The Church We are not just Christian people, we are church people. Not just committed to Christ, but to His Body. The church is in the very centre of His eternal purposes – conceived in eternity past, realized in history, and to be perfected in the future The English word church is related to the Scottish word kirk (German kirche), and these in turn are derived from the Greek word kuriakon, the neuter adjective of kurios (“Lord”), meaning “belonging to the Lord.” The word church translates the Greek word ekklesia, which is derived from ek, meaning “out of,” and kaleo, which means “to call,” hence, the church is “the called-out ones.” Ekklesia appears 3 times in the gospels (Matthew 16:18 and 18:17), and 111 times in the epistles where it mostly refers to the community who believe in, and are followers of, Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 8:1; 1 Thess. 1:1). Ekklesia is commonly used for the assembly of the whole body of citizens in a city who are “called out” by the herald for discussion of public business Among the Hebrews – Ekklesia designates the congregation (community of believers) Ekklesia is first applied to Christians by Jesus in Matt 16:18 “I will build my church” Aspects of the Church The universal church. The universal church encompasses all who, since Pentecost, have been born of the Spirit of God through faith in Christ, and have been thereby baptized into the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Pet. 1:3, 22-25).” It was the universal church that Christ promised to build (Matt. 16:18), for whom Christ died (Eph. 5:25), and over which He is Head (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18). A special feature of the universal church is its unity despite the diversity of culture, race, gender, and social status; a unity produced by the Spirit (Gal. 3:28; Eph. 4:4). Symbolic pictures of the Lord and His church: The Shepherd and His sheep (Jn 10:1-39, Heb 13:20-21, 1 Pet 5:1-4) – He provides guides and protects The Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-16) Living, vital union and dynamic connection of the Lord and His people, bringing fruitfulness in life and ministry The Capstone and the stones of God’s Temple (Eph 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:5-6) Strength and stability, joined together (interdependence) and the dwelling place of God – holy and set apart The High Priest and the priestly kingdom (Heb 3:1-14, 5:10, 7:1-10:18, Rev 1:6, 5:10, 20:6) Acceptance and continual intercession and cleansing – we are involved in prayer and worship The Head and the Body (1 Cor 12:12-27) Relationship (organism) of intimacy, responsibility to each other (recognizing diversity and unity), and submission to the head The Last Adam and the New Creation (1 Cor 15:20-22, 45-49) Completely new order and union with …new birth and eternal life – new community from a new source The Bridegroom and the Bride (2Cor 11:2, Eph 5:25-33, Rev 19:6-9) Preparing His bride – sanctifying and beautifying The Heir and the joint heirs (Rom 8:17, Heb 1:2a, Rev 20:4-6) Our future is assured, inspiring hope and joy, but also accountability with reward or loss in eternity The Master and His servants (1 Cor 7:20-24, Col 4:1) Under the authority of Christ – the privilege of bond slave, and call to obedience The local church. The most common use of the word church in the NT designates a local congregation (EG the church in Jerusalem [Acts 8:1], Rome [Rom. 16:5], Corinth [1 Cor. 1:2], and in the home of Philemon [Philemon 2]). The early believers often met in homes (Rom. 16:5; Philem. 2) and came together for instruction (Acts 2:42; 11:26; 1 Cor. 4:17), worship (1 Cor. 11:18), fellowship (Acts 2:42; 4:31), and for prayer (Acts 2:42). Formation of the Church In Matthew 16:18 Jesus prophesied: “I will build my church,” indicating that the church was still future at that time. The church was not in existence prior to Pentecost. The Lord Jesus is building His church by the Holy Spirit whom the Father has sent in Jesus’ Name (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit baptizes believers into the Body of Christ at the moment of regeneration (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Centrality of the Church The Church is central to the plan of God. It was conceived and planned in the eternal mind of God (the Church is not a mere parenthesis or alternative plan) Eph 3:9 “to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God” Col 1:24-26 “the sake of His Body, which is the Church … the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints” It is the Lord’s church – Matt 16:18 “I will build My church” He Died to redeem (set free and purchase to Himself) the church – Acts 20:28 “Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with his own blood” He sent His Spirit to indwell, empower, instruct, endower (enable with spiritual gifts) and guide His church The Distinctives of the Church In relation to Israel The church is distinct from Israel. The people of God in the Old Testament were in relationship with God on the basis of the covenants God made for them. The people of God in the New Testament (the Church) are in relationship with God on the basis of a new covenant based on the sacrificial death of Christ with distinct features from previous covenants. After the church was established, Israel continued to be recognized as a people distinct from Gentiles and from the church (Acts 5:31, 35 etc.). Paul retains a distinction between Israel and the church (1 Cor. 10:32). Some believe that Israel was displaced permanently by the Church (‘spiritual Israel’), thus teaching that there are no prophecies left to be fulfilled relating to the nation and that there is no need for a Millennium involving Israel. However, God’s unconditional promises and covenants to Israel indicate that God does plan a future for His earthly people. This is confirmed by the teaching of the Apostle Paul (Rom 11:15, 26). Paul also refers to believers in the church to be spiritual heirs of God’s promises (Gal 3:29), but this does not imply that God’s purposes with Israel are now void. In relation to the kingdom Some Christians believe that the church is synonymous with the kingdom. The basic meaning of kingdom involves two things: a ruler, a people who are ruled. The word kingdom, which means “royal dominion, the rule, and the kingship”. There are two basic forms of God’s Kingdom: 1. The universal kingdom which has existed from the beginning (Lam. 5:19, Psa. 103:19; 139:7-10), and involves God’s sovereign control of history (Isa. 44:26–45:4). The universal kingdom is God’s sovereign rule from eternity to eternity. 2. The mediatorial kingdom where the rule of God is administered through a divinely chosen representative who speaks for God and also represents the people before God. In the past God worked through various mediators such as Adam and Moses, but the true fulfillment is in Messiah, who will rule on earth in the future Messianic kingdom (2 Sam. 7:12-16). The word church (Gk. ekklesia), it is never equated with the kingdom in the NT. The church is not the kingdom, but both the members of the church and the subjects of the Kingdom are both under the rule of Christ. Jesus proclaimed: “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17) but when the kingdom (The King) was rejected, according to the parables of Matthew 13 and other Scriptures, the complete fulfillment was kept for a future time. So Christ is central to both, but the present form of the Kingdom is not the outward glorious and complete manifestation of the Kingdom. It co- exists alongside the church through this present age and will be fully realized in it’s final world-wide form after the rapture and the parousia of Christ (the return of Christ in His glory). What characterizes an authentic local church? Does a group of Christians, meeting together to fellowship, studying God’s Word and praying together constitute a church? When or how does a group of this nature actually become a church? When the Apostle Paul and other NT missionaries established churches in new locations they appointed elders (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). The role of the elders, to be under-shepherds and to lead, feed and protect the ‘local flock’, indicated the constitution of a church in contrast to a group of believers simply meeting together. The eldership provided an authority for setting and maintaining biblical doctrine and practice, and putting in place an accountability structure under Christ, with the power to discipline where any may willfully reject their authority. Also, in the NT the local church was constituted when the group of believers became a unit that was galvanized together, committed to one another and to the whole. This group followed the directions given by Jesus and the Apostles - practicing the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:41; 1 Cor. 11:23-24) and the characteristic functions of church life (Acts 2:42): Essentially there are two purposes of the church: Gathered (called out of) for worshipping and building up the Body of Christ Scattered (sent into) for outreach to the world Christ Church KingdomThe church is called to a double identity – separated from the world, but sent into the same world! A learning community At the very outset, the church devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42). During his ‘church planting’ missionary work Paul taught the churches both publicly and in the homes (Acts 18:11, 20:20). Biblical instruction was a primary function of the early church (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Tim. 1:3; 1 Tim. 4:6-16; 2 Tim. 2:2). Paul describes the Church as being “the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). A loving community (Body life) The Church is not a stagnant institution, nor even a progressive organisation, but a living Body. The word fellowship (Gk. koinonia) means “sharing” and highlights the unity and sense of belonging together that characterizes a local church (Acts 2:42) Fellowship is expressed in unity, grace and care for one another, including financial and practical help to those in need and in support of those spreading the gospel (Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 9:13; Phil. 1:5) Fellowship is also emphasized in the frequent use of “one another” (accept one another (Rom. 15:7), love one another (Eph. 4:2, 15, 16; 5:2), do not judge one another (Rom. 14:3, 13), build up one another (Rom. 14:19), and admonish one another (Rom. 15:14). A worshipping community The NT church observed the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). A serving community The image of the Church as the Body of Christ emphasizes that the church is the expression of Christ’s activity now, just as His physical body was during His earthly ministry. The image also emphasizes the vital connection that all believers have with each other and with Christ. Thus the church is committed to the development and exercising of spiritual gifts in order to serve one another (Rom. 12:7). A praying community (Acts 4:24-31; 12:5, 12; Phil. 1:3-4). A missional community Evangelism and mission to the unbelievers in the local community as well as a commitment to take the gospel to the whole world (Acts 8:4; 11:19, 20; 16:31; 17:12). The Lord Jesus did not stay safe within the cloister of Heaven, and now He calls the church to enter other people’s worlds as He did (Jn 20:21 “As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you” ). Social concern and evangelism are both aspects of the missional community, as the same love that motivates the one, motivates the other (James 1:27, 2:1-11). The Great Commandment and the Great Commission go together. Ordinances of the Church Historically the church has recognized two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, however the Roman Catholic Church teach there are seven sacraments. An ordinance is “an outward rite prescribed by Christ to be performed by His church.” Lord’s Supper Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper on the eve of His crucifixion, commanding that His followers continue to observe it until His return (Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14- 23). The bread and cup are figurative only; as are a memorial to the death of Christ (1 Cor. 11:24, 25) the bread symbolizing His perfect body offered as a sacrifice for sin (1 Pet. 2:24) and the wine His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7). Baptism Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. It serves as a public testimony of faith in Christ, and does not itself produce any spiritual change in the one baptized or convey any spiritual blessing. It is only for believers so infants should not be baptized. Leadership in God’s community Leadership is critical in the life of a church. Some churches have correct in doctrine, loving fellowships, prayerful and doing good deeds, but fail to really impact their community, or grow, due to defective leadership. Bill Hybels: "The local church is the hope of the world, and it's future rests primarily in the hands of it's leaders. The Church is His church and He is her absolute Lord (Matt 16:18 “I will build My church” and Acts 20) It was conceived and planned in the eternal mind of God (not a mere parenthesis or alternative plan) Eph 3:9 “to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God” Col 1:24-26 “… His body, which is the church … the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints” He trained and commissioned the Apostles He Died to redeem the church Acts 20:28 “Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” He sent His Spirit to indwell, empower, instruct, endower (with gifts) and guide His church He promises to return for His Church – the Bride Biblical leadership is always in relationship with the Lord (Heb 13:7-8, 17-21) 1. The Lord and His relationship to Church Leaders Church leaders are to serve with delegated authority A young, puny police officer is still obeyed! Verses 7 and 17 – ‘leaders’ is generic (used of military, civic, religious) The meaning of word (from context – of obedience and submission to authority): To rule with delegated authority To represent Christ in life and ministry We are sent “in His Name” and are to pray “in His Name”. Apostolic Authority There is a special place given to the authority of the 12 apostles whom Jesus appointed. They were: 1. The authentic witnesses to the life and teaching of Jesus Christ (Matt. 16:16-18 and Acts 1:8) 2. The authority for the beliefs that the church was to hold (Eph. 2:19-20 and 1 Tim. 3:15). 3. The authority for what the church should practice. The apostles’ authority remains, enshrined in their writings which make up the majority of the New Testament. Therefore the church today submits to the Bible as the supreme expression of Christ's authority in all matters of belief and practice. Local Church Authority The New Testament teaches that leadership in each local church is the responsibility of a group of men who are appointed as elders. 1. Elder (Gk. presbuteros) - the authority in the church (as the elders in Israel who were the wise judges who sat at the gates of ancient cities). The word depicts someone respected in the church community who is mature and established in their faith. 2. Overseer (“bishop” Gk. episkopos). This term means “to watch over” like a shepherd. It speaks to the function of the elder who is to nurture and feed the flock of God entrusted to him (cf. Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:7). 3. Pastor-teacher (Gk. Poimenos didaskalos) - the shepherd, who feeds the flock and protects them. A comparison of Acts 20:17, 28 and Titus 1:5, 7 reveals that elder and overseer are used interchangeably, denoting the same office. The word presbuteros stresses the dignity of the office while the words episkopos and Poimenos didaskalos emphasize the work. Plurality of elders was the normal NT practice (Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1; Tit. 1:5). Deacons The word deacon (Gk. diakonos) is the common word that means “servant” and is used many times in the New Testament in a nontechnical sense (Matt. 20:26; Mark 9:35). It appears that the origin of the office began in Acts 6:1-6. Deacons care for the material and physical needs of the congregation. Deaconesses There are two passages that talk of female deaconesses, though some argue that the word is used in a nontechnical sense. Romans 16:1 refers to Phoebe as a “servant” (Gk. diakonon) of the church. 1 Timothy 3:11 which mentions “women” (Gk. Gunaikas), but in the context of the passage where Paul is writing about deacons, there is good justification for interpreting 3:11 as referring to the office of deaconess. Elders The elders have a position and a function in the church: Position: Elders are given the responsibility of being stewards (managers) of God’s people (Titus 1:7 and Acts 20:28). They have been placed in a position of spiritual authority over those in their care (Hebrews 13:17). The word elder means “overseer” (foreman). But their authority is not for themselves Matt. 23:1-12 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” 1 Pet. 5:2-4 “shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” Function: Elders are shepherds and guardians who are to care for and protect God’s people (Tit. 1:7 and Acts 20:28 “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God”). They are to teach, correct and give direction to believers in their church fellowships. They are not to Lord it over the believers, nor place themselves above them as “Father” or “Teacher” (Mark 10:42, Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Peter 5:1-2, and 1 Timothy 5:17). Nevertheless, they are not just ‘one of the boys’ but are God-appointed and to be respected. 1Timothy 3:1-7, 5:17-19, and Titus 1:5-9, show how elders should be treated. The qualifications of an elder are listed twice, showing the importance of their example in the way they live (1Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9). The women, though equal with man in dignity and position before God (Gal.3:28), are not to take the place of authority over men, especially in teaching God’s Word (1 Cor.11:3, 14:34- 35, 1 Tim.2:11-15). Church leaders are to serve with dependence on Christ Leadership involves vision, taking an up-front role with the expectation that the church will follow. Leaders are to lead! However, their leadership is to be in dynamic relationship with the Lord, and therefore in dependence upon the Lord. Dependence is expressed in prayer (Acts 6 – the church leaders in Jerusalem appointed deacons in the church so they could devote themselves to prayer) Dependence is expressed in the critical role that the Holy Spirit is meant to have in the life of a church. The book of Acts bears witness to this supervisory role of the Holy Spirit. Church leaders are accountable to Christ Accountability to the Lord of the Church James 3:1 “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” 1 Cor. 3:12-17 “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work” Accountability to the other leaders and members of the Church 1 Tim 5:19 “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses” 2. The Lord and the responsibilities of Church Leaders The Pastor-teacher elders are gifts to the Church (Eph 4:11) To serve the church Verse 17 “They are keeping watch over your souls” Leaders are not there for their own benefit (John 10: 11-15 “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd … and I lay down my life for the sheep” ) Church members do not belong to the pastor or elders, but the elders /pastor belongs to the congregation (they are their servants for Jesus’ sake - Lk 22:25ff). Leaders first must yield themselves fully to the Lord and His work (Acts 20:24). They will then be able to move others to give their lives for the same vision - to give their time, their money, their service, their support, their prayer, their tears and hard yakka! John 13 – servant love: sacrificial and selfless. However, this does not mean that leaders are the ones that serve in the kitchen and do all the mundane jobs (Acts 6:1-6). However, they must be willing. To teach the church l. By word Verse 7 “Remember your leaders who spoke the Word of God to you” 1 Tim 3:2 “… able to teach”. This does not mean that every elder has to be a pulpit teacher (1 Cor 12:4-5 “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord”) Tit. 1:9 “He (an elder) must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it”) ll. By example Verse 7 “Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” 1 Cor. 11:1 “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ” Matt. 28:20 “… teaching them to OBSERVE …” 1 Tim. 4:16 “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching” To lead the church The church needs leaders who lead. Verse 17 says “Obey your leaders (NKJV ‘those who rule over you’), and submit to their authority” Servant leadership is not an oxymoron – a contradiction in terms. Servant leadership relates to the attitude of a leader in relation to Christ and in relation to His people. To protect the church Verse 17 “They keep watch over you” – the word literally means ‘keep yourself awake’ (as you guard or take care of). It implies the presence of danger. Church leaders are to protect the believers against dangers such as: Turning from the truth ( Tit. 1:9 “He must … refute those who oppose it”) Backsliding and worldliness Unresolved relationship issues (unforgiveness / bitterness) Immoral or unethical behaviour Spiritual apathy Etc. … Discipline The elders are called to keep the Lord’s church holy. If there are believers who have turned markedly from the truth or are continuing in sinful lifestyles, the elders are called to publicly discipline them. The purpose is twofold – to protect the church, and to restore the believer. All such discipline must be done in love and gentleness (1 Cor.5:9-13, Gal.6:1-2). 3. The Lord and the response to Church Leaders Verse 17 “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority … let them do this with joy and not with sighing (sorrow / grief / groan)” What causes leaders to groan or sigh? Criticism, poison tongue, apathy, willful sin, joy- killers. Types of Church Government Even though the Church is not an organization (it is a Body – an organism) there are various forms of organization that govern the functioning of the church. Historically, three major catagories can be identified. Episcopal - from the Greek word episkopos, meaning “overseer” (“bishop”).This group of churches is governed by the authority of bishops. They range from the simplest form in the Methodist church, to the most complex structure in the Roman Catholic church, where the ultimate authority is vested in the bishop of Rome, the pope. Presbyterian - from the Greek word presbuteros, meaning “elder”. These churches are governed by elders who are appointed or elected by the people. These churches often have an ordained ‘teaching elder’ who governs the local church. Above these is a presbytery, made up of ordained ministers and ruling elders from each local congregation in a district. Above the presbytery is the synod, and over the synod is the general assembly, the highest court. Congregational. In congregational church government the authority rests not with a representative individual or a group of elders, but with the entire local congregation. A Next >