ARTICLE 8. The Church of Christ

ARTICLE 8. The Church of Christ
Ephesians 4:1-16

What is the Church?
The “Universal” Church
What is the “Local” Church?
And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21

Why do we minimize church?
-We are independent
-We are indifferent
-We are immature
-We are consumers

“It must not content us to take our bodies to church if we leave our hearts at home.” J.C. Ryle

What is church supposed to be?

Ephesians 4:1-16
…beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Ephesians 4:1b

Unified as the Body of Christ
-The Grace for Unity (Ephesians 4:1-3)

The Grace for Unity
-Humility
-Gentleness
-Patience
-Making Allowance for Faults
-Make Every effort
-Peace (Colossians 3:15)

Forgiveness
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32

The Grace for Unity (Ephesians 4:1-3)
The Foundation for Unity (Ephesians 4:4-10)
-One Body
-One Spirit
-One Glorious Hope
-One Lord
-One Faith
-One Baptism
-One God and Father

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

The Grace for Unity (Ephesians 4:1-3)
The Foundation for Unity (Ephesians 4:4-10)
The Gifts for Unity (Ephesians 4:.8, 11-12)
-Apostles
-Prophets
-Evangelists
-Pastors and Teachers
Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12)
Acts 20:28-32
Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Hebrews 13:17
Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:20-22

Unified as the Body of Christ
-The Grace for Unity (Ephesians 4:1-3)
-The Foundation for Unity (Ephesians 4:4-10)
-The Gifts for Unity (Ephesians 4:.8, 11-12)
-The Growth for Unity (Ephesians 4:13-16)

The Spiritual Growth for Unity
-Christlikeness
-Stability
-Truth Joined with Love
-Cooperation

What is the Church?
“A local body of baptized believers joined together under biblical leadership to grow in the likeness of Christ and express the love of Christ to each other and to the world around them.” -David Platt

What is the Promise to the Church?
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20