What The Bible Says About The Church (Part 1) Series

What the Bible Says About...

The church - part 1

Definitions:

1. Ecclesiology means: The doctrine of the church

2. Ecclesia means: a gathering or called out body

a. Derived from the Greek preposition EK (out) and verb KALEIN (to call) - its literal meaning was called out. This term was originally used to designate a called civil assembly Acts 19:39.

b. In 1 Corinthians 1:2 the term ecclesia is use to describe a local church assembly

c. Galatians 1:1-3 ecclesia is described as many churches

d. Ephesians 5:25 describes Christ as the head of the ecclesia

Christ is the purchaser, builder, and foundation of the church (ecclesia)?

#1. The Purchaser Acts 20:28 says, "And now beware! Be sure that you feed and shepherd God’s flock--his church, purchased with his blood--over whom the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders."

a. Revelation 5:9, "...with your blood you purchased men for God..."

b. John 1:29, "Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

c. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, "Whatever we do, it is because Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have all died to the old life we used to live. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them."

#2. The Builder Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

#3. "The Foundation 1 Corinthians 3:11 Paul declares that Christ is the foundation of the church. "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."