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By

PTR. ROMEL P. PASTOR

CCFM-Head Minister

DBS # 4–ECCLESIOLOGY - THE STUDY OF THE CHURCH

CHRIST CENTERED FAITH CHRISTIAN MIN. PHILS.Sitio Muzon, Puting Kahoy Silang Cavite

SEC Reg.No. CN200905004Website :http://www.ccfcministry.com/E-mail: inchrist@ccfcministry.com

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A church is not a place nor a building, it's not a location nor a denomination. We—God's people who are in Christ and with Christ Jesus—are the church.

Many people today understand the church as a building. This is not a biblical understanding of the church. The word “church” comes from the Greek word Ekklesia which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of “church” is not that of a building, but of people. It is ironic that when you ask people what church they attend, they usually identify a building or the name of the group or sect. Romans 16:5 says “… greet the church that is in their house.” Paul refers to the church in their house—not a church building, but a body of believers.

This study will help every believer in Christ to understand fully and clearly the meaning of the church which was founded by our Lord Jesus Christ.

I. DEFINITION OF THE CHURCH

The word "church" as rendered in the New Testament comes from the Greek term Ekklesia which is formed from two Greek words meaning "an assembly" and "to call out" or "called out ones." The New Testament church is a body of believers who have been called out from the world by God to live as his people under the authority of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). Ekklesia appears 114 times in the New Testament scripture.

II. ASPECTS OF THE CHURCH

The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. Ephesians 1:22-23 says, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” The body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2) until Christ’s return. The body of Christ is comprised of two aspects:

LOCAL CHURCH - is described in Galatians 1:1-2: “Paul, an apostle … and all the brothers with me, to the churches in Galatia.” Here we see that in the province of Galatia there were many churches—what we call local churches.

o Group of believers identified as a local assembly

o Without a building, they met in homes (Rom. 16:5; Philemon 1:2)

o Came together for worship, prayer, fellowship and instruction (Acts 2:42–47; 4:31, 1 Cor. 11:18)

o The result was that people were continually being saved (Acts 2:47)

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The UNIVERSAL CHURCH - church is comprised of those who belong to Christ and who have trusted Him for salvation. These members of the universal church should seek fellowship and edification in a local church.

o Jesus Christ promised to build it (Matt 16:18)

o The Body for whom Christ died (Eph 5:24; Acts 20:28)

o Jesus Christ is the Head and the Director of the Church (Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18).

III. FORMATION OF THE CHURCH

Future in Matt 16:18 – “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Rock on which Jesus would build His church in the future has been identified as Jesus himself who had willingly gave His life at the Cross of Calvary for the salvation of mankind. Peter, Christ’s disciple, reminds Christians in 1 Peter 2:4-6 that they are the church built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets , with Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone.

Church began at Pentecost (Acts Chapter 2) – The Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 marked the birth of Christ’s Church. When and how this happened? It was when the day of Pentecost(after 50 days of Christ’s resurrection) was fully come. It was when all the Disciples and Christ’s followers were waiting in one-accord. It was when the promised Holy Spirit came upon them. The church did not start or grow by it own power or enthusiasm. It was the the Holy Spirit of God, the promised Comforter, Counselor and Guide, who empowered the disciples to preach the good news of salvation for the formation of the church. God gave Peter courage and unconditional Faith to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the gentiles and unbelieving Jews that resulted the conversion of many believers who were added in the Church of God ( Acts 2:41-42).

IV. FIGURES OF THE CHURCH

Body: illustrates unity and universality. Christ is the Head (Eph 1:22-23) Who gives diversity of gifts (members- jews or gentiles) (1 Cor 12:13) and gifted leaders and Ministers (Eph 4:11-16).

Bride: The Bible compares the relationship of Jesus and His church to that of a Bride and Groom. We, the church of Jesus Christ are the Bride, and Jesus is the Bridegroom. Ephesians 5:22-33 compares the relationship and responsibilities of the husband and wife to the relationship of Jesus and his church. Verse 25 tells husbands to “Love your wife as Christ also loved

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the church.” Verse 27 shows the Lord’s desire to “Present to Himself the church in all her glory having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”

Building: Foundation laid by apostles and the Chief Corner stone is the Lord Jesus Christ(Ephesians 2:19-20); Each piece is fitted together (2:21); Grows as under construction (1 Pet 2:5) through the knowledge and perfect will of God.

Priesthood: 1 Pet 2:9; As priests we can intercede with boldness (Heb 4:14-16) and be dedicated to service. As a member of the Church, you can directly

offer the sacrifice of praise to God.

Flock: Relationship of trust and fellowship (Jn 10:26-27; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:3). According to John, church members are like sheep who hear the Shepherd’s voice and know how to follow it.

Branches: Christ is the vine, believers are the branches in Jn 15:1-16, which shows vital union with Christ. Believers must abide in Christ to bear much fruit.

V. GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH CHURCH IS ORDAINED BY GOD - 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-12 THEOCRACY IS GOD’S FORM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT

The form of church government given in God’s Word is a THEOCRACY.

Theocracy is a form of government in which official policy is governed by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are guided by the Holy Spirit.

TWO EXTREMES IN CHURCH GOVERNMENTa. Rule of the People – Democraticb. Rule of the Priesthood – Totalitarian

A THEOCRACY is a balance between these two extremes. The pastor is recognized as the head of the church ordained by God and through whom God may lead His people. It does not make the pastor a lord over God.s heritage, but rather a spiritual father, a shepherd of the flock, a leader of the people of God. ( 1 Chronicles 16:22, 1 Tim. 5:1)

LOCAL CHURCH GOVERNMENT

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a. Episcopal: led by episkopos, “bishop” (Methodists, Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic). Arose in 2nd cent, based on image of James and Timothy/Titus

b. Presbyterian: led by presbuteros, “elder”, (Presbyterian and Reform) elected representatives of congregation with one teaching elder (1 Tim 5:17) and Acts 11:30; 15:2, 4; 20:17

c. Congregational: led by consensus opinion based on two principles: autonomy and democracy (Baptist, Bible, Congregational, Independent). Based on Priesthood of all believers, congregations elected deacons (Acts 6:1-6) and elders (Acts 14:23); church decided on discipline (1 Cor 5:12; 2 Cor 2:6-7); sent out missionaries (Acts 11:22), etc

VI. ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH

WATER BAPTISM : obligated practice (Mt 28:19) which means IDENTIFICATION (Ro 6:4-5)

i. Views of baptism:

1. Means of saving grace2. Sign and seal of covenant3. Symbol of our salvation

ii. Mode of baptism

1. Immersion from baptizo, “to dip, immerse” which best visualizes Rom 6 2. No Infant baptism

COMMUNION OF LORD’S SUPPER

i. Memorial view: Elements are figurative only, objects to provoke an image of Christ’s real sacrifice. The focus is memory (1 Cor 11:25-26); proclaiming His death (11:26)

VII. SPECIAL SERVICES IN THE CHURCH WATER BAPTISM

1. This service may be conducted at any time, night or day, whenever there is a candidate to baptize.

2. The minister should counsel with the candidate and explain fully the meaning of baptism, the manner of baptism, and question the candidate

FUNERAL SERVICE

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The funeral service itself should be simple, brief, and orderly. The purpose of the service is to calm and soothe the bereaved and to point them to Jesus Christ. Experience has proved that Scripture can bring great comfort. Next to scripture reading is prayer.

CHILD DEDICATION

Is a commitment of the parents to raise the child according to God's Word and submit him or her to God's will. It is also a commitment on the part of the church to support the parents and child in the process. Child dedication is consistent with Biblical principles to dedicate your child in the church/temple (1 Samuel 1:11,27 and Luke 2:22).

THE WEDDING

One of the most beautiful and joyful occasions that a minister of the church has the privilege of being a part of is the Christian wedding. The pastor must receive his appointment as a marriage officer and be authorized by the government to perform marriages.

VIII. MEMBERSHIP IN THE LOCAL CHURCHARTICLE IV OF OUR CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWSMEMBERSHIPSECTION I – This Church shall receive members in the following manner:

1. Upon profession of Faith in Jesus Christ and undergoing water baptism for believers; 2. By letter of recommendation from another church of like faith; or 3. By oral statement of the former Pastor when obtaining a letter of recommendation is

not possible.

IX. DISCIPLINE IN THE CHURCH

JESUS GAVE US THE RIGHT STEPS TO TAKE FOR CHURCH DISCIPLINE – Matthew 18:15-17

• Privately: The pastor should first pray much about the matter and thendeal with the offender personally in the spirit of love. The whole matter should be kept as quiet as possible.

• Before the church board of elders or deacons: When the offending member will not listen to the pastor personally, he then can bring him before the church board of elders or deacons.

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• Publicly: This is, of course, to be used only as the last resort. If he still refuses to repent, confess his wrong, and do right, there is only one thing that can be done. With aching heart, the pastor can disfellowship him. To be effective, this should be the act of the whole assembly. Caution and great wisdom are needed.

X. FINANCING IN THE CHURCH

The pastor receives all and finances all. He shoulders all responsibility and pays all debts. In this case, no report is needed. This method is used in the pioneering stage of establishing churches, and should not be followed once the church is established.

Pastor receives all tithes for his own reward and all offerings should be handled in an understood manner and a regular report given to the church. This method is good in a self-supporting but small assembly.

All tithes and offerings go into the church treasury with yearly auditing and report. From this treasury the pastor receives reward by either (a) a agreed salary (b) a stated percentage of the tithes.

XI. FUNCTIONS OF THE CHURCH Worship

o Proskuneo, proskuneo, which means “to bow down”

o Latreuo, latreuo, has a basic meaning of “priestly service” of sacrifice (Rom 12:1)

o Sbomai, sbomai, means “to reverence or fear God” (1 Tim. 2:10; 5:4; 2 Pet. 1:3; 3:11)

Instruction: for maturity (2 Tim. 3:16–17); remedy to false doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3); produces love (1 Tim. 1:5); spiritual nourishment (1 Tim. 4:6); godliness (1 Tim. 4:6–16); submission (1 Tim. 5:17; 6:2); and a proper focus on life (1 Tim. 6:17). in order to reproduce himself (2 Tim. 2:2; cf. 1 Tim. 4:14, 16; 6:20).

Fellowship– koinonia: “sharing, participate”. Acts 2:42, sharing of goods(Ro 15:26); prayer (Acts 4:24-31)

Ministry: evangelism and mutual service (“one another”)

Organization: Leadership responsible were elders and deacons

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Ordinances: Baptism and Lord’s Supper

XII. LEADERS OF THE CHURCH Terms used:

Presbyters, presbuteros, 69 times in NT, “mature”– dignity of office Overseer, episkopos, 6 times in NT, “watch over”– function of office Deacons, diaconos, “minister” or “servant”

Qualifications: 15 qualities (1 Tim 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9)

Character, Family, Relationships, Ministry capable, Maturity

Duties. The duties of the elder involve shepherding the flock (Acts 20:28), teaching (1 Tim. 3:2), ruling or general leadership (1 Tim. 5:17), and guarding against error (Tit. 1:9). Material obligations (Acts 6:1-6)

XIII. PURPOSES OF THE CHURCH Evangelism: a going to others with good news (Mt 28:19), practiced by all (Acts

8:4), resulting in many believers (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 8:12)

Fellowship: commitment to believers in church (Ro 12:5, 10, 16; 13:8) in unity (Acts 2:46; 4:31)

Teaching: essential to edification and maturity (Acts 11:26; 15:35; 2 Ti 2:2; He 5:12)

Worship: To love God with all, heart, soul, mind (Mt 22:37); church prayed (Ac 12:5); read Scripture (Ac 4:24); Singing (Eph 5:19)

Service to others: 41 commands are to be done to “one another”; spiritual gifts give purpose (1 Co 12-14)

XIV. CONCLUSION

The Church of God is not a beautiful and majestic temple or house built by human hands. It is not even just an assembly of people gathered together in one place. It is a spiritual assembly. Remember that church is the body of Christ, and the head of that body is Christ. The true church of God is a complete body composed of people who are united in the Spirit of God and Christ which is the head of that body. Local churches are gatherings of members of the universal church. The local church is where the members of the universal church can fully apply the “body” principles of 1 Corinthians chapter

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12: encouraging, teaching, and building one another up in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The church, both in the universal and local sense, is important because it is one of the main vehicles through which God carries out his purposes on earth. The church is the body of Christ—his heart, his ears, his mouth, his hands and feet—reaching out to the world.