Survey of Bible DoctrineSurvey of Bible Doctrine

Doctrine of the Church - Part OneDoctrine of the Church - Part One

Stephen E. LaFleur, ThDStephen E. LaFleur, ThD

Doctrine of the Church 1Doctrine of the Church 1

I. The Nature of the Church – What is it? The I. The Nature of the Church – What is it? The church exists in two forms:church exists in two forms:

A. The universal church: All believers from the A. The universal church: All believers from the day day

of Pentecost (Acts 2) to the raptureof Pentecost (Acts 2) to the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). 1. Christ promised to form the Church 1. Christ promised to form the Church (Matthew 16:18).(Matthew 16:18). 2. The Holy Spirit “baptizes” – places people 2. The Holy Spirit “baptizes” – places people

into into the “body of Christ,” which is the universal the “body of Christ,” which is the universal church (1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27). This church (1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27). This function of the Holy Spirit began at the day function of the Holy Spirit began at the day

ofof Pentecost (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 11:15-18).Pentecost (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 11:15-18).

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B. A local church: A group of believers in B. A local church: A group of believers in this age meeting regularly and organized this age meeting regularly and organized

biblically biblically to do God’s will. (Examples: Romans 16:1,3-to do God’s will. (Examples: Romans 16:1,3-

5,5, 14-16).14-16).

II. The Purpose of the Church – What are we II. The Purpose of the Church – What are we supposed to do?supposed to do?

Introduction: The purpose(s) of the local church Introduction: The purpose(s) of the local church are derived by looking at New Testament are derived by looking at New Testament commands given to the disciples (who were the commands given to the disciples (who were the “foundation stones” of the church – Ephesians “foundation stones” of the church – Ephesians 2:20) and other instructions given to individual 2:20) and other instructions given to individual churches or church leaders.churches or church leaders.

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A. Central Passage – “The Great Commission” A. Central Passage – “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19,20)(Matthew 28:19,20)

– – Matthew 28:19 & 20 (and the similar Matthew 28:19 & 20 (and the similar “ “commissions” in Mark 16:15; Luke 24:45-47 commissions” in Mark 16:15; Luke 24:45-47

and and Acts 1:8) are central to the church’s purpose. Acts 1:8) are central to the church’s purpose. They were spoken by Christ, the Head of the They were spoken by Christ, the Head of the church (Matthew 28:18). They were spoken tochurch (Matthew 28:18). They were spoken to the first leaders of the church (Matthew 28:16). the first leaders of the church (Matthew 28:16). And these words were spoken at the crucial time And these words were spoken at the crucial time just after Christ arose and before He ascended.just after Christ arose and before He ascended.

– – Matthew 28:19 & 20 is examined here because Matthew 28:19 & 20 is examined here because it is the most comprehensive of the it is the most comprehensive of the

“commission” “commission” passages.passages.

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1. The Command – “Go and make disciples”1. The Command – “Go and make disciples”

a. These two words combine to make a single a. These two words combine to make a single commandcommand

that describe what we, the church, are to be doing. that describe what we, the church, are to be doing. (“Go” is a participle and some prefer to translate it (“Go” is a participle and some prefer to translate it “ “going.” But its position in the sentence before going.” But its position in the sentence before

the the command makes it grammatically linked to “make command makes it grammatically linked to “make disciples.” Thus it is probably meant as a double disciples.” Thus it is probably meant as a double command – “Go and make disciples.”).command – “Go and make disciples.”). b. “Go” means that we must take the initiative. b. “Go” means that we must take the initiative. Evangelism is required to accomplish the task of Evangelism is required to accomplish the task of disciple-making.disciple-making.

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c. “Make disciples” means “make followers, c. “Make disciples” means “make followers, learners.” learners.”

This seems to include the entire process of This seems to include the entire process of helping helping

a person understand the gospel of salvation a person understand the gospel of salvation throughthrough

Christ and then to help them grow as a Christ and then to help them grow as a Christian. Christian.

The church (every person in it) is responsible The church (every person in it) is responsible for for

carrying out this command. Every ministry in a carrying out this command. Every ministry in a church must be part of the process of disciple-church must be part of the process of disciple-

making.making.

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2. The Means – “Baptizing, Teaching”2. The Means – “Baptizing, Teaching” - How are disciples made? It’s more than just sharing- How are disciples made? It’s more than just sharing the gospel. When a person trusts in Christ as Savior, the gospel. When a person trusts in Christ as Savior, he/she has just begun to be a disciple. These twohe/she has just begun to be a disciple. These two words explain the means by which Christians grow aswords explain the means by which Christians grow as disciples.disciples.

a. “Baptizing” – Public identification with Christ a. “Baptizing” – Public identification with Christ - This refers to water baptism, since it is the - This refers to water baptism, since it is the disciples who are doing it. Water baptism in thedisciples who are doing it. Water baptism in the New Testament follows salvation and publicly showsNew Testament follows salvation and publicly shows our identification with Christ. This is a necessary step our identification with Christ. This is a necessary step

in in disciple making. In fact one does not find an disciple making. In fact one does not find an

unbaptized unbaptized believer in Scripture after the church begins (Acts believer in Scripture after the church begins (Acts

2:41, 2:41, etc.). Baptism will be discussed more under etc.). Baptism will be discussed more under

“Ordinances.”“Ordinances.”

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b. “Teaching” – Learning the scripture for the b. “Teaching” – Learning the scripture for the purpose purpose

of applying itof applying it

- The teaching of God’s Word is with the goal - The teaching of God’s Word is with the goal that that

people obey it (“teaching them to observe” people obey it (“teaching them to observe” = do).= do).

- 2 Timothy 3:15-17 – “know the Holy - 2 Timothy 3:15-17 – “know the Holy Scriptures” Scriptures”

“ “reproof, correction, training”reproof, correction, training” - 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the Word” - 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the Word” “ “reprove, rebuke, exhort”reprove, rebuke, exhort” - James 1:22 – “doers of the Word and not - James 1:22 – “doers of the Word and not

hearershearers only”only”

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B. A local church purpose statementB. A local church purpose statement - A local church is responsible to carry out, among its - A local church is responsible to carry out, among its people and in areas of influence, the purposes thatpeople and in areas of influence, the purposes that God has for the universal church. God has for the universal church. - Baptizing is one part of that responsibility. The rest - Baptizing is one part of that responsibility. The rest of the church’s purpose involves teaching the Wordof the church’s purpose involves teaching the Word of God to accomplish various goals. of God to accomplish various goals.

Next is a suggested purpose statement of a local Next is a suggested purpose statement of a local church.church.

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STATEMENT: To Glorify God by Reaching people STATEMENT: To Glorify God by Reaching people with the gospel, Building them in their with the gospel, Building them in their relationship with God and Involving them in relationship with God and Involving them in God’s plan.God’s plan.

To “Glorify God” is the overall purpose. The Bible To “Glorify God” is the overall purpose. The Bible says " Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of says " Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV). In other words, God." (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV). In other words, any effort of a church must serve not to promote any effort of a church must serve not to promote itself but God’s greatness.itself but God’s greatness.

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However, a local church should seek to glorify God However, a local church should seek to glorify God in the following ways:in the following ways:

1. Reaching (Acts 11:19-21; Ephesians 4:11)1. Reaching (Acts 11:19-21; Ephesians 4:11) God has provided the way so that a person can God has provided the way so that a person can

go to heaven and know it. Christ died to pay for go to heaven and know it. Christ died to pay for our sin. We can go to heaven if we place our our sin. We can go to heaven if we place our trust in Christ’s death for us (John 3:16). trust in Christ’s death for us (John 3:16).

That truth is central to why a church exists. A That truth is central to why a church exists. A

church must effectively present the Gospel in church must effectively present the Gospel in various ministries and train others to do so various ministries and train others to do so personally. Part of the task includes taking that personally. Part of the task includes taking that message around the world through missionaries.message around the world through missionaries.

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2. Building (Acts 11:22-26; Ephesians 4:11-16)2. Building (Acts 11:22-26; Ephesians 4:11-16)

““Building” refers to the spiritual process of God Building” refers to the spiritual process of God bringing the growth and change that we need in bringing the growth and change that we need in our lives. How can a church help to encourage our lives. How can a church help to encourage that work of God? that work of God?

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Worship – We exist not for our benefit, but God’s Worship – We exist not for our benefit, but God’s glory. So worship must please God by giving God glory. So worship must please God by giving God the credit He deserves for His greatness. God the credit He deserves for His greatness. God cannot “grow” us without an intimate cannot “grow” us without an intimate relationship with us. relationship with us.

Personal and group worship encourages us to Personal and group worship encourages us to develop that relationship with God.develop that relationship with God.

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Fellowship – Real spiritual growth requires more Fellowship – Real spiritual growth requires more than just information. It requires relationships. than just information. It requires relationships. God has designed that believers need one God has designed that believers need one another to grow. It is through the frustration and another to grow. It is through the frustration and diversity of relationships with people that God diversity of relationships with people that God can best bring us to maturity. can best bring us to maturity.

So it is essential to have ministries that go beyond So it is essential to have ministries that go beyond a worship service. Personal interaction lets us in a worship service. Personal interaction lets us in on the struggles, joys of other Christians and on the struggles, joys of other Christians and gives us an opportunity to support each other.gives us an opportunity to support each other.

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Instruction – The food we need to grow spiritually is Instruction – The food we need to grow spiritually is God’s Word the Bible (I Peter 2:2). That’s why God’s Word the Bible (I Peter 2:2). That’s why Bible teaching must be central in a local church. Bible teaching must be central in a local church.

A church must provide biblical truth that each A church must provide biblical truth that each person needs and even more importantly to person needs and even more importantly to encourage people to study God’s Word encourage people to study God’s Word themselves..themselves..

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3. Involvement (Acts 11:27-30; Ephesians 4:11,12)3. Involvement (Acts 11:27-30; Ephesians 4:11,12)

Sometimes people in churches assume that Sometimes people in churches assume that ministry is the job of paid professionals – the ministry is the job of paid professionals – the pastors and staff. It’s not. God has called every pastors and staff. It’s not. God has called every believer to be involved in ministry. He has given believer to be involved in ministry. He has given every person certain “spiritual gifts” – every person certain “spiritual gifts” – supernatural abilities to serve/help others in supernatural abilities to serve/help others in some way. some way.

Instead of leaders doing most of the ministry, Instead of leaders doing most of the ministry, their real role is to equip people for ministry their real role is to equip people for ministry (Ephesians 4:11,12). Ministry is not an issue of (Ephesians 4:11,12). Ministry is not an issue of mere duty. It’s a matter of gratefully using the mere duty. It’s a matter of gratefully using the gifts/abilities God gives us.gifts/abilities God gives us.

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III. The Ordinances Of The Church III. The Ordinances Of The Church A. Common questions about A. Common questions about

ordinances/sacramentsordinances/sacraments 1. What is an ordinance?1. What is an ordinance? An ordinance is a physical ritual prescribed byAn ordinance is a physical ritual prescribed by Christ to illustrate a spiritual reality Christ to illustrate a spiritual reality 2. How many ordinances should be practiced?2. How many ordinances should be practiced? Some believe there are up to seven.Some believe there are up to seven. Most Protestants believe there are only two, Most Protestants believe there are only two, Lord’s Supper and baptism. Why?Lord’s Supper and baptism. Why? - Only these two are specifically prescribed by - Only these two are specifically prescribed by Christ and clearly practiced by the early Christ and clearly practiced by the early church.church. - Only these two symbolize the saving work of - Only these two symbolize the saving work of Christ.Christ.

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3. What do they have to do with a person’s salvation?3. What do they have to do with a person’s salvation?

- Practicing these “symbols” in no way saves or even- Practicing these “symbols” in no way saves or even

helps a person have eternal salvation (John 3:16; helps a person have eternal salvation (John 3:16;

Ephesians 2:8,9). Ephesians 2:8,9).

- These ordinances are meaningful only to a person- These ordinances are meaningful only to a person

who has already personally trusted Christ for who has already personally trusted Christ for

salvation.salvation.

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B. Water BaptismB. Water Baptism 1. Definition: The use of water to symbolize outwardly 1. Definition: The use of water to symbolize outwardly the inner spiritual change that took place when we the inner spiritual change that took place when we trusted Christ as Savior.trusted Christ as Savior. 2. The Model: Baptism was commanded by Christ and 2. The Model: Baptism was commanded by Christ and practiced by the early church.practiced by the early church. a. Christ commanded the disciples to “Go and make a. Christ commanded the disciples to “Go and make disciples” by means of “baptizing” and “teaching”disciples” by means of “baptizing” and “teaching” until “the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19,20).until “the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19,20). b. Starting at the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38,41) b. Starting at the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38,41) water baptism after conversion became standardwater baptism after conversion became standard practice (Acts 8:12,36-38; 9:18; 10:47,48;practice (Acts 8:12,36-38; 9:18; 10:47,48; 16:14,15,33; 18:8; 19:4,15).16:14,15,33; 18:8; 19:4,15).

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3. The Meaning: Baptism symbolizes what 3. The Meaning: Baptism symbolizes what happened when we were saved.happened when we were saved.

a. It symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s work of a. It symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s work of regeneration regeneration

(making us spiritually new – Titus 3:5). (making us spiritually new – Titus 3:5). “ “I am a Christian.”I am a Christian.” - Spiritual baptism is done by the Holy Spirit - Spiritual baptism is done by the Holy Spirit inwardly when we trust Christ as saviorinwardly when we trust Christ as savior (1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26,27).(1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26,27). - Water (ritual) baptism is administered by - Water (ritual) baptism is administered by

othersothers outwardly after we’re saved (Acts 8:3).outwardly after we’re saved (Acts 8:3). b. It symbolizes our new life of union with and b. It symbolizes our new life of union with and identification with Christ (Romans 6:3-11). identification with Christ (Romans 6:3-11). “ “I intend to live like a Christian.”I intend to live like a Christian.”

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4. The Method: Immersion in water anytime after 4. The Method: Immersion in water anytime after conversion seems most appropriate.conversion seems most appropriate.

a. Immersion fits the significance (Romans 6:4) and a. Immersion fits the significance (Romans 6:4) and early examples of baptism (Acts 8:38,39).early examples of baptism (Acts 8:38,39). b. New Testament examples of baptism are done b. New Testament examples of baptism are done immediately after a person is saved (Acts 2:41; immediately after a person is saved (Acts 2:41; 8:12,36-38; 9:18; 10:47,48; 16:14,15,33; 18:8). 8:12,36-38; 9:18; 10:47,48; 16:14,15,33; 18:8). So when a person is saved and realizes the So when a person is saved and realizes the significance of baptism, it would seem to be thesignificance of baptism, it would seem to be the right time.right time. c. Young children who are saved might wisely wait c. Young children who are saved might wisely wait

untiluntil they understand the significance of baptism. There they understand the significance of baptism. There is no biblical support for baptizing infants with is no biblical support for baptizing infants with

water.water.

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C. The Lord’s SupperC. The Lord’s Supper 1. Definition: The regular use of the bread and cup to 1. Definition: The regular use of the bread and cup to symbolically commemorate with other believers the symbolically commemorate with other believers the saving work of Christ on the cross.saving work of Christ on the cross. 2. The Model: Christ initiated it at the Last Supper.2. The Model: Christ initiated it at the Last Supper. a. Christ gave the final two elements of that Passovera. Christ gave the final two elements of that Passover meal a new significance to be practiced after His meal a new significance to be practiced after His death (Luke 22:7-20).death (Luke 22:7-20). b. This ordinance is a command (“Do this” – 1 b. This ordinance is a command (“Do this” – 1 Corinthians 11:24,25) to be practiced regularly Corinthians 11:24,25) to be practiced regularly (“as often as” – 1 Corinthians 11:25,26) (“as often as” – 1 Corinthians 11:25,26) throughout this church age (“proclaim the Lord’sthroughout this church age (“proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” – 1 Corinthians 11:26).death until He comes” – 1 Corinthians 11:26).

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3. The Meaning: The Lord’s Supper is a memorial to 3. The Meaning: The Lord’s Supper is a memorial to Christ’s saving work on the cross. Christ’s saving work on the cross.

a. The bread represents Christ’s substitutionary a. The bread represents Christ’s substitutionary deathdeath

in our place (“for you” – Luke 22:19; 1 in our place (“for you” – Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians Corinthians

11:24).11:24). b. The cup represents Christ’s fulfilling of the old b. The cup represents Christ’s fulfilling of the old covenant sacrifice system (“the new covenant covenant sacrifice system (“the new covenant

in my in my blood” – Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25).blood” – Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25).

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4. The Method:4. The Method: a. The early Church’s forma. The early Church’s form - The love feast (a shared meal – 1 Corinthians - The love feast (a shared meal – 1 Corinthians 11:20-22)11:20-22) - The elements (a shared loaf and cup – 1 - The elements (a shared loaf and cup – 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).Corinthians 11:23-25). - Done weekly as the church gathered (“breaking - Done weekly as the church gathered (“breaking of bread” – Acts 20:7,11).of bread” – Acts 20:7,11). b. The basic function requiredb. The basic function required The Lord’s Supper should be practiced regularly The Lord’s Supper should be practiced regularly by churches using similar symbols with the by churches using similar symbols with the

identicalidentical significance Christ gave them.significance Christ gave them.

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End Part OneEnd Part One

Doctrine of the ChurchDoctrine of the Church