7.29.2001 | CHRISTIAN TERMINOLOGY- "Ecclesiastical"

Intro…Some people are a little confused on God, church etc...

Thesis: “We gather as the church to experience the living God.”

Ecclesiastical (Just spelling this word is tough enough…)

Words that relate:

• Ecclesia: Greek, “A church or congregation.”
  
• Ecclesiastes: Hebrew: “Qoheleth”, “one who convenes and speaks at an assembly”, “preacher”.
  
• Ecclesiastic: “A cleric”
  
• Ecclesiasticism: “Ecclesiastical principles and activities.
  
• Ecclesiasticus: “Ecclesiastical”
  
• Ecclesiology: “Study of ecclesiastical architecture and ornamentation.”

Finally, our word, Ecclesiastical:

• Of or relating to things of the church, especially as an organized institution.”
• “Suitable/appropriate for use in a church.”
• “Those called out.”
• “What we do/who we are as the church.”
• “The body of Christ, family of God, people of God, the elect, the bride of Christ, the communion of the saints…”

When you hear the word “church” what do you think of? What should happen at church?

So, “Ecclesiastical” is not actually in the bible. Yet, it is a biblical concept. This morning, we’ll talk about the church.

(Tony Hawk) It’s more than just a vague notion…

Let’s see what the bible has to say regarding church life.

• The church is under the authority of Jesus. Ephesians 1:22-23
  God placed all things under his feet. We follow the lead of Jesus. Eph. 5:24 “As the church submits to Christ…”
• All believers belong to the universal church. It is a spiritual organism, living, breathing, active.
  Though ruled by one “head” (Christ) the body has many members, each gifted and endowed by God to contribute to the work of the whole body.
• The church is united. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
• The church is “the body.” We are many people with many gifts. We form one body and need each part. When you commit your life to Christ and get baptized, you are joined into the body of Christ.
• The Christian church has no barriers, “Jew or Greek, slave or free”…
  What about today? ______ or _______? ________ or _________?
• The church is interracial. Revelation 7:9-10
  Why aren’t more churches interracial…? Feedback please...
• The church is love. Ephesians 4:1-6

Prisoner for the Lord?? What do you all think

Live a life worthy of the calling….worthy to be called a Christian.

How to be a Christian, the short list: Completely humble, gentle, patient, bear with one another in love.

Make every effort….. To keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

We are one body.

Since we gather to experience God, you should sense that every time you are here...not like this…. Church lite

What are the some of the marks of a true and legitimate church?

1. The preaching of God’s word. This allows just about every subject in life to be covered. Malachi 2:7, “For the lips of the priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty.” 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful
   instruction.”
   
   
2. Administration of the Sacraments. Lord’s Supper, (Baptism, Marriage). We shouldn’t take any of them lightly. 1 Cor. 11:23 “in an unworthy manner...sins against the Lord”
   
   
3. Church Discipline. This allows for accountability, growth, standards, adhering to God’s will. We can’t just ignore sin in order to be “tolerant and accepting.”
   Matthew 18:15-17 “One of one, with a few, to the group…”
   
   
4. Confession of sin. James 5:16 Being reminded of our unholiness and God’s holiness. Solid worship through singing. Eph. 5:19 “Speak to one another with Psalms, Hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” Psalms, “make a joyful noise…”

“It is our solemn responsibility not to neglect the gathering together of the saints in corporate worship, to be under the nurture and discipline of the church, and to be actively involved as witnesses in the mission of the church.”

More thoughts on what the church is:

• Those whom God has called out of the world, away from sin and into a
  state of grace.
  • The church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic.
    • ONE: Many denominations yet united in Christ, one faith, one baptism.
    • HOLY: Sanctified (set apart) by God and indwelt by the HS.
    • CATHOLIC: “Universal” It’s membership extends across the whole earth.
    • APOSTOLIC: The Apostles teachings are contained in the Bible. The Bible is the foundation and authority of the church.

Thesis: “We gather as the church to experience the living God.”

Conclusion: There are some good answers out there...

Gospel...

Matthew 16:18
Jesus will build his church on people. People like Peter, you and me.

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