What About Church? (Lesson 17) - Bible Basics For Smart People Who Do Not Want To Be Dummies About God and the Bible (Parts I, II, III), written by J. George Cover, former missionary to Sierra Leone, West Africa

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Bible Basics

For Smart People
Who Do Not Want To Be Dummies
About God and the Bible
(Parts I, II, III)
By J. George Cover

Lesson 17 - What About Church? ^{(Text Version)}

The Nature of the New Testament Church (Cont'd.)

13. There had to be various regulations to govern behavior of believers within the church
(1 Corinthians 7:11, 12, 13, 14; 2 John 5-11).

14. The relationship of husbands and wives were to be modeled after the relationship of Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:21-32).

15. The Scriptures were to be read to the churches
(Colossians 4:15).

16. Some churches met in houses
(1 Corinthians 16:9; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2).

17. The ministry was not just publicly but also house to house
(Acts 20:20).

18. The term "church" is applied to:

a. The whole body of Christians in one city
(Acts 11:22; 13:1).
b. A local congregation
(1 Corinthians 14:19, 35 - Rom. 16:5).
c. The whole body of believers on earth
(Ephesians 5:32).

19. Various terms are used to describe Christians:

a. Brethren - a spiritual brotherhood or fellowship.
b. Believers.
c. Saints. Holy ones - separated from the world and sin and dedicated to God.
d. Elect - Chosen for an important ministry and a glorious destiny.
e. Disciple. Learners, under spiritual training. Disciplined ones.
f. -hristians. their life and religion centers around Christ.
g. Those of the way (Acts 9:2). They lived according to the special way.

20. Various illustrations are used for the church.

a. Body of Christ.
b. Vine and branches.
c. Temple of God (1 Peter 2:5). - A place where God localizes Himself, where His people may find Him "at home" (Exodus 25:8; 1 Kings 8:27; Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17).
d. Bride of Christ.

One pastor was asked, "Where is your church?" His reply was, "When?" He said that on Sundays and other specified times it is at (the location of his church building). On Monday morning and throughout the week he said his church is spread all over town at their places of employment, in their homes, etc. He said this because the church (ekklesia) is the called out, saved people.

21. The New Testament Church's religion was more than doctrine or teaching; it was experience and practice as well:

a. Evangelism of the lost.
b. The New Birth.
c. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
d. Water baptism by immersion.
e. Holiness of life.
f. Miracles and healings; the 9 gifts of the Spirit
(1 Corinthians 12).

Places of Worship

While one may worship God at any place or every place, in the plan of God, specific places for preaching and public worship were designated or built.

a. The Tabernacle.
b. The Temple.
c. The Synagogue.
d. Specific homes where people gathered for worship.
e. Church buildings.

Going to Church

Does the Bible have anything to say about "going to church"? If so, the matter deserves to be proclaimed and to be received reverently. The answer is "Yes."

"Please tell me more."

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