Week One - The Local Church

Ekklesia: a called out assembly, gathering or congregation From Kaleo: to call or to summon

Of the 117 times it is found in the New Testament, 87 times, it speaks of a local body of believers. Twenty-two times it is used to speak of the universal body of believers.

As we study Jesus’ church, we must let the Bible be our guide.

As we study the books of Acts, we see a transitional period in the church.

As we study the books of Acts, we must view certain events as descriptive, rather than prescriptive.

As we look at church history, we must evaluate it within the lens of Scripture. Church history, church councils or church creeds can never be appealed to above Scripture.

The church was established when Jesus called His apostles.

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.Matthew 4:18-22

The church was empowered on the day of Pentecost.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.Acts 2:1-4

Church Ownership

Belongs to Jesus

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.Colossians 1:18

Purchased with His blood

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Acts 20:28

Jesus is the head

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.Ephesians 1:20-23

What constitutes a church?

Founded upon Christ alone.

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Matthew 16:13-18

Comprised of a called out assembly of saved and baptized believers.

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.Acts 2:41

Dedicated to carrying out the mission of the church.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,Acts 2:42-46

Committed to carrying out the ordinances of Jesus.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the ordinances of the church, as they were ordained by Jesus Himself.

Sacrament: a religious ceremony or ritual regarded as imparting divine grace, such as baptism, the Eucharist and (in the Roman Catholic and many Orthodox Churches) penance and the anointing of the sick.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are not sacraments. Sacraments are not biblical.

What is the mission of the church?

The Great Commission

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.Matthew 28:19-20

Go • Win • Baptize • Teach

The church should facilitate the spread of the Gospel.

The church should facilitate the making of disciples.

The church should facilitate Christian growth.

The church should change the world.