Scripture Reading:

…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47

Summary:

The church is a divine institution founded by Christ, led by the Spirit, and the Word of God is the rule of faith. The Biblical church —The Church of God, is composed of all believers who are saved from their sins.

Definition:

The word ‘church’ comes from the Greek word ‘ekklesia’ which means ‘congregation‘ or ‘called out.’

I. Founder & Builder

A. Matthew 16:15-18 Built by Christ.
B. Hebrews 8:1-2 Not built by man.

II. Foundation & Door—Jesus

A. 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 The foundation.
B. Ephesians 2:20 The chief cornerstone.
C. John 10:7-9 The only door to salvation.

III. Membership

A. Acts 2:46-47 All of the saved.
B. 1 Corinthians 1:2 The saints.
C. 1 Corinthians 12:18 God sets the members in the body.
D. 1 John 5:18 Members do not sin.

IV. Membership Book

A. Luke 10:20 Names written in heaven.
B. Philippians 4:3 Book of Life. (Revelation 20:12).

V. The Head—Christ

A. Ephesians 1:22 Head over all things.
B. Ephesians 5:23-24 Head of the church. (Eph. 4:15-16)
C. Colossians 1:17-19 Head of the body.
D. Isaiah 33:20-22 Judge and lawgiver.

VI. Creed or Rule of Faith

A. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture.
B. 2 Peter 1:21 Divinely inspired.

VII. Organization

A. 1 Corinthians 12:18, 27-28 God sets the members.
B. Ephesians 4:10-13 God gives the gifts.
C. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 God makes the ministers.

VIII. Biblical Name

A. Ephesians 3:14-15 Named after the Father.
B. Acts 20:28 Feed the church of God.
C. 2 Corinthians 1:1 Church of God at Corinth. (1 Thessalonians 2:14)

IX. One Church

A. Romans 12:4-5 One body in Christ.
B. Ephesians 4:4-6 One faith.
C. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 20 Many members but one body.

X. Descriptions of the Church

A. Ephesians 1:22-23 Body of Christ.
B. 2 Corinthians 11:2 Bride of Christ.
C. Hebrews 12:22-23 City of God – Mount Zion.
D. 1 Timothy 3:15 Pillar and Ground of Truth.