The Church
Lesson 3
The purpose of this lesson is to trace the facts of history with reference to the
church: it’s establishment, it’s doctrine, and practice in the beginning.
Included in this chapter, we will study the steps which attributed to the falling away
from the truth, and eventually the establishment of other religious doctrines and dogmas.
Paul warned the Galatians, "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who
called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another;
only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ"
(Galatians 1: 6-7).
A study of this kind should prove profitable for a number of reasons. It should help us
to have (1) a greater appreciation for the church as it was in the beginning (2) it should
serve as a warning against the introduction of innovations and errors; slight departures
from God’s plan, no matter how innocent and insignificant they may appear (3) it
should afford honest seekers after the truth an opportunity to know how and why the
various denominations came into existence. This material promises to present only such
historical facts as may be verified by authentic sources. It will deal with the facts of
history in the light of the Word of God without prejudiced or conceived ideals.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH
The church about which we read in the New Testament was guided by spirit-filled
apostles. As long as its practice was approved by those apostles, it was the example of
what God expected the church to be today (Philippians 4:9; I Thessalonians 2: 13-14; I
Corinthaians 4: 16-17). The New Testament church was different from all other religious
bodies past or present.
The word church is strictly a New Testament term. The Greek word Ekklesia which
was used by Christ and the apostles literally means "to call out". The
term carries the idea of separation or being set apart for a given purpose. This word was
first used by Christ in Matthew 16:18 when He said, "upon this rock I will build
my church". The word church signifies the "called out" aspect of
the nature of God’s people (Colossians 3:1-10).
Within time the word religion and the word church were used to describe the same
people; people who are ruled by the ethics of Jehovah. By looking at the moral and
religious conditions at the time of Christ, we can see why "Ekkesia"(called
out) was used. These people were called from a world of wackiness; a world dominated by
false teachings of men concerning false god’s; a world that was ruled by the greed of
men. They were called out from such a society to live and serve the true and living God.
The word "church" was used to describe people who’s way of life was so
different , so unique, and so far above the present world in which they lived.
THE CHURCH IN PROPHECY
How did such people (the church) come about? The apostle Paul says that the mystery of
Christ was not made known to other generations (Ephesians 3:5), but rather it was hidden
in God and was to be revealed according to His eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:11). Yet in
prophecy, revelations were given about the coming kingdom, which was the church (people
who were subject to Christ). Daniel showed that it would be set up in the days of the
kings of the Roman Empire (Daniel 2:44), and that it was to be an eternal kingdom. Isaiah
stated that the word of Jehovah would go forth from Jerusalem, Jehovah’s house
(church, I Timothy 3:15) would be established and all nations would flow into it (Isaiah
2:2-3). He further stated that a virgin would bare a son who would be called Immanuel,
which means God with us (Isaiah 7:14), and that His soul would be made an offering for sin
(Isaiah 53). David, with his true prophetic description of the crucifixion, cried out,
"My God My God, why hast thou forsaken me" and in vivid description of
the suffering on the cross said, "they pierced my hands and my feet"(Psalms
22).
In looking back upon such prophecy, we see clearly God’s plan to send His own Son
into the world as a sacrifice for sin that the church might be purchased by His own blood
and captivated by His life. (Acts 20:28); I Peter 2:1-11; 21-25). Jesus said, "And
I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me"(John 12:31).
THE BEGINING OF THE CHURCH
Pentecost was the birthday of the church. Jesus had told the apostles, after His
resurrection, to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:
49). This promise had been given to the apostles earlier. Jesus had said that the Holy
Spirit would come upon them to teach them all things and bring to their remembrance all
that Jesus had said to them (John 14: 26; John 16:13).
Jerusalem had been chosen as a place of beginning. Jesus said the kingdom (church) was
to come with power Mark 9:1. The power was to come with the Holy Spirit, (Acts 1:8), and
the Holy Spirit would come on Pentecost at Jerusalem. This fulfilled the prophecies of
Isaiah 2:3 and Joel 2:38. This also marked the beginning of the dispensation of Christ
(Hebrews 8:8-9, 15-1), the beginning of the church (the kingdom), the beginning of the
gospel including the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, and the beginning of the
revelation of mystery which was kept silent since times eternal (Romans 16:25-26).
Christ promised the apostles that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit. On the day
of Pentecost, under His guidance, the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began
to preach in languages they had never studied. This miracle had a varying effect on the
audience. Some mocked and accused the apostles of being drunk, but Peter explained that
they were not. Others were amazed and marveled at what was taking place. Peter then preached
the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:1-38).
THE BASIS OF MEMBERSHIP INTO THE CHURCH
The audience was conscious of the truth of Peter’s statements, and being convicted
of sin they cried out "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37).
Jesus had prepared the apostles for their answer to such a question in His last
instruction to them, referred to as the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16;
Luke 24:46-49). Peter’s reply to their question was "Repent and be baptized
everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit"(Acts 2:38). About 3,000 souls responded to
Peter’s request and were baptized (Act 2:40-41). Notice in Acts 2:47: "and
the Lord added to the church (called out number) daily such as should be saved."
Why were they saved? Because they were forgiven of their sins by complying with God’s
commandments. In Romans 6:3-11, 16-18, these people were servants of sin but had become
servants of righteousness. Because they had responded to the will of God, they were called
out of the world to serve Him (I Corinthians 6:19-20).
Below are some scriptures to help us understand better the church and its relationship
to Jesus’ body, blood, being baptized and being saved.
Ephesians 5:23 Is Jesus the Saviour of the body?
Ephesians 1: 22-23 Is the church and body the same? If so, is Jesus the Saviour of the
church?
Ephesians 1:7 Is it through Jesus’ blood that we have forgiveness of sins?
Acts 20:28 Did Jesus’ blood flow to save the church?
I Peter 1: 18-19 Were these people cleansed by the blood of Jesus?
Romans 6:3-8; Colossians 2:12-13 Is baptism the means in which we come in contact with
the blood of Christ that we may have our sins forgiven?
It is obvious by studying these scriptures, that the church is people who have had
their lives changed by complying with the commandments of God. Therefore, by the grace of
God their sins were forgiven after they were immersed into the death of Jesus Christ. They
dedicated their life to live by principles of God. IF YOU CANNOT BE SAVED OUTSIDE OF
CHRIST, IF YOU CANNOT BE SAVED WITHOUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS, THEN IT IS CONCLUDED THAT YOU
CANNOT BE SAVED OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH. The church is the saved, people who have been
bought by the blood of Christ. Acts 2 marks the beginning of this new generation of people
who dedicated themselves to serve Jesus.
ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT
As long as the apostles lived, the highest authority rested in them as they spoke under
the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The apostles, however, soon appointed elders and deacons
in each congregation. The elders were to "exercise the oversight" or rule
the church. As long as apostles were available, the elders and apostles worked together
(Acts 15:2-6).
It is significant that in each congregation there were appointed a plurality of elders.
This pattern was followed universally throughout the lives of the apostles and for many
years until the last apostle died. Paul left Titus in Crete to "set in order the
things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city"(Titus 1:5). From
Miletus Paul "sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church"(Acts
20:7) to give final instructions.
In order to fully understand the pattern of government in the New Testament church, one
must realize that these called elders are also called "bishops" or "overseers".
This is seen in Acts 20 where the elders (v.17)are called bishops in verse 28. The elders
of Titus 1:5 were called bishops in verse 7. The qualifications and work of elders are
never mentioned together as two different order of offices. Paul wrote to the saints a
Philippi, "with the bishops and deacons"(Philippians 1:1). In this verse
we see the government of the local church: elders, deacons, members. We do not see a board
of trustees, a pope, or an ecclesiastical rule.
The congregations of the apostolic period were independent, autonomous groups. Each
group with its elders was independent from any other authority because each followed the
same God-given instructions. That is why Peter instructed the elders to "shepherd
the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion…"(I
Peter 5:2). Although congregations were complete and independent in their government, this
did not hinder their cooperating in Christian service or in the spread of the gospel.
Relief was sent from Antioch to Judea during the famine under Claudius(Acts 11:28-30).
The congregations of Galatia and Achaia also cooperated in sending relief to Jerusalem (I
Corinthians 16:1-3).
Denominations which seek to improve on God’s plan by having a central headquarters
on earth, such as a pope or a group of men, are deviating from the simple New Testament
plan.
WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH
The New Testament church met on the first day of the week for public worship. The
assemblies were held at any place that could accommodate the people. The service was
simple and informal, but characterized by great sincerity and devotion (Acts 2:42). The
worship consisted of songs, prayer, reading of scripture and partaking of the Lord’s
supper. There was no set formality or ritual and the order of service varied from one
congregation another.
Prayer was generally used by Christians and only Christians. The Jews had their own
system of prayer, and likewise the Pagans. But the Christians were the only ones who were
able to go to God in prayer themselves and not through or by the means of anyone else
(Acts 2:42; 20:7).
Singing was practiced as congregational singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16;
Matthew 26:30; I Corinthians 14:15). There were no instruments used by Christians in their
worship. Instrumental music was first practiced 1000 years later by the Catholics in 1025
A.D. Singing was practiced for teaching and admonishing one another by making melodies in
their hearts. Based upon the scriptures, it would be wrong to add instrumental music to
our worship.
Collection of money was also done upon the first day of the week, as every man purposed
in his heart and cheerfully gave according to how he prospered (I Corinthians 16:1-2;
9:6-9). The giving was always a free will offering (Acts 5:1-10). It was to be used to
minister to the saints and for the support of preaching the gospel (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-34;
I Corinthians 16:1-4; II Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:12-13). Churches that have set goals for
a social or recreational nature have departed from the higher and nobler purpose of the
church, which is spiritual(I Peter 2:5). We are divided when men with a social gospel
attitude bleed the church of her funds and energy to promote human programs and
organizations. Though social activities may be needed, they are the work of the home and
the government. The church should be given wholly to the task of saving souls, keeping
them saved, and providing the necessities of the saved in cases of emergency.
SUMMARY
Religious people are divided through many human traditions in organization, worship and
mission of the church. We are divided over the Lord’s supper (quarterly or weekly)
and music (vocal or instrumental). To be united, we must be satisfied with a thus "saith
the Lord". The true way is simple, and there is no doubt whether or not it is
pleasing to God. Worship of any other fashion leaves room for doubt (Matthew 15:7-9). Yet,
Paul worded "in later times some will fall away from the faith…"(I
Timothy 4:1).
QUESTIONS
- What does the word "ekklesia" mean?
- Explain Daniel’s prophecy in Daniel 2:44.
- How do all the prophecies help in revealing the establishment of the church?
- What does the word Pentecost mean and how does it relate to our study?
- In your own words, relate Mark 9:1, Luke 24:46-49, Acts 1:8, and Acts 2:1-5.
- How does one become a member of the church?
- Can one be saved outside the church?
- Name the organization of the local church.
- List the qualifications of the elders and deacons (I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1: 4).
- Name the acts of worship and give scriptures for each.
MATCH THE SCRIPTURES OF PROPHECY
| 1) II Samuel 7:12 |
A) Acts 3:23 |
| 2) Jeremiah 31:31-34 |
B) Matthew 1 |
| 3) Joel 2:28 |
C) Hebrews 8:8-12 |
| 4) Isaiah 7:14 |
D) Acts 2:30-31 |
| 5) Isaiah 53 |
E) Acts 2:5-18 |
| 6) Isaiah 2:2-3 |
F) Acts 8 |
| 7) Deuteronomy 18:18 |
G) Acts 2:4-5 |
|
