2. Outline for topic Teaching Series "The Church" Organism or Organization?

Now that I have provided a teaching defining doctrine and the necessity of being aware of the impact of doctrines on our lives, I will continue this series with a teaching on “the church". The church is simply the collection of believers in Christ Jesus, His body. The literal definition is a combination of two thoughts -- the point where motion or actions proceed and to call. Therefore, the definition of church is combined as a calling out. However you will note that most translations/definitions will refer to the church as a building, a religious service, a particular group, community or assembly. Although I understand the intent to classify the church in such a manner; however, those descriptions undermine the spirit, heart and intent of what Jesus our Lord revealed to us when He told Peter saying, “Upon this rock I will be build my church.”

With understanding we realize that Jesus referred to the revelation that God our Father had given Peter. That revelation is that Jesus is the Christ. The church is built, constructed upon the revelation that Jesus is the Christ. He is the anointed one. Jesus is the one appointed and consecrated by God as Savior and Redeemer of the world. Jesus is the Christ and He is the Head of the Church. Jesus Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone in whom the whole building fits framed together. This building is His body and His church.

In this teaching on the church, I will examine who is the church, how we become the church and what the function of the church is. I will provide evidence that the church and body of Christ are one in the same. I will expound upon the attributes of the church described in the epistles in stark contradiction with the attributes of the church today. You will then have the opportunity to decide if you are indeed the church, the body of Christ and if you are functioning or walking as such. Our purpose is always that we would walk in the light and in the liberty that Christ Jesus has given us.  Please review the attached document containing definitions and preparatory scripture. Click here to download.  The video teaching on the Church will be uploaded on Friday, November 21, 2014.

If you have not done so, please watch the video teaching on doctrines and review the definitions provide in the preparatory outline from the blog post on doctrines as the definition will prove useful as we continue throughout this series.