REVELATIONS 3:20- BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK, IF ANYONE HEARS MY VOICE AND OPENS THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO THEM AND EAT WITH THEM, AND THEY WITH ME
We will look at the church 0r better, the Body of Christ led by the Holy Spirit in the Name of Jesus Christ in this section. Things like holy/common, local/visible and universal/invisible church, the beginning of the church, the sacraments of baptism and communion, the vital importance of shepherds, church discipline, the Body of Christ and the world. Helpful guidelines for today, and the end of the church.
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Introduction
Welcome to the church or the Body of Christ!
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A. Local and/or Visible Church
This is our local and visible church.
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B. Universal and/or Invisible Church
Concept that the elect are all in the invisible church that only God knows. Points of contention on the name and meaning.
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C. The Beginning (The Day of Pentecost)- Acts 2
The beginning of the Church (the Body of Christ).
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D. Baptism
Washing away our sins by Jesus Christ.
- Intro
- 1. The Baptism of Jesus- Matthew 3:13-17/Mark 1:9-11/John 1:29-34
- 2. Baptism for the remission of sins- Acts 2:38-39
- 3. Appeal to God for a good conscience- 1 Peter 3:18-22
- 4. Baptized into Jesus Christ- Romans 6:1-5
- 5. Baptism of the Holy Spirit- Mark 1:8/Acts 19:1-6
- 6. Baptism of Fire- Matthew 3:11-12/Luke 12:49-50/1 Corinthians 3:11-15
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E. Communion
Lord’s Supper- Fellowship of the participants with Jesus Christ.
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F. SHEPHERDS: Pastors, Elders, Overseers, and Deacons
VERY IMPORTANT!
- Intro
- 1. Judged with greater strictness- James 3:1
- 2. Shepherd the Flock of God- 1 Peter 5:1-10
- 3. Ministry of Apostles- 1 Corinthians 4:1-6
- 4. Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons- 1 Timothy 3:1-13
- 5. Qualifications for Elders- Titus 1:5-10
- 6. Warnings for Shepherds- Ezekiel 34:1-10/Acts 20:28-31
- 7. Irresponsible Leaders- Isaiah 56:9-12
- 8. Jesus’s Word to the Shepherds of his time- Matthew 23:1-36
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G. Church Discipline
What does the Lord require of us with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?
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A Christian!
A Follower of Jesus
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H. Humility
The Lord favors the Humble.
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Sabbath Rest
The Lord invites us to his Sabbath Rest.
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The End of the Church
End of the Church Age.
