Church
Ephesians 2:1-10, 5:25-27, Romans 5:1-9, & 6:1-16
Ecclesia translated “Church” occurs three times in Matthew, 23 times in Acts, 62 times in Paul’s letters, twice in Hebrews, once in James, three times in the third Epistle of John, and 20 times in Revelations.
Jesus did not coin this word, it was in common use before he used it.
Ecclesia occurs 114 times in New Testament. Only twice does it refer to the redeemed of all time.
I: Jesus Never Built Anything After He Left the Carpenter Shop, but His Church.
1. Christ is the designer. He designed it for his kingdom purpose.
2. He is the architect. He tells us what kind of material to build with.
3. He is the builder. He fits every piece.
4. He is the foundation. The strong refused by Israel.
5. He is the owner, “My church.”
6. He is the occupant. It is his dwelling.
7. Qualifications were clearly defined. Faith and Baptism proceeded church membership.
8. Paul left an organized church in every place he left christian converts.
9. Baptism in the New Testament was always proceeded by a profession of faith.
a. John demanded a change.
b. Jesus commanded that disciplining proceeded baptism.
c. Peter baptized after profession.
d. Phillip baptized the Eunich after ascertaining that he had accepted Christ.
e. Without a single exception, baptism was proceeded by faith.
II: Baptism:
1. Word used to refer to a smith dipping a piece of hot iron in water to temper it.
a. Greeks putting the point of their swords in a bowl of blood.
b. “The introduction or placing of a person, or thing into a new environment, or into union with something else so as to alter its condition or relationship.”
c. The act of God introducing a believer into vital union with Jesus Christ, identifying with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. Thus the one baptized is showing an alteration of his life or a change to new environment.
d. Sinful nature dead!
2. The christian has been connected with new hopes, desires, and appetites.
3. To say no to the old way of life, and yes to the new, will bring a victorious way of life.
4. The power of sin has been broken the divine nature of Christ is ours. We don’t have to live on a lower place of sin.
The Church is God’s plan to mature the Christian, & win a lost world.
11/15/1970: Emmanuel, Dos Palos.
08/13/1972: Vale Vista Baptist, Hemet.