The document discusses the nature and purpose of the church according to scripture. It defines the church as the body of believers called by God, not a building or organization. It explores how the early church operated under the leadership of bishops and deacons, coming together for communion, prayer, and ministry. The local church is to preach the gospel, make disciples, and support mission work through giving.

1. CHURCH PRESENTED BY JOY JOSEPH MUNDUKOTTACKAL KONKANI CHRISTIAN (BRETHREN) ASSEMBLY

2. CHURCH WHAT IS CHURCH ? “ THE CHURCH ”; The people or lifeless building ? Church not the building; But the gathering of His chosen people. “ Where two or three are gathered together in my name there I am in the midst of them.” (Mat.18: 20) Church never existed before Christ Was formed on the day of Pentecost. (Was a Mystery till the Lord revealed –Mat.16:18)

3. CHURCH CHURCH – The living body of Christ Do the gathering of the people belongs to Christ ? CHURCH means EKKLESIA (Ek=out from; Kaleo=called) “ Church is called out to be assembled as a body” . Not only an exclusively term for the Assemblies of saints The same word also for:- Example below Israel ( Church in the wilderness –Acts 7: 38) City council (Acts. 19: 32; 39; 41) What Paul meant; “I persecuted the Church of God” The people or the building? (Church is called out from Gentiles and Jews as one body)

4. TO WHOM BELONGS CHURCH? JESUS SAID; I will build my church (Mat.16: 18) ADDRESSED AS The Church of God (1.Cor.10: 32) The churches of Christ (Rom. 16: 16) The churches of saints (1.Cor.14: 33) (Church belongs to the Lord alone) 1 Cor.10: 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews , nor to the Gentiles , nor to the Church of God :

5. CHURCH THE BODY CHURCH THE CALLED OUT BODY From Jews and Gentiles as one body in him ( Eph.3: 6 ) AS CHRIST THE HEAD OF THE BODY Church the body of Christ ( Eph.1: 23; Col.1: 18 ) NOT AN ORGANISATION The gates of hell shall not prevail ( Mat.16: 18 ) BUT AN ORGANISM Increaseth with increase of God ( Col.2: 19 ) NOT EARTHLY ROOTED But rooted in Christ and growing ( Col.2: 7; Eph.4: 16 )

6. CHRIST THE FOUNDATION Mat.16:16 Simon Peter answered and said; “ Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (The true foundation of the church) Mat.16: 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter , and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Who the foundation, Christ or Peter? ( Petros means stone; but Petra means rock)

7. CHURCH - A MYSTERY Mysteries revealed in the New Testament Mystery of incarnation (1.Tim.3: 16) Divine Indwelling (Col.1: 26-28) Jews and Gentiles as one body (Eph.3: 2) Seven stars and candlesticks (Rev.1: 12) Kingdom of Heaven (Mat.Ch.13) Translation of living saints (1.Cor.15: 52) Blindness of Israel (Rom.11: 25) Of Iniquity (2.The.2: 1-12) Babylon the great (Rev.17) Church “the bride” (Eph. 5: 22-25) 11. Restoration of all things (Eph.1: 9-10)

8. CHURCH –WAS A MYSTERY What is mystey? Rom.16: 25-26 The mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: Eph.3: 5-6 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (Gentiles and Jews as one body blessed- was mystery)

9. Similitude- Church 10 MAJOR SIMILITUDES 1. The temple of God (1.Cor.3: 16) In relation to worship 2. The habitation of God (Eph.2: 22) As God’s dwelling place on earth 3. God’s building (1.Cor.3: 9) Pattern of his work with living stones 4. A new man (Eph.2: 15) Created as a new man in Christ 5. The flock of God (Jn.10: 16) One flock, one shepherd

10. Similitude- Church 6. God’s husbandry (1.Cor.3: 9) In bringing forth fruit 7. The house of God (1.Tim.3: 15) Related to the behavior; discipline 8. Pillar and ground of truth (1. Tim.3: 15) Truth and testimony 9. The body of Christ (Eph.1: 22-23) Thru which the character expressed 10. The bride of Christ (Eph.5: 25-27) As object of His affection

11. CHURCH NAMED AFTER PLACES Church of Thessalonians ( 1.The.1: 1 ) Church of Ephesus (Rev. 2: 1) As Churches Churches of Galatia (Gal.1: 2) Churches in Asia (Rev.1: 11; 1.Cor.16:19) BUT NEVER AFTER ANY PERSON For Church belongs to Christ (Rom.16: 16) (Jesus said; I will build my church –Mat.16: 18) How can then be called after anybodies name ?

12. LOCAL AND UNIVERSAL LOCAL CHURCH (Eg. Church in Ephesus) Is the company of all true believers in Christ, pursue the truth (Acts. 2: 42) in a certain area (Visible church) UNIVERSAL CHURCH Made up of believers in Christ, inclusive of all from past, present and future (From Pentecost till rapture) (Invisible church- Mystical body of Christ ) (Local churches are the visible representation of the universal church)

13. ADMINISTRATION PATTERN OF THE CHURCH Phil.1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons : (Every local church had more than one bishops) Duties of bishop (Acts.20: 28;1.Tim.5: 17) To shepherdize the flock of God, Overseeing, Rule Appointed by Holy Spirit (Acts. 20: 28) (Neither seniority nor by human election, church or by any body of selected members) (One Bishop for many churches scriptural?)

14. ADMINISTRATION BISHOPS (ELDERS, OVERSEERS, PASTORS) ( Above all are synonyms - Acts. 20: 17; 28) Qualification nothing academic; but Spiritual (1.Tim. 3: 1-7; Tit.1: 7-9) DEACONS Duty of Deacons (Serving-Acts.6: 4-6;1.Tim.3:10) Church can choose them (1. Tim.3: 10) Qualification for a deacon (1.Tim.3: 8-10) (Grades of Bishops- Hierarchy, or an earthly head was not known among the early churches)

15. CHURCHES NOW SEEMS AROUND EPISCOPAL CHURCHES Hierarchal system of governing Denominational leaders the primary authority PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES Representative system of governing Board of elders are the primary authority CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES Democratic system of governing Congregation as a whole is primary authority “ MEGA CHURCHES” (With cell groups ?)

16. CHURCH- BODY OF CHRIST Christ the head over all to the church (Eph.1:22) Christ head of the body the church (Col.1: 18) Christ the head of the church (Eph.5: 23) Church the body- the fullness of him.. (Eph.1: 23) One body as fellow heirs and partakers (Eph.3:5) Eternal purpose of God revealed thru (Eph.3:11) Christ loved and gave himself for… (Eph.5: 25) Christ head- the saviour of the body (Eph.5:23) From head the body ..increaseth… (Col.2: 19) (Apostle Paul’s illustration of Christ and the church)

17. HIS GIFT TO THE CHURCH APOSTLES (Now no more– Eph.2: 20; 4:11 ) PROPHETS (Now no more- 2.Pet.1: 21 ) EVANGELISTS (Eph.4: 11) PASTORS AND TEACHERS (Eph.4: 11) Reason for giving gifts For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:(Ep.4: 12) May grow up into him in all (Eph.4: 15) Not tossed or carried away by…(Eph.4: 14) Unto the edifying of the body (Eph.4: 16) (Do you have apostles and prophets today ?)

18. USE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS (SPIRITUAL GIFTS FOR EDIFICATION) Not the natural talents (1.Cor.12: 1) Divides severally as he (Spirit) will (1.Cor.12: 11) At everyman’s disposal, decently and in order (1.Cor.14: 32; 40) Given to the profit withal (1.Cor.12:7) For the edification of the saints (Eph.4: 12) CAN A BELIEVER BE WITHOUT ANY GIFT ? CAN USE YOUR GIFT IN YOUR CHURCH FOR EDIFICATION? (1.Cor.12: 14- 22; 2. Cor.3: 17)

19. MEMBERS OF THE BODY Rom.12:4-5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 1 Cor.12: 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Cor.12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 1 Cor.12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. (Can “Mega Churches” experience above truth?)

20. WHO ADDS TO THE CHURCH ? Who belongs to the church? Acts 2: 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: Who adds to the church ? Acts 2: 47 And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. What gladly received (believed) did ? Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized : Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship , and in breaking of bread , and in prayers .

21. TWO ORDINANCES 1. BAPTISM 2. BREAKING OF BREAD (Lord’s table) WHAT IS BAPTISM AND LORD’S TABLE ? BAPTISM In Baptism proclaims; “ I am dead with Christ” (Identifies to his burial and resurrection) LORD’S TABLE In Lord’s Table proclaims “ Christ died for me” (Doing his command; “Do this in remembrance”) Does your church gives importance to this?

22. CHURCH AT APOSTLES TIME IT WAS A GROWING CHURCH (Acts.6: 7) IT WAS A PRAYING CHURCH (Acts.12: 5) IT WAS A GOING CHURCH (Acts.9: 32) IT WAS A GIVING CHURCH (Acts.11: 29) DISCERN Does your church a growing Church? Do you have an active prayer meeting ? Does your church have Gospel out reach ? Does your church support missionaries ? (If No; Discern what is wrong with your church)

23. RECEPTION HOW TO RECEIVE Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. (Rom.15: 7) WHO CANNOT BE RECEIVED NONE UNDER DISCIPLINARY ACTION Runs to other assembly without reconciliation. Person under disciplinary period. NONE HOLDS HERETIC DOCTRINES NONE REJECTS FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS (Must not mar the unity of the body of Christ)

24. RECEPTION MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED Not on basis what he eats (Rom.14: 1) Not on respect of persons (James 2: 1-5) Not on the basis of his knowledge (Acts.9: 26) Not on the sphere of his origin (tribe-Lk.9: 53) Not on what before conversion (Philo.12;15) DISCERING THE ELIGIBILITY Use of commendation letter (Rom.16: 1; Acts.18: 27) Testimony of two or three (Mat.18: 16) Testimony of a person of confidence (Phil.2: 28) Careful inquiry of assembly –Elders (2: Pet.3: 15)

25. MISSION OF THE CHURCH PREACH THE GOSPEL Matthew 28:18-19 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: DISCIPLESHIP Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Every believer must do the work of evangelism – 2.Tim.4:5)

26. CHURCH AND GIVING POLICY OF FINANCE (Acts.20: 35) Local assembly must try to support self. Allow not others to feel as “Money making” (Believers stewards of the things of God-Lk.16: 9) HOW MUCH EACH SHOULD GIVE As God prospered him (1. Cor.16:3) As Christ gave himself (2.Cor.8:9) Not from abundance but from wants (Mk.12:44) Must give liberally (Mal.3: 8) (DO NOT LIMIT TO TITHES-2.Cor.8: 5)

27. ROLL OF WOMEN LET WOMEN KEEP SILENT (1.Cor.14: 34) She should learn in subjection (1.Tim.2: 11) Should not ask questions publicly (1.Cor.14:35) Not permitted to teach men (1.Tim.2: 12) Not usurp authority over the man (1.Tim.2: 12) COVERING HEAD (1.Cor.11: 5) From loving obedience to Lord (1.Cor.11:1-16) MODEST APPARELS (1.Tim.2: 9) Women professing godliness adorn with good works (1.Tim.2: 9) (Can dress code be applied to men also?)

28. DISCIPLINE NEED OF DISCIPLINE . (1. Pet.1: 16; 1.Cor.5: 6) Brother sin against brother (Mat.18: 15-17) (Must follow all steps) Unruly, refuse to submit ( Warn -1.The.5: 14) Heretic after second warning ( Reject -Tit.3: 10) Walk disorderly ( Avoid - 2.The.3:6; 11-15) Those cause division ( Avoid - Rom.16: 17) Not listen (1.Cor.5: 11;13) Ex-communication (Disciplinary action must be impartial, with all evidences with spirit of meekness of heart to restore if repents; Ex-communication must be the last)

29. MEETINGS OF THE CHURCH GATHERING FOR THE LORD’S TABLE (Acts. 2: 46; Acts. 20: 7-11; 1.Cor.16: 2; Rev.1: 10) PRAYER MEETING (Acts.2: 42; Acts.4: 24-31; Acts.12: 5) MINISTRY MEETING (Mat.28: 20; Acts. 20: 27; Acts. 6: 4) GOSPEL MEETING (Acts.13: 42-49; 1.The.1: 8; Acts.19:8-10; Acts. 20: 21 ) REPORT MEETING (Acts.11: 4; Acts15: 30; Acts.14: 26-28) ELDERS MEETING (Acts.20: 17-36; 1.Pet.5: 2) DISCIPLINARY MEETING (Mat.18:15-18; 1.Cor.5: 3-5)

30. AWAITING THE RAPTURE 1 The.1: 9-10 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Peter 3: 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

31. THE CHURCH GREETINGS TO YOU Wish the studies on “CHURCH” is edifying. If you have any questions, suggestions or comments Please write to my email:- [email_address]