June 8, 2008

What We Believe
About the Church: What is the Church?
Steve Lane

A. Introduction/Review

Hosea 4: 6 My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.

Pragmatism: If it works it must be good; if it doesn't work it must be bad.

1 Timothy 3: 14 - 15
2 Timothy 4: 3 - 4

There will always be a battle for the church; for doctrine, for purity, for the purpose... against great odds.

Remember, leadership is not to be different than the body, but to set an example for the body to have the same love, concern and devotion to Christ and His body.

B. What is the Church?

1. The Bride of Christ - a wedding feast and a wedding. Revelation 19: 7
Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. Ephesians 5: 25
She will be presented to Him. Ephesians 5: 26
Understanding this principle. 2 Corinthians 11: 2 - 3
2. The body of Christ - Christ is the Head of the body. 1 Corinthians 12: 12 - 14
Romans 12: 4
Members of one another
Sin is taking its toll on the body
Eating away at the body - weakening it and distracting from its purpose.
A great love for the church goes hand-in-hand with a great love for Jesus.
"Why are you persecuting Me?"
3. The Temple of God Ephesians 2: 19 - 22
1 Peter 2: 5
4. The Family of God
Born into God's family (born again) 1 John 3: 1
5. The universal church Acts 2
6. The local church
7. The church is not Israel Romans 11: 17 - 21
Romans 11: 25 - 27
Genesis 12, 15, 17
Daniel 2, 7, 9
C. What is the Church to do in the Interim?

As a believer, God has a plan and a design for you.

You are unique, and He looks on you as an individual. He also looks on you as a part of the body.

You have taken on a new purpose with a new power and a new joy.

Acts 2: 42 Discipleship
Ephesians 4: 11 - 16
Matthew 28: 17 - 20
2 Timothy 2: 10 Endure everything for the sake of the elect.