What Does it Mean to Be the Church? Part II

Purpose: to biblically define key terms in the Christian church

5. Why the Church? What is its Purpose? (Matt. 22:36-40; Mk. 12:29-31; Lk. 10:27;
   Ex. 3:14; Jn. 8:58; Isa. 42:8; 45:23; Phil. 2:10; Jn. 12:28; Rom. 11:26; Rev. 1:17, 13)
       To Love God and Love Others, the Great Commandments
       For God’s glory!
       To grow up into the Head, Jesus Christ (Eph 4:15)
       The church is the bride, Christ is the Bridegroom (Eph 5, esp v. 23)

6. What is the Doctrinal Authority of the Church? (Lk. 24:44-47; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21)
       The Scriptures and the Gospel

7. What are the Ordinances of the Church and Their Importance? (Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 6:1-14; 1 Cor. 11:20-26)
       Baptism
       The Lord’s Supper

The true church exists for the glory of God, for the love of God and neighbor. The true church has the Christian Scriptures and the gospel as her authority. Members in the church are identified by their faithful observance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.