God’s Special Invitation The family of god in community

What is the Christian church? How should it be organized and administered? The church is a community of believers that accept the call of Jesus Christ and receive Him as their own personal Savior and Lord. Christ is the leader of the church and guides in the worship, companionship and service.

1. In Ephesians 1:22, 23, what does the Bible say about the church?

He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

The metaphor of the body explains the union of the church and the functional position of each member in relationship to everything.

The church is the body of Christ. Christ is the “head of the body” (Ephesians 5:23).

2.What is the work of the church? (Matthew 28:18-20)

Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

3. (3) What did Jesus affirm about His flock? (John 10:16)

I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.

4. Even though there are many and different members, what aspect did Jesus focus upon in His church? (John 17:23)

I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.

5. What steps must we follow to receive salvation? (Mark 16:15, 16)

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.

6. What does baptism signify? (Romans 6:3-5)

We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.

Baptism would not have had significance as a symbol of the passion of Christ, if the apostolic Church had practiced another form of baptism other than that of immersion. Baptism represents death to sin —the putting away of the old lifestyle, and living a new life by the power of Christ.

7. What ordinances did Jesus leave to renew our connection with Him and our brothers? (John 13:10, 15 and Matthew 26:26-29)

Jesus said to him, “Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, “All of you drink it, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins. But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s Kingdom.

Two big ordinances assist the Christian faith - Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The first is the front door to the church; the last favors those who are members and through their participation they witness of their acceptance of Christ as their personal Savior.

Would you like to have the assurance of salvation?