The Doctrine of the Church IV

What Constitutes a “Real” Church

• The Lutheran statement of faith defined the church as “the

congregation of saints in which the gospel is rightly taught and the

Sacraments rightly administered” (Article 7)

• Calvin said, “Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and

heard, and the sacraments administered according to Christ's

institution, there, it is not to be doubted, a church of God exists.”

• The Roman Catholic position is that the visible church descended from

Peter and the apostles is the true church

What is the defining comparison? Thoughts?

• The Gospel?

What is the difference between a Bible Study and a Church?

• Officers
• Administering the Sacraments

Baptism

What is Baptism?

• The word literally means to immerse
• Baptism is an a symbolic picture of our union with Christ's death,

burial and resurrection

• Who should be baptized?
• The NT would seem to indicate that those who are believers should be

baptized.

• Is Baptism needed and what does it really do?
• Baptism doesn't save us. We know this from our SS on Salvation
• The burning question “How old does a person need to be to be

Baptized”

The Lords Supper

• Why do we do it?
  • Commanded
• What does it mean?
  • Remember's Christ's Death
  • Shows and reminds us of our participation in Christ's Death
• Is Christ present during communion? Why do I ask this?
• Who should give communion?

The Purposes of Church

• Thoughts? What is our Purpose towards God?
• Ministry towards God - Worship
• Ministry towards the Saints
• Ministry Towards this World