Lord's Day 31 The keys to the kingdom of heaven belong to the congregation

The keys of the kingdom of heaven – and all authority in the church – belong to the congregation

1. all authority – given to the congregation - is applied by consistory
2. all authority – given to the congregation – is applied through the preaching
3. all authority – given to the congregation – is applied through the communion of saints

Questions to think about during the sermon:
Introduction:

1. Who has authority in the church (under Christ, of course, Who is the Head of the church)?
   Point 1:
2. What is the authority of the church? What power did Christ give to the church? [What does this mean
   about every other ‘authority’ in the church?
3. According to the Roman Catholic Church, who has authority in the church? What was John Calvin’s
   answer?
4. What is the relationship between the consistory and the congregation?
   Point 2:
5. What kind of preaching opens the kingdom of heaven? And what kind of preaching closes it?
6. Who is responsible for ensuring that the preaching is effective?
   Point 3:
7. Who has authority to exercise Church discipline? So how must it be done?