Systematic Theology: The Doctrine of The Church Part 1: Inauguration, Definition, and Unity

Pastor Terrie Beede's "Studies in Theology" series, grounded in the anchor text of 1 Timothy 4:16, transitioned from its in-depth exploration of the Doctrine of Man to The Doctrine of The Church Part 1: Inauguration, Definition, and Unity. Beede reiterated Paul's solemn charge to Timothy to "take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine" and "continue in them," emphasizing that this commitment ensures both the minister's own salvation and that of their hearers, underscoring that doctrine is not "dry and dead" but "living and vibrant".The session began by reviewing previous studies, including the introduction to theology, the existence of God, the Trinity, the Word of God, the attributes of God, and the doctrines of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Doctrine of Man, covering its purpose, the doctrine of sin, and the fall, was the immediate precursor to this new study.The core of the discussion centered on the Calvary Chapel Milwaukee's statement of faith regarding the church: "We believe in the universal church, the living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all who are born again are members".Beede initiated the study by examining the inauguration of the church as depicted in Acts chapter 2, specifically Pentecost. Here, Peter's sermon led to approximately 3,000 souls being added to the church. These early believers "continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers," characterized by signs, wonders, and a shared communal life.Next, the meaning of ecclesia, the common New Testament term for the church, was explored. Derived from Greek, ecclesia literally means "the called out ones". Unlike the democratic assemblies of Greek city-states, the church is composed of people "called out of the world," permanently separated "from sin and evil". Scriptural passages such as Isaiah 52:11, Jeremiah 51:45, Acts 2, 2 Corinthians 6:17, 1 Peter 2:9, and Revelation 18:4 were cited to support this concept of being "called out of darkness and into his marvelous light". This calling is a dynamic, ongoing event, not just a one-time summons.The church is called in several ways:• Out of the world.• Together as an "assembly of those that are called," with new believers being "added to the congregation" by the Lord, not merely signing up for a list.• Into one body, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:13.• For a purpose, described as a "holy calling" based on God's grace and purposes, not works. This purpose includes being called "unto obedience" (1 Peter 1:1-2) and "to fellowship" with God and with one another (1 John 1:3).The New Testament definition of the church was then presented as: "all people who have been reconciled to God by faith and who have received new life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ". This encompasses the universal church, meaning all born-again believers.The session also touched upon the scope and nature of the church:• The church is universal, existing wherever Jesus Christ's name is spoken and believers are born again.• The church is local, found in house churches, city-wide congregations (e.g., "church of God which is at Corinth"), and potentially even regional gatherings.• The church is transcendent, extending beyond earthly boundaries such as gender, race, social status, and nationality. In Christ, "there is neither Jew nor Greek," "neither slave nor free," "neither male nor female". Astonishingly, it also transcends terrestrial boundaries, appearing in heaven (Hebrews 12:22-23) and therefore transcends time, comprising all believers for all eternity.• The church is one, as Jesus stated, "I will build my church" (singular, Matthew 16:18). This oneness is a call to unity and communion, reflecting the Trinity itself. Continuedhttps://ccmilwaukee.com/podcasts/media/2009-10-28-the-doctrine-of-the-church