Foundations of Christian Growth V

Title: The Church: Fellowship and Worship

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25

I. The Church Universal

The church is not a physical building , but a of believers

A. Colossians 1:18 and Ephesians 5:23.

1. What is Christ's position in the church?

2. How is the church described?

B. At what cost did Christ purchase the Church? (Acts 20:28)

C. How does a person become a member of the body of Christ?

II The Local Church

The New Testament describes how believers came together in small groups to worship Christ.

A. The Local Church Illustrated

1. Where did the believers meet before they had church buildings (Romans 16:5; I Corinthians 16:19)?

2. On what day of the wee did they meet (Acts 20:7)?

3. List four things to which the early church was devoted (Acts 2:42)

B. The Local Church Organized

1. In Ephesians 4:11-12, God gave gifted men to the church.

   a. God gave these gifted men to the church to equip the saints for what purposes (verse 12)?

2. Elders/Overseers

   A. The qualifications of an elder or overseer are stated in I

Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

3. Deacons

The word "deacon" means "servant". The deacons are to minister to the needs of the flock under the direction of the elders of the church I Timothy 3:8-13.

4. Member of the body

   a. What does Hebrews 10:25 warn believers not to neglect?

   b. Hebrews 13:7 instructs us concerning those who teach us God's Word. What should our response?

   c. How should we act toward other members of the body (I Corinthians 12:25)?

5. How should those who are appointed to preach and teach be supported?