Ecclesiology- The study of the Church In outline Form - part two

The continuation of the Study of the Church in outline form

Churches also used Letters for commendation (Acts 18:24-38,15:22-39)

Kept up with the growth and how many were saved (Acts 4:4)

Entrance into a local church- Regeneration and Baptism, as for an alien Baptism a second one would be required for entrance into membership.

Church Offices

Elder - Presbyteros- Deals with his person

Bishop- Episcopos- Deals with his office

Pastor- Poimen- Deals with his works

• Elder, Bishop and Pastor deals with the same office

Elder- used in the NT of Israel also in the OT of Gentiles, used as a Preacher. Also used as the church in the NT. Elders represent the Corp. Church in Heaven during the tribulation period. (Rev 5:5) Ordained Elders as Pastor.

Bishop- Speaks of Maturity, In the OT it deals with an older person, in the NT it deals with maturity of faith. Used in singular form in Paul's writings. Means an overseer or a watcher.

Pastor- Shepherd to guide and take care of his flock the church

Usage of any of these words are interchangeable (Acts 20:17,vs 28, titus 1:5-9)

• Qualifications for Elder List in given (1 Tim 3:1-7)

1. Blameless
2. of one wife
3. sober minded
4. Not given to wine
5. Patience, gentle
6. not given to violence
7. not a novice, new convert
8. can rule his family, children
9. not covenant
10. a good teacher

The church should support the Elder ( Gal 6:6, 1 Cor 9:7-15)

Some early churches had more then one Elder, By the 2nd century Became less and closer to one per church.

The Elders are appointed by,

1st- God chooses and sets them into ministry

2nd- Appointed by officials, church chose elders over business Acts 6

and 3rd- voted or elected in by the church. Titus 1:5

Early church, some elders were actually appointed by Paul, and some were used as helpers.

Laying of Hands shows approval 1 Tim 5:22-

Also strength out hands as in vote

Duties of an Elder- Overseer of general temporal and spiritual matters, rule the church and
guard the church in truth from error.

Ministries of an Elder- Is related to Preaching, Teaching and Evangelism

Deacon -means to serve , a deacon is a servant or a help to the elder to assist the Pastor. He helps both the Pastor and the Church.

Qualifications List 1 Tim 3

1.spiritual mature
2.Earnest and wholehearted
3.good steady man
4.Husband of one wife
5.no wine
6.Good wife and family
7.brave rule over family,
8.submissive children
9.not double tongue
10.boldness in faith

Appointed from the people, nominated from those in position.
Numbers of deacons as per the size of the church

Duties- helps the pastor in the ministry of spiritual helps, men were elected to serve. There is no Biblical reference to A Board of Deacons, in relation to church government.

Government in the Church-

Five general types:

1. Roman Catholic- Monarchy, pope rules, people have no voice.

2. Plymouth Brother- Rejects any Church Government, no paid Pastors.

3. Presbyterian- Controlled largely by representative sent to the assembly.

4. Episcopalian- Bishops who are trusted w/ the government of the church and are separate from the church but rule over the church.

5. Congregational System- Self governed, self supported, democratic, self ruled by one Head, The Lord.

Ordinance of the Local Church

An ordinance shows death, burial and resurrection with Christ, Foot washing does not have these qualities, therefore there is only two Ordinances:

Baptism and The Lords Supper

Baptism-

In the NT there is 12 Baptism

1. Baptism of Mose- crossing through the Red Sea 1 Cor10:1-4

2. Different Baptism of Israel economy, Levitic worship. Heb 6:12,9:10 had nothing to do w/ people but of items used in worship

3. Ceremonial Baptism of the Jews Mark 7:1-7

4. John the Baptist Baptism Mat 3

5. Christ Baptism- To fulfill all righteous, It identified Him with Mat 3:13-15 Johns Message and with Israel and the world, the most unique Baptism. 6. Christ Baptism to Death- while facing the cross Luke 12:50

7. Noah's typical- its an answer to a good conscious towards God 1 Pet 3:20

8. Baptism of the dead- not right to do 1 Cor 15:21

9. Baptism of Fire- future judgment, 2nd coming 2 Thes 1:7-8 Mat 3:11

10. Baptism in the name of Jesus- for remissions of sins Acts 2:38,8:16,10:48

11. Christian Baptism- The Great Commission- in the name of the Father, The Son , and The Holy Spirit Mat 28:19

12. Holy Spirit Baptism- Placed into the body of Christ Eph 3:4,4:5

The Distinction of Johns was for the Kingdom of Heaven and the Christian Baptism is the Great Commission. Acts 13:33 compare with Acts19:5-9

The mode is full Emerson, put under as the water is the grave.

The Lords Supper-

It is a memorial to Christ Death not a means of grace. The Bible doesn't state how often to be observed. Fruit of vine doesn't literally say wine. (1 Cor 11:23-34, Mat 26:30)

The Bread is the body of Christ- used unleavened Bread, should observe as all sins death with before coming to the table. If abused discipline of sickness and even death can follow.

The Symbolic Significance is it memorializes the death of Christ, looks forward to His return at the rapture. Before supper look backwards, inwards and outwards of ones self, then look around ones self. In Prerequisites one should be first saved and Baptized.

It is done in a format of Prayer, then distribution of the bread and of the cup.

Closed communion need special meeting and announcement given.

• There are several views-

1. Transubstantiation- The Roman Catholic view- elements become flesh and blood.

2. Consubstantiation- Luther-elements become flesh and Blood as put into mouth.

3. Symbolic- biblical view- elements portray Christ Presence.

Mystery Character of the Church- A truth that was not revealed in the OT, but is revealed in the NT and could not be revealed except by God

There is two Mysteries, the church and the rapture:

• The church has four mysteries- Eph 2:15

1. Jews and Gentiles of one body = Salvation unto Christ Esp 3:1-12

2. The indwelling of Christ in the Church Col 1:24-27,2:10-19

3. Mystery of Bride of Christ relationship Eph 5:22-33

4. Mystery of Rapture 1 Cor 15:51

Beginning of the church- six views

1. started with Abraham

2. " " John the Baptist

3. " " Choosing of the 12 Apostles

4. " " Christ calling the 12 disciples

5. " in upper room

6. Started on the Day of Pentecost

Had to start at the Day of Pentecost because:

1. There was no church at Mat 16:18, will build my church is future reference.

2. No church before the death of Christ because it is based on His death.

3. No church before the resurrection because resurrected life is only provided after the act of resurrection.

4. Could not operate until after the ascension unless a body can function without a Head.

5. No church before the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which happened the Day of Pentecost.

The mission of the church is to train its members to serve others and to reach others. and then to evangelize.

The Believers rule of life is that the church is under Grace not mosaic law.

The church is not under the sermon on the mount- these are principles are for the Kingdom.

More of interest:

About Laura as an Author

About Laura as a Christian

• What do the Seven Churches in Revelations Stand For?
• The Millennium Defined
• What is the Rapture?
• The Study of the Church in Outlined Form
• The Lord's Supper

About Laura As a Breeder