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THE CHURCH

The word “church” comes from the Greek word “Ekklesia” which means “gathering” or “assembly.” Therefore, the church is the gathering of the believers who come together to participate in fellowship with one another as they worship God and hear from His Word, the Bible. In Hebrew, ‘Edhah’ for Church means “getting by appointment (or) congregation”.

The Christian church can be seen in two ways: the visible and the invisible. The visible church is comprised of all who claim the name of Christian and who gather together for worship and participation of the sacraments: the Lord’s Supper and Baptism. The members of the visible church claim the name of Christian (excluding the cults). The visible church contains both believers and non-believers; that is, there are people in the visible church who are not really saved.

The members of the invisible Church are the actual body of believers. They are the ones who are truly regenerate and have trusted, by faith, in the true Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The true Christian is indwelt by the Lord Jesus (John 14:23) through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Christian church is figuratively said to be the body of Christ.

• “So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Rom 12:5)

• “For the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Eph 4:12)

Why the Church?

Through the Church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. (Eph 3:10-11) Therefore;

• Church is the eternal plan of God

• Church has unity and diversity

• Church must sub-due the world

• Church must express the manifold wisdom of God

Church is an Eternal Plan of God:

Creation:

• Multiply and fill

• God wanted to have His dwelling with people

Calling of Abraham (Gen 12, 17:8)

• To bring out a community

God  chose Israel (Deut 9:3, 7:7-8, 28:9-10)

• God wanted to give the land of Canaan to them (Ex 3:7-8, Jer 31:33)

• God wanted to dwell with them (Lev 26:11-12)

Priesthood of all Believers

• Levity and clergy are equal (Rev 1:6, I Pet 2:5, 9)

The Ultimate Plate of God

• The Church is being built on the Apostles (Eph 2, Rev 2, 3)

• The New Jerusalem (Rev 21, Heb 11:40)

BIBLICAL PATTERNS OF CHURCH:

The New Testament pattern of Church:

1. Local Fellowship (Synagogue)

2. Training Structure (Disciples)

3. Apostolic Structure (Sent by Jesus Christ: 2, 12, 70 and ...)

The Old Testament pattern of Church:

1. Local Fellowship (Tabernacle)

2. Training Structure (Elisa’s Bible School — first known Bible school in Bible)

3. Apostolic Structure (Prophets)

The pattern of Church in the Ministry of Apostles:

1. Local Fellowship (Antiochus)

2. Training Structure (Paul trained around 40 people)

3. Apostolic Structure (Paul & Barnabas)

The pattern of Church in from the Teachings of Epistles (Eph 4: 11-12)

1. Local Fellowship (Pastors & Prophets)

2. Training Structure (Training Teachers)

3. Apostolic Structure (Evangelists & Apostles)

Para Church:

1. Follows Apostolic Structure — to send, to support

2. Interdependent of local fellowship

        Examples:

• Mission organizations like FMPB, IEM

• Bible Teaching organizations like UESI

Give Tithes:

1. For those who contribute to your Spiritual growth

2. For those who are involved in world Evangelization

3. For those who are involved in Missions

4. To social welfare organizations for the glory of God

5. To people in need

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