The Ecclesia of God

Cor. 1 1:1-2

Scriptural Context: Paul addresses a letter to the church of God at Corinth.

I: The Letter Was to the Church of God.
1. It was not addressed to an individual but to an organized called out people of God.
2. Paul dealt with individuals in the church membership.
3. “There are two senses in which the word church is used:
a. All believers, whether they are thought of as existing on earth, or on earth and in Heaven at any particular time, or as the total assembly of the redeemed in the life to come. Eph. 5:25-27.
b. The great majority of New Testament passages indicate a local body composed of believers in Jesus Christ who are associated together for the cultivation of the christian life, the maintenance of the ordiances and discipline, and for the propagation of the gospel.” E.Y. Mullins.

II: The Church Divine in its Origin & Existence.
1. The church was planned in the eternal past.
2. It was founded by Jesus Christ during His ministry on earth.
3. It was commissioned before He ascended on High.
4. It was improwered on the day of Penticost.
5. Its work is directed by the Holy Spirit.
6. Jesus is the head of the church, recognized by the scriptures. (Constantine 3:13).

III: The Church is Democratic in its Administration.
1. Everybody is somebody in a New Testament church.
2. There is no rule outside the local body except that of Jesus.
3. It may give or accept advice but is under no rule except that which its members feel led to adapt as of the Lord.
4. The New Testament church at Corinth was an independent democratic body of Christ and its authority over its own membership was recognized by Paul.

What kind of a church would my church be if every member were just like me?