The Church
Philippians 1:27 (NKJV)
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ… stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
The church began in the mind of God. Jesus, our perfect example, gathered disciples before He performed His earthly ministry. He sent them out together to preach the kingdom. When He ascended, they gathered together in the upper room. As they sought to evangelize the world, they worked in tandem with one another. As converts were made, they assembled together for worship, teaching, and ministry. We were not intended to live for God alone. We must strive together.
1. Descriptions of the Church
A. The Bride of Christ – Ephesians 5:25
B. The Flock – Acts 20:28
C. The Body – Romans 12:5
D. The Pillar and Ground of Truth – 1 Timothy 3:15
E. The Habitation of God’s Spirit – Ephesians 2:21-22
2. God’s Plan
A. Apostolic Pattern – Acts 2:46-47
B. God Places in the Body – 1 Corinthians 12:14, 18-19
3. Benefits of the Church
A. Strength – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Matthew 16:18
B. Corporate Prayer – Matthew 18:19-20, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 4:31
C. Corporate Worship – Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16
D. Ordinances – John 13:14, Hebrews 6:1-2, 1 Corinthians 11:19-20
E. Growth – Ephesians 4:11-16
F. The Gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:4-12
G. Judgment and Discipline – Matthew 18:17-18, 1 Corinthians 5:4-5, 1 Corinthians 6:1-2
H. The Great Commission – Mark 16:15, Romans 10:15
4. My Obligation to the Church
A. Pray – Ephesians 6:18
B. Give – 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
C. Use Gifts – Romans 12:3-8
D. Be Merciful, Loving, and Considerate – Philippians 2:1-3, Colossians 3:12-15, 1 Peter 3:8
E. Bear Burdens – Romans 15:1, Galatians 6:1-2
F. Pursue Peace and Unity – Romans 12:16, Romans 14:19, Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 1:10
G. Submit – Hebrews 13:17
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.