Title: Ecclesiology: the study of the Church
1Ecclesiology the study of the Church
- Since the Church is the Bride of Christ, there is
nothing on earth dearer to the heart of God
2Definition
- 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
3Aspects 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.)
4Aspects 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
5Formation 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
6The 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
7Figures 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
8Image 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)
9Distinction 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
10Functions 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
11A 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
12Leaders 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).
13Deacons
- 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.
14Government 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.
15Evaluation 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?
17Why 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.
18What 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.
19First 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).
204-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)
21The 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.
22Second 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
23Purposes 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)
24Church 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
25Pattern and Basis for Discipline
- The Lord Himself disciplines His children (Heb
126 "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves
and chastises every son he accepts.") - 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.) - 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.) - 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?)
26Purposes of Church Discipline
- 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. - 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 - 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. - 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
27Four Loses for Failure to Discipline
- 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-- - Loss of Power Joshua 7 sin of Achan
- 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. - 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,
28Practice of Church Discipline The Manner
- 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.) - 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.) - 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. - 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.
29Practice of Church Discipline The Manner
- 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. - 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. - 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.
30Reasons 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)
31Procedures 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)
32Procedures 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)
33Procedures 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)