pet. 13 311)
• Instruction for maturity (2 Tim. 31617)
  antidote to false doctrine (1 Tim. 13) produces
  love (1 Tim. 15) spiritual nourishment (1 Tim.
  46) godliness (1 Tim. 4616) submission (1
  Tim. 517 62) and a proper focus on life (1
  Tim. 617). in order to reproduce himself (2 Tim.
  22 cf. 1 Tim. 414, 16 620).
• Fellowship koinonia sharing, participate.
  Acts 242, sharing of goods(Ro 1526) prayer
  (Acts 424-31)
• Ministry evangelism and mutual service (one
  another)
• Organization Leadership responsible were elders
  and deacons
• Ordinances Baptism and Lords Supper

11
A local church purpose statement

• STATEMENT To Glorify God by Reaching people with
  the gospel, Building them in their relationship
  with God and Involving them in Gods plan
• To Glorify God is the overall purpose. The
  Bible says " Whatever you do, do it all for the
  glory of God." (1 Corinthians 1031 NIV).
• Building (Acts 1122-26 Ephesians 411-16)
  Building refers to the spiritual process of God
  bringing the growth and change that we need in
  our lives. How can a church help to encourage
  that work of God?
• Involvement (Acts 1127-30 Ephesians 411,12)
• Sometimes people in churches assume that ministry
  is the job of paid professionals the pastors
  and staff. Its not.
• God has called every believer to be involved in
  ministry.
• He has given every person certain spiritual
  gifts supernatural abilities to serve/help
  others in some way.
• Instead of leaders doing most of the ministry,
  their real role is to equip people for ministry

12
Leaders of the local church Elders Pastors

• Terms used
• Presbyters, presbuteros, 69 times in NT,
  mature dignity of office
• Overseer, episkopos, 6 times in NT, watch over
  function of office
• Qualifications 15 qualities (1 Tim 31-7 Tit
  15-9)
• Character, Family, Relationships, Ministry
  capable, Maturity
• Duties. The duties of the elder involve
  shepherding the flock (Acts 2028), teaching (1
  Tim. 32), ruling or general leadership (1 Tim.
  517), and guarding against error (Tit. 19).
• Number. A plurality of elders is mentioned
  frequently (Acts 1423 Phil. 11 Tit. 15),
  though one is leader or spokesman (Acts 15).

13
Deacons

• Term used diaconos, minister or servant
• Office Highly suggested in Acts 61-6 where 7
  were appointed to facilitate the ministry of
  apostles or church leaders by relieving them of
  material obligations.
• Qualifications 8 characteristics, mostly similar
  to elders.
• Deaconesses? Rom 161 appears to be a
  descriptive term, rather than a specific office.
  In the context of 1 Tim 311, the term is
  women, gunaikas, 8 of 11 times in NT is clearly
  wives. Womens ministry and requirements given
  in 1 Tim 59-16.

14
Government of the local church

• Episcopal led by episkopos, bishop
  (Methodists, Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic). Arose
  in 2nd cent, based on image of James and
  Timothy/Titus
• Presbyterian led by presbuteros, elder,
  (Presbyterian and Reform) elected representatives
  of congregation with one teaching elder (1 Tim
  517) and Acts 1130 152, 4 2017
• Congregational led by consensus opinion based on
  two principles autonomy and democracy (Baptist,
  Bible, Congregational, Independent). Based on
  Priesthood of all believers, congregations
  elected deacons (Acts 61-6) and elders (Acts
  1423) church decided on discipline (1 Cor 512
  2 Cor 26-7) sent out missionaries (Acts 1122),
  etc.

15
Evaluation of church government

• Episcopalian is based on apostolic continuity,
  which has no biblical basis (Mt 1618-19) rather
  was unique to them (Luke 91)
• Presbyterian has support in appearance of
  multiple elders, but no external authority
• Congregational finds its support in the many
  congregational decisions called for.

16
Two Ordinances of the church

• Terms
• Sacrament, sacred sign, implies a mysterious
  quality.
• Ordinance is a physical ritual prescribed by
  Christ to illustrate a spiritual reality
• Catholics have held to seven sacraments
• Baptism (sprinkling), the Eucharist (Lords
  Supper), confirmation, penance, extreme unction,
  holy orders, and marriage.
• Only six are possible because either Orders
  (priesthood) or Marriage, but not both.
• Lords Supper Do you part-take of Christ or
  remember His sacrifice?
• Baptism What does it symbolize and does it
  effect anything?

17
Why only two ordinances?

• Only these two are specifically prescribed by
  Christ and clearly practiced by the early church.
• Only these two symbolize the saving work of
  Christ.

18
What do they have to do with a persons salvation?

• Practicing these symbols in no way saves or
  even helps a person have eternal salvation
• Ephesians 28 For by grace you are saved through
  faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the
  gift of God 9 it is not from works, so that no
  one can boast.
• These ordinances are meaningful only to a person
  who has already personally trusted Christ for
  salvation.

19
First Ordinance Lords Supper

• This ordinance is a command
• (Do this 1 Corinthians 1124,25)
• to be practiced regularly (as often as 1
  Corinthians 1125,26)
• throughout this church age (proclaim the Lords
  death until He comes 1 Corinthians 1126).
• The Meaning The Lords Supper is a memorial to
  Christs saving work on the cross.
• The bread represents Christs substitutionary
  death in our place (for you Luke 2219 1
  Corinthians 1124).
• The cup represents Christs fulfilling of the old
  covenant sacrifice system (the new covenant in
  my blood Luke 2220 1 Corinthians 1125).

20
4-views of the Lords Supper

• Transubstantiation, change of substance (RCC)
• Consubstantiation, with substance on
  consumption (Lutheran)
• Reformed view emphasize the spiritual presence
  of Christ in the elements imparting a form of
  grace to recipient.
• Memorial view Elements are figurative only,
  objects to provoke an image of Christs real
  sacrifice. The focus is memory (1 Cor 1125-26)
  proclaiming His death (1126)

21
The Method

• The early Churchs form
• - The love feast (a shared meal 1 Corinthians
  1120-22)
• - The elements (a shared loaf and cup 1
  Corinthians 1123-25).
• - Done weekly as the church gathered (breaking
  of bread Acts 207,11).
• The basic function is required
• The Lords Supper should be practiced regularly
  by churches using similar symbols with the
  identical significance Christ gave them.

22
Second Ordinance Baptism

• Definition The use of water to symbolize
  outwardly the inner spiritual change that took
  place when we trusted Christ as Savior
• Views of baptism
• Means of saving grace Baptismal regeneration
• Sign and seal of covenant Covenant theology
• Symbol of our salvation Memorial
• Mode of baptism
• Pouring or affusion an allowed method in 2nd
  Cent
• Sprinkling or aspersion from analogy of OT ritual
  cleansing in Temple (Num 85-7)
• Immersion from baptizo, to dip, immerse which
  best visualizes Romans 64 Therefore we have been
  buried with him through baptism into death, in
  order that just as Christ was raised from the
  dead through the glory of the Father, so we too
  may live a new life.
• Infant baptism is suppose to replace circumcision
  in new covenant

23
Purposes of the church

• Evangelism a going to others with good news (Mt
  2819), practiced by all (Acts 84), resulting in
  many believers (Acts 241 44 514 812)
• Fellowship commitment to believers in church (Ro
  125, 10, 16 138) in unity (Acts 246 431)
• Teaching essential to edification and maturity
  (Acts 1126 1535 2 Ti 22 He 512)
• Worship To love God with all, heart, soul, mind
  (Mt 2237) church prayed (Ac 125) read
  Scripture (Ac 424) Singing (Eph 519)
• Service to others 41 commands are to be done to
  one another spiritual gifts give purpose (1 Co
  12-14)

24
Church Discipline

• Principle of Discipline Defined
• Evangelism ministers to those outside the church
  in bondage to sin
• Edification is designed to build up the believers
• Discipline is part of the edification process
  which ministers to believers who are dominated by
  some area of sin so they can experience
  liberation from its power through fellowship with
  Christ
• Definition The confrontive and corrective
  measures taken by an individual, church leaders,
  or the congregation regarding a matter of sin in
  the life of a believer

25
Pattern and Basis for Discipline

1. The Lord Himself disciplines His children (Heb
   126 "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves
   and chastises every son he accepts.")
2. Based on the Holy Character of God (Heb 1211 Now
   all discipline seems painful at the time, not
   joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace
   and righteousness for those trained by it.)
3. Based on the divine command of Scripture (1
   Timothy 520 Those guilty of sin must be rebuked
   before all, as a warning to the rest.)
4. The Testimony of the church in the world (1 Peter
   417 For it is time for judgment to begin,
   starting with the house of God. And if it starts
   with us, what will be the fate of those who are
   disobedient to the gospel of God?)

26
Purposes of Church Discipline

1. To restore, heal or build up sinning believers
   Matt 1815 "If your brother sins, go and show him
   his fault when the two of you are alone. If he
   listens to you, you have regained your brother.
2. To produce a healthy faith 1 Timothy 120 Among
   these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed
   over to Satan to be taught not to
3. To set an example for the rest of the Body and
   promote godly fear 1 Tim 520 Those guilty of sin
   must be rebuked before all, as a warning to the
   rest.
4. To silent false teachers blaspheme. Titus 113
   Such testimony is true. For this reason rebuke
   them sharply that they may be healthy in the faith

27
Four Loses for Failure to Discipline

1. Loss of Purity 1 Corinthians 56 Don't you
   know that a little yeast affects the whole batch
   of dough? 7 Clean out the old yeast so that you
   may be a new batch of dough--
2. Loss of Power Joshua 7 sin of Achan
3. Loss of Progress Revelation 25 Therefore,
   remember from what high state you have fallen and
   repent! Do the deeds you did at the first if
   not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand
   from its place--that is, if you do not repent.
4. Loss of Purpose 1 Peter 114 Like obedient
   children, do not comply with the evil urges you
   used to follow in your ignorance, 15 but, like
   the Holy One who called you, become holy
   yourselves in all of your conduct,

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Practice of Church Discipline The Manner

1. Must be done by those who are spiritual (Gal
   61 if a person is discovered in some sin, you
   who are spiritual restore such a person in a
   spirit of gentleness.)
2. Must be done in a spirit of humility, gentleness
   and patience (Gal 61 restore such a person in a
   spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to
   yourselves, so that you are not tempted too.)
3. Must be done without bias, or spirit of
   partiality (1 Timothy 521 Before God and Christ
   Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you
   to carry out these commands without prejudice or
   favoritism of any kind.
4. Must admonish, warn and appeal in love to those
   who walk disorderly 1 Thess 514 And we urge
   you, brothers and sisters, admonish the
   undisciplined, 2 Tim 42, reprove, rebuke,
   exhort with complete patience and instruction.

29
Practice of Church Discipline The Manner

1. Must rebuke publicly and withhold from fellowship
   if no response 2 Thess 36 But we command you,
   to keep away from any brother who lives an
   undisciplined life and not according to the
   tradition you received from us.
2. Must excommunicate if no response to church
   discipline Matt 1817 If he refuses to listen to
   them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to
   listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile or
   a tax collector.
3. Must be ready to forgive, comfort and reafirm the
   repentant 2 Cor 26 This punishment on such an
   individual by the majority is enough for him, 7
   so that now instead you should rather forgive and
   comfort him. This will keep him from being
   overwhelmed by excessive grief to the point of
   despair.

30
Reasons for Church Discipline

• General Causes
• Disorderly conduct, conduct out of line with
  commands of Scriptures which negatively impact
  the testimony of Scriptures (2 Thess 36-15)
• Specific Causes
• Difficulties between members (Matt 1815-17)
• Divisive people causing divisions in the church
  (Rom 1617-18)
• Immoral conduct 1 Cor 51, 11 2 Thes 310-15
  include incest, immorality, covetousness,
  idolatry, abusive speech, drunkenness, swindling
  or idle busybodies who refuse to work but spread
  dissension
• False teaching that concern the fundamental of
  the faith not lesser differences of
  interpretation (1 Tim 120 2 Tim 217-18)

31
Procedures for Church Discipline

• Seek Private Correction and/or Reconciliation
  with offender (Mat 1815)
• Express genuine appreciation for the person
• Listen to the other persons side and seek the
  facts
• If the person fails to respond, warn them that
  you will have to get others as witnesses
• Take witnesses to strengthen the effect of
  discipline, preferably spiritual leaders so it
  can be firmly proven and established (Mat
  1816-17 1 Tim 519).
• If no results, then warn that further action will
  be taken providing occasion for serous rebuke (2
  Tim 42)
• Seek reconciliation and restoration through the
  whole body (Matt 1817 2 Thess 314-15 1 Tim
  520)
• The body is to exercise group disapproval by way
  of social ostracism
• If ineffective, the church is to exercise
  excommunication removal from the church
  membership, loss of voting privileges, and
  ostracized (1 Cor 54)
• There is heavenly action that coincides with this
  church action! (Mat 1818-19)

32
Procedures for Restoration

• Forgiveness
• Accepting the person and forgetting the past (2
  Cor 27a)
• How do we know when genuine?
• Luke 38, when they bring forth fruits in
  keeping with repentance
• Acts 2620, that they should repent and turn to
  God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.
• Freely acknowledge his sin (1 Jn 19 Prov
  2813a)
• Cease activity for which he was disciplined, or
  seek help if problem was a life dominating
  pattern (Prov 2813a Gal 61 Jam 519-20)
• Make restitution or ask forgiveness from those
  hurt (Phil 18-19 Mat 523-24)
• Demonstrate a genuine change of heart, godly
  sorrow for actions because of harm to glory of
  God and hurt to others (2 Cor 78-11)
• Begin to manifest the fruit of the Spirit (Gal
  522)

33
Procedures for Restoration

• Comfort
• Reaching out to them, assuring them of your
  support, encouraging, exhorting and challenging
  them to move on (2 Cor 27b)
• Love
• Means including them, drawing them close, doing
  whatever will help their recovery (2 Cor 28)
• Encouraging them to get involved in ministry to
  others (Luke 2231-32)
• For leadership, there should be a time of testing
  to demonstrate their qualifications (1 Tim 310)