The Essential Doctrine of the Church

 

Summary

In our exploration of biblical doctrines, we delve into the doctrine of the church, a subject often overlooked in theological discussions. This doctrine is crucial, as every New Testament epistle was addressed to a church, emphasizing the church's significance in the Christian faith. Historically, the doctrine of the church has been pivotal, influencing major events like the Protestant Reformation and the English Civil War. Our forefathers valued this doctrine so highly that they endured great hardships for it, highlighting its importance.

Today, the ecumenical movement brings the doctrine of the church to the forefront, urging us to understand the New Testament's teachings on the church. A significant issue is the failure of evangelical Christians to take the biblical teaching on the church seriously, leading to a diluted evangelical witness. Many Christians meet in movements rather than churches, which weakens the evangelical message.

The relationship between the church and the kingdom of God is often misunderstood. The kingdom of God is the rule of God, present wherever God reigns. The church is an expression of the kingdom but not synonymous with it. The church is a part of the kingdom, but the kingdom is broader, encompassing all of God's rule.

The term "church" (Ecclesia) means "the called out," referring to those called out of society for a specific purpose. In the New Testament, the church is often described as a local gathering of believers, such as the church in Corinth or the churches of Galatia. However, there are instances where the church is viewed as a universal body, including all believers on earth and in heaven.

The church is both spiritual and visible. It is a spiritual entity, the body of Christ, but it also manifests visibly in local gatherings. This dual nature is crucial for understanding the church's role and function. All Christians are members of the spiritual church, but not all are part of a visible church. Conversely, one can be part of a visible church without being a member of the spiritual church.

The unity of the church is a spiritual and doctrinal unity, not merely organizational. True unity is based on shared beliefs and doctrines, as emphasized in the New Testament. The relationship between the church and the state is also significant. The church is not a branch of the state, nor should it control the state. Instead, both exist under God's authority, separate yet accountable to Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The doctrine of the church is essential, as it is foundational to understanding the New Testament and the history of Christianity. The church's significance is evident in its influence on major historical events and its central role in the New Testament epistles. [02:23]

- The church is an expression of the kingdom of God but not synonymous with it. The kingdom is broader, encompassing all of God's rule, while the church is a part of it, manifesting where Christ's lordship is acknowledged. [11:49]

- The church is both spiritual and visible, existing as a spiritual entity and manifesting in local gatherings. This dual nature is crucial for understanding the church's role and function in the world. [23:46]

- True unity in the church is spiritual and doctrinal, not merely organizational. Unity is based on shared beliefs and doctrines, as emphasized in the New Testament, and is essential for genuine fellowship. [31:43]

- The relationship between the church and the state is one of separation, with both existing under God's authority. The church is not a branch of the state, nor should it control the state, maintaining its independence and accountability to God. [42:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to Biblical Doctrines
- [00:55] - Spiritual Gifts and the Church
- [02:04] - Importance of the Doctrine of the Church
- [03:13] - Historical Significance of the Church
- [05:25] - The Ecumenical Movement and the Church
- [06:51] - Evangelical Challenges and the Church
- [09:16] - Church and the Kingdom of God
- [12:48] - Definition of Ecclesia
- [15:33] - Local and Universal Church
- [21:42] - Illustrations of the Church
- [23:46] - Spiritual and Visible Nature of the Church
- [27:49] - Unity of the Church
- [38:43] - Church and State Relationship
- [45:03] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Matthew 16:18 - "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
2. Ephesians 4:4-6 - "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
3. Acts 2:42 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the term "Ecclesia" mean, and how is it used in the New Testament to describe the church? ([12:48])

2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between the church and the kingdom of God? ([11:49])

3. According to the sermon, what are the two natures of the church, and why are they important? ([23:46])

4. What historical events were influenced by the doctrine of the church, as mentioned in the sermon? ([03:13])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the distinction between the spiritual and visible church affect our understanding of church membership and participation? ([25:35])

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the failure to take the biblical teaching on the church seriously has impacted the evangelical witness today? ([07:08])

3. How does the sermon explain the concept of true unity within the church, and what role does doctrine play in this unity? ([31:43])

4. What implications does the separation of church and state have for the church's role and function in society, according to the sermon? ([42:07])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of the church. How does the dual nature of the church as both spiritual and visible challenge or affirm your current view? ([23:46])

2. Consider the historical significance of the church. How can learning about past events like the Protestant Reformation inspire your involvement in the church today? ([03:13])

3. The sermon highlights the importance of doctrinal unity. How can you contribute to fostering this unity in your local church community? ([31:43])

4. In what ways can you ensure that your participation in church activities reflects an acknowledgment of Christ's lordship, as described in the sermon? ([11:49])

5. How can you engage in discussions about the church's role in society while maintaining a clear distinction between church and state? ([42:07])

6. Reflect on the ecumenical movement's emphasis on the nature of the church. How can you engage with this movement while staying true to biblical teachings? ([06:18])

7. Identify one area in your life where you can better align with the biblical teaching on the church. What steps will you take this week to make that change? ([07:08])

Devotional

Day 1: The Church's Foundational Role in Christianity
The doctrine of the church is foundational to understanding the New Testament and the history of Christianity. Every New Testament epistle was addressed to a church, underscoring the church's central role in the Christian faith. Historically, the church has been pivotal in major events like the Protestant Reformation and the English Civil War, where our forefathers endured great hardships for its sake. Today, the ecumenical movement brings this doctrine to the forefront, urging believers to understand the New Testament's teachings on the church. A significant issue is the failure of evangelical Christians to take the biblical teaching on the church seriously, leading to a diluted evangelical witness. Many Christians meet in movements rather than churches, which weakens the evangelical message. [02:23]

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the strength and unity of your local church community this week?


Day 2: The Church and the Kingdom of God
The church is an expression of the kingdom of God but not synonymous with it. The kingdom of God is the rule of God, present wherever God reigns. The church is a part of the kingdom, manifesting where Christ's lordship is acknowledged. This distinction is crucial for understanding the church's role and function in the world. The kingdom is broader, encompassing all of God's rule, while the church serves as a visible expression of this kingdom on earth. [11:49]

Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, "Look, here it is!" or "There!" for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and manifest Christ's lordship in your daily life, contributing to the expression of God's kingdom?


Day 3: The Dual Nature of the Church
The church is both spiritual and visible, existing as a spiritual entity and manifesting in local gatherings. This dual nature is crucial for understanding the church's role and function in the world. All Christians are members of the spiritual church, but not all are part of a visible church. Conversely, one can be part of a visible church without being a member of the spiritual church. This understanding helps believers appreciate the importance of both personal faith and communal worship. [23:46]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

Reflection: How can you ensure that your participation in the visible church reflects your membership in the spiritual body of Christ?


Day 4: True Unity in the Church
True unity in the church is spiritual and doctrinal, not merely organizational. Unity is based on shared beliefs and doctrines, as emphasized in the New Testament, and is essential for genuine fellowship. This unity transcends organizational structures and is rooted in the common faith and teachings of the apostles. It is a call for believers to focus on what unites them in Christ rather than what divides them. [31:43]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: What steps can you take to promote spiritual and doctrinal unity within your church community?


Day 5: The Church and State Relationship
The relationship between the church and the state is one of separation, with both existing under God's authority. The church is not a branch of the state, nor should it control the state, maintaining its independence and accountability to God. This separation ensures that the church remains focused on its spiritual mission while respecting the role of the state in governance. Both institutions are accountable to God, and their distinct roles should be respected and upheld. [42:07]

Romans 13:1-2 (ESV): "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."

Reflection: How can you balance your responsibilities as a citizen and a member of the church, ensuring that your actions honor God in both realms?

Quotes


The doctrine of the church is very often entirely omitted in books that deal with Biblical doctrines. I find it very difficult to discover why, but that is undoubtedly the case. And yet it seems to me that this is something which is most regrettable because if we really are concerned to deal with the doctrines that appear in the Bible itself, well then we must of necessity deal with the doctrine of the church. [00:02:01]

Every single New Testament epistle was written to a church, and their teaching is so much about the church. So it isn't enough that we should consider the doctrines of the Bible that deal with our more personal and individualistic needs and experiences. All this space would not be devoted to truths concerning the church in the New Testament unless this were something that really is vital and essential. [00:02:31]

The kingdom of God is best defined surely as this: as the rule of God. The kingdom of God is present wherever God is reigning and ruling. That was why our Lord was able to say, you remember, when he was here in the flesh, that because of his activity and his works, he said the kingdom of God is amongst and has come upon you. [00:10:31]

The church is an expression of the kingdom. It isn't the kingdom. The kingdom of God is a wider and a bigger concept than the church. In the church, where the church is truly the church, the lordship of Christ is acknowledged and recognized, and he reigns there. So the kingdom is there at that point. Well, that is the church. The church is a part of the kingdom, but it's only a part of it. [00:11:45]

The term as you're familiar with it, which is translated here at church, is the term Ecclesia. And the Ecclesia means the called out. Ecclesia means those who are called out, not of necessity called out of the world, but it means people who are called out of society for some particular function or purpose. [00:12:48]

The church is something spiritual and invisible. That is the church as it were. Now that isn't something visible. That's something invisible. All these instances I've given you of the church used in the singular are suggesting something which has the reality as a spiritual entity, but it can't be seen. But at the same time, the church is also visible and can be seen externally. [00:23:46]

You cannot be a Christian without being a member of the church spiritual and invisible. It's impossible. All Christians are members of the body of Christ. I mean this invisible spiritual church. But you can be a member of that without of necessity being a member of a visible part of the church. You should be, but you can be one without the other. [00:25:21]

The unity that the scripture is interested in in the church is spiritual unity. That was why I read that 17th chapter of The Gospel According to St John at the beginning. Oh, how often is this chapter misquoted today. People just tear a phrase right out of its context that they might be one, they say, and leave it at that. [00:27:49]

The first thing to emphasize is the spirit. It's a spiritual unity. It isn't an organizational unity. It isn't a mere amalgamation of a number of organizations. It isn't a coalition of people who disagree and who differ for the sake of some common purpose. That isn't what I find in the scriptures. But it's something mystical. It's something spiritual. It's something vital. [00:31:43]

The basis of unity must be Doctrine. It must be doctrinal. Now I've shown you that already in this 17th chapter of John. He says, now they have known that all things whatsoever thou has given me are of thee, for I have given unto them The Words which thou gavest me, and they have received them. [00:31:46]

The Roman Catholic idea was that the church is the state and is everything else, that the church controls everything. And as I reminded you at the beginning, the church did that. At the extreme opposite to that is the so-called Erastian view, a view first propounded by a man called Aestus, whom I regret to say was a medical man. [00:38:43]

The church is now supranational. She has her people in all nations. She's above the Nations. She consists of God's people living on Earth in States, but there they are citizens of that Kingdom which is not of this world. [00:44:03]

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Transcript
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