New Testament DoctrineNew Testament DoctrineClassClass

Church (ekklesia)• Generic definition – a group of

people called out together• New Testament definition – the

group of people called out to follow Christ

I. Two New Testament Applications• Universal

- Matthew 16:18- Ephesians 1:20-22- Hebrews 12:22-23

All the people called out to All the people called out to follow Christ of all time follow Christ of all time

in all placesin all places

New Testament Doctrine - The ChurchThe ChurchUniversal and Local

• Local- I Corinthians 1:2- Philippians 1:1- Galatians 1:1-2- Acts 9:31

All the people called out to All the people called out to follow Christ in a certain follow Christ in a certain

community at a given timecommunity at a given time

New Testament Doctrine - The ChurchThe ChurchUniversal and Local

II. Distinctions between the twoUniversal Local

Fellowship Centered on GodCentered on God

Centered on other Centered on other ChristiansChristians

II. Distinctions between the twoUniversal Local

Entry When God accepts When God accepts oneone

When the people When the people of God accepts of God accepts one (Acts 9:26)one (Acts 9:26)

II. Distinctions between the twoUniversal Local

Duration For eternity or For eternity or until one becomes until one becomes unfaithful unfaithful (Rev. 3:21)(Rev. 3:21)

Until physical Until physical separation, separation, withdrawal, or withdrawal, or death occurs death occurs (Acts 8:2; (Acts 8:2; II Thess. 3:6)II Thess. 3:6)

II. Distinctions between the two Universal Local

Establishment From the From the beginning of the beginning of the preaching of the preaching of the gospel (Acts 2:47)gospel (Acts 2:47)

When Christians When Christians join in fellowship join in fellowship (Acts 11:21-23)(Acts 11:21-23)

II. Distinctions between the two Universal Local

Organization Is heavenly based Is heavenly based (Eph. 1:22) (Eph. 1:22)

Is earthly based Is earthly based (Acts 20:17, 28)(Acts 20:17, 28)

II. Distinctions between the twoUniversal Local

Unity and Divisibility

For eternity or For eternity or until one becomes until one becomes unfaithful unfaithful (Rev. 3:21)(Rev. 3:21)

Until physical Until physical separation, separation, withdrawal, or withdrawal, or death occurs death occurs (Acts 8:2; (Acts 8:2; II Thess. 3:6)II Thess. 3:6)

II. Distinctions between the two Universal Local

Membership Based on God’s Based on God’s judgmentjudgment

Based on man’s Based on man’s judgment judgment (III John 10)(III John 10)