Sunday, June 30, 2013

VIII. The Church (Ecclesiology) Pt 1

A. Definition of the Church
1. We teach that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately baptized by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual body, the church,1 the bride of Christ,2 of which Christ is the head. 3

2. We teach that the church is made up of all born again believers in this present age (dispensation). The church is distinct from Israel, a mystery not revealed until this dispensation. 4

3. We teach that the church, the body of Christ, began on the day of Pentecost 5 and will be raptured at the coming of Christ for His own. 6

1 1 Corinthians 12:12-13;   22 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 4:15-16;  Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:7      3 Ephesians 1:22 ; Colossians 1:18;    4 1 Corinthians 10:32; Ephesians 2:11-3:6;   5 Acts 2:1-47;   6 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18;

B. Purpose of the Church
1. We teach that the purpose of the church is to glorify God1 and make disciples2 by building itself up in the faith,3 by instruction of the Word,4 by fellowship,5 by keeping the ordinances6 and by advancing and communicating the gospel to the entire world.7

1 Ephesians 3:21   2 Matt. 28:19,20   3 Ephesians 4:13-16   4 2 Timothy 2:2,15; 3:16-17   5 Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3   6 Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42   7 Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42

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