Ecclesiology: Doctrine of the Church
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This document provides an overview of ecclesiology, the doctrine of the church, according to the beliefs of International Bible Baptist Church in Bangkok, Thailand. It discusses the origins and meanings of the words "church" and "ekklesia," defines the local church, and describes its founding by Jesus Christ and empowering at Pentecost. It examines biblical symbols of the church like the body of Christ and bride of Christ. It outlines the officers of a local church like pastors, bishops, and elders, as well as the two ordinances of baptism and Lord's Supper. The document aims to teach the church's constitution, ordinances, activities including worship and work.
Ecclesiology: Doctrine of the Church
- 1. ECCLESIOLOGY: THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH INTERNATIONAL BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH, BANGKOK THAILAND SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON, JANUARY 26, 2014
- 2. INTRODUCTION “Ecclesiology is the doctrine or study of 2) The Greek word “ekklesia the church in its constitution, means literally a “called out ordinances, and activities, the last assembly.” The word came including both work and worship “ to mean a gathering or an (Emery Bancroft, Christian Theology) assembly of people and is 1) Our English word “church” is closely usually used in the New related to the Scotch word kirk, the Testament to designate a German kirche, and the Saxon circe, congregation. all of which probably came from the Greek word kuriakon, a word used by the Greek Christians to designate the house of worship. The word kuriakon is the adjective form of the word kurios, meaning “Lord.” It is used twice in the New Testament, once for the Lord’s Supper and once for the Lord’s Day (I Cor. 11:20, Rev. 1:10
- 3. It is employed for the mission of the church is world congregation of Israel (Acts 7:38) evangelization-the fulfillment of the and an assembly of citizens Great Commission.” (Acts 19:39), but usually refers to 4) THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH the local church, meeting in one Matt. 16: 16-18: The church was particular place (Romans 16:5, I founded by Jesus Christ on Peter’s Cor. 1:2; 16:19; II Cor. 1:1; Gal.1:2) confession that Jesus Christ was and 3) Definition: “The local New is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Testament church is the agency Christ, God Incarnate in humanity. through which God has chosen to Our Savior did not build the Church accomplish His work in this on Peter but on Peter’s words. dispensation of grace; that it is an organized congregation of regenerate, immersed believers, voluntarily united together for the purpose of worship, edification, observing the ordinances, fellowship, and service; the true
- 4. A study of Matt. 16:16-18, John 20:19-23, Matt. 18:18 will show one that Peter did not receive a higher position than the other disciples. Many religions believe that the church was founded on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit descended in Acts 2. But we Baptists believe that the church was started during the ministry of Jesus before the Pentecost because baptism, the Lord’s Supper were already in practice before the Pentecost. We believe that the church was empowered on the day of Pentecost. They had stated places of meetings, Acts 1:13, Acts 2:46, Acts 12:12. They had stated times of meetingdaily- Acts 2: 46, each Lord’s Day, Acts 20:7.The Lord was the one who added to the church: Acts 2:47.
- 5. BIBLICAL SYMBOLS OF THE CHURCH 1) Body: Christ is the head of the body and we are members of His body, Col.1:18, Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 2:19 2) Temple, building, habitation or dwelling place for God’s Spirit, Eph. 2:20,21. 3) Bride of Christ: II Cor. 11:2; John 3:29, Rev. 19:7
- 6. I. OFFICERS OF THE LOCAL CHURCH 1) PASTOR (also called bishop or elder)- pastor means “shepherd” (Ephesians 4:11), the Godappointed leader of the flock. “Elder”was already an established word among the Jews and is used often in both the Old and New Testaments. Acts 11:30, 14:23, 15: 2, 4,6,22,23; 16:4. “Bishop” means “overseer” (I Tim. 3:1; Titus 1:7). These three titles all refer to the same office and are used interchangeably in the New Testament.
- 7. For example, Paul told the elders in Ephesus that the Holy Ghost had made them “overseers” (bishops) and that they were to “feed the church of God”(do the work of a pastor – Acts 20:17, 28). Likewise, Peter exhorted the elders to “feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof” (I Peter 5:1,2) The Pastor can appoint other offices like evangelists, teachers, choir directors, deacons as the need arises. Eph. 4:11, Phi l. 1:1, I Timothy 3: 8-13, Acts 6.
- 8. ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH There are only two ordinances mentions in the Scriptures: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. 1) Baptism: It is symbolic, it does not save; it is done after conversion; it is only by immersion; it identifies the believer with Christ, it is essential for church membership, it is the first step of obedience, It is the beginning of Christian service. Matt. 28:10-20;Acts 2:41, 8:12,36-38 2) The Lord’s Supper: It is symbolic, it does not save; it was instituted by Jesus before He died; it is a memorial service; The people participating in the Lord’s Supper must undergo cleansing usually with prayer and fasting; Matt. 26:26-30; I Cor. 11:23-32. The proper sequence is first salvation>baptism>Lord’s Supper Acts 2: 41,42, I Cor. 11:27-30