Course 1 - Lesson 6: The Church

While there are many churches throughout the world today, there is only one true church in the sight of God. The word “church” is the term used most frequently in the New Testament to describe a group of born-again persons professing trust in Jesus Christ, meeting together to worship Him, and seeking to enlist others to become His followers.

The word “church” is the English translation of the Greek word “ekklesia” meaning “called out.” Truly, the Church has been called out of sin and separated unto God.

Matthew 16:17-19 KJV  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  (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.  (19)  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

The Greek word for Peter is Petros, referring to a fragment of a rock or stone. Jesus used the word petra, which refers to a massive living rock. The Church is not built upon Peter, but Jesus was saying He would build it upon the rock of revelation that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God!”

Therefore it is so important to receive the revelation that the God of heaven was manifest in human flesh. He was not just another man, he was not an eternal son, but God in the flesh came to save the lost. 

Acts 2:46-47 KJV  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  (47)  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The book of Acts reveals to us the birth of the church. The early days of the New Covenant were certainly some exciting times. These new believers could not get enough of gathering together to worship our great God. The church should always have a special place in the heart of God’s people. It is where God meets with us and we can come worship him freely in “spirit and truth.”

Our church attendance is an indication of our spiritual condition. The church in Acts has just recently been born again the way the bible teaches. Their zeal was a reflection of that new birth experience. They wanted to be in church and around other believers EVERYDAY. The more sinful a person becomes, the less they want to be near God and God’s people. So, they draw back from attending church, offering many excuses that seem as though they are justified.

Every Christian recognizes the importance and power of prayer. There is power and spiritual victory that only comes when we pray. A consistent prayer life is necessary for a true relationship with God to develop. While many view prayer as simply making our needs known unto God, its purpose is much deeper than that. Our level of consecration unto God determines our usefulness to Him. Certainly, we can and should make our needs known to Him. But what about His needs from our prayer life? Do we stop to consider what is on His mind during our time of prayer?

This is even more so when we pray together as believers. Unity in all spiritual things has a compounding effect. When we gather together, a powerful multiplying effect happens. Praying with our fellow believers is a powerful force. This type of corporate prayer is fully capable of bringing down spiritual strongholds. Praying together encourages the believers and gets the attention of heaven and hell. This is why the enemy does his best to keep us from praying together.

James 5:16 KJV  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Some people use the terms praise and worship synonymously. They are quite different in that you can praise without worship, but you cannot worship without praise. Biblical worship is when honor or respect is shown to God as being superior to us. In demonstrating this honor, bowing or kneeling is often used to express that honor. So true worship involves submission to God. When we willingly submit, naturally we want to express our respect for God through things like praise.

Scripture tells us that nature teaches us things about God. (1 Cor 11:14) One commentator says that dogs express reverence to their master by licking their master’s hand. God is a spirit; therefore, we cannot lick His hand. Christians should know how and why they are worshipping God. They should know ways to worship God that are acceptable to Him. From the garden, we learn a valuable lesson on worship. God does not accept just any form of worship that we bring before Him. Able brought a sacrifice that God had seemingly already made known to be acceptable. The redeemed should always desire and be determined to please their redeemer.

Matthew 15:6 KJV  ….Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Matthew 15:9 KJV  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Since the beginning of time, God has used humanity in His doings upon the earth. Despite our shortcomings, regardless of the many times we have let Him down; He continues to use us in vital roles in His kingdom. Preaching is one of those assignments. Preaching is the concept of God using humanity to declare what He wants to be said. It is specifically used for the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it.

Jesus gave a warning to the leaders in his day of the effects of preaching done in an improper way. Even then, He did not dismiss the importance of preaching. Rather, he corrected what was being said and the lifestyle behind the one doing the preaching. Regardless, we need pastors who will preach whatever God puts upon their hearts. Your confidence in your pastor will greatly affect how preaching impacts your life. If you are not submitted to him, you are not likely to benefit from his preaching. If he is not preaching the bible truths and living a godly lifestyle, it is time to seek God for one who will.

Since the creation of mankind, God has used humanity to accomplish His will on earth. He assigned Adam a responsibility in the garden. He called upon Noah to build a life-saving Ark. He involved Moses in delivering His people from Egypt. Today, He has placed the responsibility of leading sinners to salvation upon the ministry.

The relationship we have with our Pastor will determine if we are saved. Many have had a bad experience with a Pastor. Because of this, they dismiss the importance of this role in their life. Our Pastor is the single most significant person in our life. They are not perfect, and certainly, some do fall short.

Romans 13:1-5 KJV  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  (2)  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  (3)  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  (4)  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  (5)  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

God’s kingdom is established with order and spiritual authority. (Government) The ministry is a critical part of that authority structure. Paul warned the church in Rome that to resist your Pastor, was to resist the very ordinance of God. But he also instructed the church in Corinth that they were only to follow him as he was following Christ. (1 Cor 11:1) May the shepherds of today lead God’s flock in a manner worthy of their calling. May the sheep of God’s church submit themselves to His ministry.