STARTING POINT Lesson 2
WHO WE ARE
We are a church-Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The Greek word ‘ekklesia’ was not invented by Christians. The word was originally a secular word used for a gathering of people, such as a crowd, or an assembly or group called for a particular purpose. In Greek society, an ‘ekklesia’ was often the town council composed of local Greek freemen, where slaves, non-Greeks and women were not allowed to join.
What are the distinguishing marks of His Church?
The sole authority of Scripture. This makes EPBC (and like churches) surprisingly unique.
We are firm where the Word is firm.
Essentials of Church Membership. Acts 2:41- 47
The first essential of Church membership is that a member must be part of God’s family first.
Acts 2:41 – “they that gladly received”
“Word” - What they had heard about Jesus Christ concerning them.
“received” truly accepted
Acts 2:47 – to be added they were first saved. Salvation makes us part of God’s family, being born into it.
John 3:3,5,7 – except a man be born again – regenerated anew. John 3:6 - spiritual birth.
Requires belief – trust, faith concerning a person or thing. John 3:15-16
Ephesians 3:15 –the whole family of God. John 1:12
The first step of obedience of one born into God’s family.
When we speak of baptism what are we talking about.
Baptism is immersion in water of the believer, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, with the authority of the local church.
Baptism is an outward presentation of what has already happened inwardly.
Baptism is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership.
Acts 8:36-37
Amos 3:3 – Can two walk together, except they be agreed.
Verse 42 - “Continued steadfastly in the Apostle doctrine”
Verse 46 – “One accord”
There is a necessity to be in agreement with what the Bible teaches.
Bible
Practice
The local church is the place where we come together to encourage and be equipped to fulfill our role in serving the Lord.
Acts 2:44 – “were together”
The New Testament uses the phrase one another 59 times. That’s just under 60 exhortations in Scripture to actually do something toward another person.
John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. You are commanded to love me the way Jesus does.
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Hebrews 10:24-25 – We are not to forsake the assembly. It is vital for us!