13) The Church
The body of Christ and the communion of saints
The church is much more than a building or organization: it is the body of Christ on Earth. In this lesson, we will study what the Bible teaches about the community of faith.
What Is the Church
What is the church according to the Bible?
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Answer: The body of Christ, composed of its members
1 Corinthians 12:27: "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."
Who is the head of the church?
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Answer: Christ is the head of the church
Ephesians 5:23: "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body."
“The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world.” — Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, AA 9.1
The Foundation of the Church
Upon what foundation is the church built?
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Answer: No one can lay any other foundation than Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 3:11: "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
To what is the church compared in Ephesians?
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Answer: A building, a holy temple in the Lord
Ephesians 2:19-21: "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:"
The Unity of the Church
What should characterize the members of the church?
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Answer: Love for one another
John 13:35: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
How does Paul describe the unity of believers?
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Answer: There is one body, as there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism
Ephesians 4:4-5: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"
What was Jesus' prayer for the church?
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Answer: That they all be one, as the Father and Son are one
John 17:21: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."
The Mission of the Church
What is the mission of the church?
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Answer: To make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching
Matthew 28:19-20: "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."
What is the church to the world?
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Answer: The light of the world
Matthew 5:14: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
“The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to ‘the principalities and powers in heavenly places’ (Ephesians 3:10), the final and full display of the love of God.” — Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, AA 9.1
Why should we not neglect gathering together?
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Answer: To encourage one another, especially as you see the Day approaching
Hebrews 10:25: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Now What?
The church is essential to our Christian life:
- It is the body of Christ: Each member is important
- Christ is the head: Not human leaders
- It should be united: By love and truth
- It has a mission: To carry the gospel to the world
My Decision
I understand that the church is the body of Christ and that I need to be part of it. I desire to unite with a community of faith that follows the Bible, actively participating in the mission of sharing the gospel with the world.