301 – Intoduction to Ecclessiology and the Importance of the Church

SEMESTER 1

301 – Intoduction to Ecclessiology and the Importance of the Church

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE:  ECCLESIOLOGY I LESSON # 1

THE INTRODUCTION TO AND IMPORTANCE OF THE CHURCH

INTRODUCTION:

1. There is much talk, proper and improper. Is the church really this im­portant?
2. Some say it is, in fact, salvation (sace­rdotalism) “sacraments.”
3. Others say, no; “organized” religion is out of date and one may serve God as well without the church as through it.
4. We have the “priesthood of the church” theory today, that has raised much controversy.
5. Well, is it just one of many optional ways to serve God? Or is it in essence the only earthly organization God has ordained for service?
6. In the midst of so much philosophy, we must try to let the Scripture speak.

I. IMPORTANT ENOUGH FOR JESUS TO BUILD(MAT. 16:18)

1. Consider the things He did not build that are exalted today.
2. But Christ built His church. Yes, it is important.

II. IMPORTANT ENOUGH FOR HIM TO SUSTAIN (MAT. 16:18)

1. He said He would, “gates of hell” positively and negatively.
2. He has, it (His church) exists today.
3. It always has, restorers are heretics.

III. IMPORTANT ENOUGH FOR HIM TO LOVE

1. Eph. 5:25-27 says He loved it like a betrothed bride.
2. Those who belittle the church or the importance of its study today should reflect on this.

IV. IMPORTANT ENOUGH FOR CHRIST TO DIE FOR

1. Again, Eph. 5:25-27 says He loved it enough to die for it.
2. This is not to say that all the reconciled are the church, or vice versa.

III: Since all rabbits are animals, are all animals rabbits?

V. IT IS GOD’S EARTHLY PLACE FOR GLORY (EPH. 3:21)

1. God has not chosen to get glory from religious societies, but from His church.

VI. IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO OCCUPY MOST NEW TESTAMENT WRITINGS

1. The inspired word of God, after Calvary is chiefly to, and about a church or churches.

VII. THE CHURCH IS GOD’S EXCLUSIVE OR­GANIZATION

1. No other organization is revealed in Scripture.
2. The pattern of evangelism is only through the church.
3. We should accept God’s pattern and seek no other.