Bible Study

Title: What is the Church?
Date: Sep 7, 2005
Topic(s): Christian Living/Situational
Scripture: Romans 12:4-15, Hebrews 12:1

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Here's the church and here's the steeple
Open the door and see all the people

There's truth in this old nursery rhyme. The church is not a building, though that may be where everyone gathers. Rather, the church is people.

What Does God Say?

The apostle Paul teaches that:

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others" (Romans 12:4-5, NLT).

What's another word for the terms "Christ's body" and "chosen people"?

The term church has two meanings in the New Testament. It may refer to the " Universal Church"--comprised of all those who have a relationship with God through faith in Christ. Out of 97 times the word "church" is used in the New Testament, there are three instances of this meaning.

Church can also refer to a local or particular church, meaning a group of Christians who choose to meet regularly in a particular place for worship, missions, service, discipleship and fellowship.

My Thoughts

What is the significance of the " Universal Church" to you? Choose from the following:

1. I have identification with all believers, who have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
2. I am surrounded by a great body of examples to the life of faith.
3. all of the above.

As you think about that question, read Hebrews 12:1:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us" (NLT).

Write in your own words what this means to you.

Look at the definition of the local church above and list three of its five purposes.

"When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow" (Romans 12:15, NLT).

My Part

Pray that God would help you understand and commit yourself fully to the church.

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