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Sep 03, 2023

What is a Church?

Preacher: Tim Badal

Series:Rediscover Church

Detail:

For one to have a clear understanding of the church, one must explore the church...

1.  Grammatically. 
     Ekklesia: an assembly of people gathered together
       •  The invisible ekklesia:  The church that only God sees
       •  The visible ekklesia:  The church that we see
     Biblical names for this ekklesia 
       •  The Bride of Christ
       •  The Flock of God
       •  The Body of Christ
       •  The Family of God
       •  The House of God

Definition: “A church is a group of Christians who assemble as an earthly embassy of Christ’s heavenly kingdom to proclaim the good news and commands of Christ the King; to affirm one another as his citizens through the ordinances (Lord’s Supper and Baptism); and to display God’s own holiness and love through a unified and diverse people in all the world, following the teaching and example of elders.” — Jonathan Leeman and Collin Hansen, Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ is Essential, p. 124.

2.  Historically.  
     Church history can be broken up into the following:
       •  Post-Apostolic Times — 33 A.D. to 6th Century
       •  Roman Catholic — 6th Century to Present
       •  Orthodox — 1054 to Present
       •  Protestant — 1517 to Present

3.  Organizationally.  
     If we desire our church to function properly, we must...
       •  Follow the same Lord.
       •  Pursue the same way of life.
       •  Submit to qualified leaders.
       •  Partner together as laborers.

4.  Biblically.   
     Scripture reminds us that the life of the church involves a...
       •  Special Person.
       •  Secret plan.
       •  Specific purpose.