Intro WATC

For every We Are the Church post, click HERE

As we dig even deeper into the Biblical idea of the church in general and what Trinity Baptist Church does and why, let's look at some primary reasons for doing this topic (We Are the Church) this way (in our Deacon Care Groups). 

“We Are the Church” is the Adult Christian Education everyone will be doing this fall because we must constantly be reminded of who we are and what we should be about.  In the “Theology Matters” study this summer, Zach shared this one-sentence explanation of the church.

The church is the assembly of believers who regularly meet together across the whole world, glorifying God by obeying His Word and discipling one another in the unity that comes through Christ Jesus.

As we begin this study on September 10, two ideas will be repeated throughout the entire series. 

1. The church is a specific group of people – saved people.  
2. This group of people is focused on the glorification of God.  Two ways we do this are through helping and equipping believers to grow in the Gospel & sharing the Gospel with those who need to be saved

In the first week of every membership class, Pastor Brett shares some incorrect ideas about the church.

The church is not a club, a voluntary organization, or a service provider
The church is not a meeting time.  There are times when the church gathers.
The church is not a building.  There may be a designated place where the church meets together.

What does the Bible say the church is?  God's word contains several different images to explain what the church is.

In Ephesians 5:22-23, the church is called a bride. 

In 1 Timothy 3:14-15 and Romans 8:15-17, 29-30, the church is a family. 

In Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:13; and Ephesians 4:11-12, the church is a body. 

 

 

In Ephesians 2:19-22, the church is a building. 

 

In Acts 20:28-32, the church is a flock.

The church of God must live according to God’s plan in dependence upon God’s power for God’s glory.

Ephesians 4:11-16 shows us that God provided apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for equipping the saints.  This is a familiar passage about the purpose of the church and church leaders and will be referenced in several different lessons.

Read through this passage and look for result statements.

God's plan for individual believers and his church is spiritual growth.

As you think about this week's lesson and look ahead to next week's lesson, "Meaningful Membership,"  plan to grow as an individual and as a church.

Additional Resources
https://www.challies.com/articles/whats-the-purpose-of-the-church/

DISCIPLESHIP & EVANGELISM THREAD:

The church's purpose is to glorify God, and the two main ways we do this are through helping and equipping believers to grow in the Gospel & sharing the Gospel with those who need to be saved.

Lesson Schedule

9/10        Introduction
9/17        Meaningful Membership
9/24        Intentional Relationships
10/1        Ministries of the Church
10/08      75th Celebration
10/15      Prayer & the Church
10/22      The Bible & the Church
10/29      Preaching & the Church
11/05      Leadership & the Church
11/12      Discipline & the Church
11/19      The Gathering of the Church

For every We Are the Church, click HERE