"REFLECTIONS"

On The Church

INTRODUCTION
  1. Now for our ninth lesson in this series entitled "Reflections"...
    1. Devoted to simple meditations on various themes of the Bible
    2. The scriptural justification for which is Php 4:8 ("...meditate on these things")
  2. Our previous reflection was on baptism, of which is written in the Bible...
    1. That those who were baptized were "added" - Ac 2:41
    2. Added to what and by whom? To the church, by the Lord Himself! - Ac 2:47

[So began the church of the New Testament. Do we appreciate how important the church must be to Christ? Many do not. Let's reflect on the church in this study, beginning with...]

  1. THE CHURCH DEFINED
    1. THE GREEK WORD IS EKKLESIA...
      1. "...synonymous with the Hebrew 'kahal' of the OT, both words meaning simply an assembly." - Easton's Bible Dictionary
      2. "a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly" - Thayer's Analytical Greek Lexicon
      3. Thus it means any assembly, lawful or otherwise - e.g., Ac 19:39,41
    2. AS USED IN THE CHRISTIAN SENSE...
      1. Church universal - the whole assembly of people who are saved - Ep 1:22-23; He 12:22-23
      2. Church local - a company of Christians in one area working together - 1Co 1:2; Ro 16:16
      3. Church meeting - an assembly of Christians gathered for worship - 1Co 14:19,28,35

      [For the purpose of our reflection, our focus is mostly on the church universal, that company of people throughout the world saved by Christ. Consider its importance as we look at...

      II. THE CHURCH DESCRIBED

      A. THE BODY OF CHRIST... 1. Of which Christ is the Head, and the Savior! - Ep 1:22-23; 5:23 2. A metaphor depicting our relationship with Christ and one another - Col 2:19; Ro 12:5
      B. THE HOUSE OF GOD... 1. In other words, the family of God - 1Ti 3:15 2. Emphasizing our familial relationships in Christ - Mt 12:48-50; Mk 10:28-30
      C. THE TEMPLE OF GOD... 1. I.e., a holy habitation or dwelling of God - Ep 2:19-22 2. As such we have a duty to maintain its purity - 1Co 3:16-17; 2Co 6:16-7:1
      D. THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST... 1. For into the saved have been conveyed by the Father - Col 1:13; cf. Re 1:9 2. Stressing the authority in our lives: Christ has all authority! - Mt 28:18,20
      E. THE BRIDE OF CHRIST... 1. The saved are betrothed to Christ - 2Co 11:2 2. Implying a greater relationship with Christ in the future - Re 19:6-9; 21:2
      [Such descriptions of the church reveal how precious the church is to Christ, and why the warning not to defile the church (1Co 3:16-17). Yet as we look around us today, we clearly see...]

  2. THE CHURCH DEFILED
    1. BY DENOMINATIONALISM...
      1. Dividing local churches into various groups with different names and doctrines
      2. Each group of churches subject to some legal or organizational body above them
      3. Over 12,000 denominations, presenting an image of religious division to the world
      4. Contrary to Christ's prayer for unity, Paul's rebuke of division - Jn 17:20-21; 1Co 1:10-13
    2. BY SECTARIANISM...
      1. Viewing a select group of churches as constituting the church universal
      2. Loosely joined and recognized by those affiliated via schools, publications, etc.
      3. Usually emphasizing one "name" for the church, or certain doctrines over others
      4. Often expressing carnality, with its envy, strife, and division - cf. 1Co 3:1-4
CONCLUSION
  1. The denominational view of the church is too broad, the sectarian view too narrow...
    1. The former wants to include everyone as part of the body of Christ
    2. The latter seeks to exclude some who may be truly part of the body of Christ
  2. The church that Christ loves is too precious to be so defiled...
    1. We must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit - Ep 4:3-6
    2. But to do so in the bond of peace, with a Christ-like mind - Ep 4:1-3; Php 2:1-5
  3. What is our view of the church...?
    1. Jesus purchased the church with His own blood - Ac 20:28
    2. He wants it to be a glorious church, holy, without blemish - Ep 5:25-27
  4. Are we defiling the Lord's church by participating in denominationalism or sectarianism...?
    1. Serve the Lord Jesus without denominationalism by simply being a Christian
    2. Serve the Lord Jesus in a local church that is true to His prayer and teachings
    3. Serve the Lord Jesus by recognizing no authority higher than the local church except Jesus who guides us through His apostles' doctrine - cf. Ac 2:42; 1Th 2:13; 1Co 14:37; Ga 1:8-9

Please reflect on these things...