The Nature of the Church – Lesson 2

FOUNDATIONS
THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH
(WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO BE?)

Lesson 2
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”” Matthew 28:16-20

1. The church is an .

The primary Greek word used for the church in the New Testament is ekklesia, which has the meaning “to call.” It came to mean as assembly or community called by God.

This word ekklesia, occurs 114 times in the New Testament, but only three time in the Gospels.

2. Ekklesia refers to both the Church and the Church.

The universal Church is composed of people from every tribe and race and culture.

A. In the universal Church the emphasis is on the of the Church.

B. The local church is a group of who meet together for worship, instruction, fellowship, and ministry.

C. In the local church, the emphasis is on the of the church.

3. The church is a.

Another important Greek word that relates to the church is koinonia. Difficult to translate into English, it carries the idea of communion, fellowship, sharing, and participation.

Koinonia is our participation together in the life of God through Jesus Christ.

Koinonia is:

• More than the congenial relationship of “buddies.”
• More than participating in a potluck dinner.
• More than “I can get along with you because you’re so much like me.”