The Doctrine of the Church Part 1
1. Nature of the church
a. The redeemed and called church - Eph. 5:25; Matt 16:18
b. The visible and invisible church - 2 Tim 2:14-19
c. The local and universal church - Romans 16:5; Acts 9:31; Eph. 5:25
2. Biblical metaphors of the church
a. Family metaphors
i. The bride of Christ – Eph 5:32
ii. The body of Christ - Eph 1:22-23
iii. The family of God – 2 Cor. 6:18
b. Agricultural metaphors
i. Branches on a vine – John 15:5
ii. An olive tree – Romans 11:17-24
iii. A field of crops – 1 Cor 3:6-9
c. Construction metaphors
i. A building – 1 Cor. 3:9-10
ii. Living stones – 1 Peter 2:5
iii. A spiritual house – 1 Peter 2:5
d. Temple metaphors
i. The temple - 1 Cor 3:16-17
ii. A royal priesthood - 1 Peter 2:9
iii. The pillar and bulwark of truth – 1 Tim 3:15
Definition of the church: The true church is all people who are called and redeemed by Christ, who are adopted into His family; who have grown into His likeness; who are being built into His kingdom, and who worship Him, serve Him and magnify His glory to the world.
What are we to do with this knowledge?
1. Guard the membership.
2. Value people over facilities.
3. Embrace global ministry.
