The Church | The Bible Teaches

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?

A building of stone The body of Christ, composed of its members A human organization Only the religious leadership

Who is the head of the church?

The pope The pastor Christ is the head of the church The elders

“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?

Upon Peter Upon human traditions No one can lay any other foundation than Jesus Christ Upon human philosophy

To what is the church compared in Ephesians?

A business A building, a holy temple in the Lord A political government A secular organization

The Unity of the Church

What should characterize the members of the church?

Competition and rivalry Love for one another High social position Intellectual knowledge

How does Paul describe the unity of believers?

Many, for every taste Two: one visible and one invisible There is one body, as there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism The quantity does not matter

What was Jesus' prayer for the church?

That it would grow in numbers That they all be one, as the Father and Son are one That it would rule the world That it would be rich

The Mission of the Church

What is the mission of the church?

To accumulate wealth To make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching To build grand temples To exercise political power

What is the church to the world?

One organization among others The light of the world A social club An isolated fortress

“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?

By tradition So we won't be criticized To encourage one another, especially as you see the Day approaching There is no specific reason

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.

Yes, I believe and accept this truth.

13) The Church