The Marks of a Church

The Marks of a Church

“Church Discipline” 1 Corinthians 5:1-12

Theme: God disciplines us to help us grow. Aim: We must be courageous, careful, discerning, gracious, gentle, and loving as we are faithful to Scripture to practice church discipline. (1) What Is Discipline? 3 Contexts a. God disciplines us b. We discipline ourselves c. We are disciplined by others (2) Is It Wrong to Judge? (3) Discipline in a Local Church? – 2 Forms a. Formative Discipline b. Corrective Discipline (4) Discipline Out of Love

“The Lord’s Supper” 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Theme: God has given a meal of remembrance fulfilling the Jewish meals (in particular the passover meal) and pointing forward to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, whereby we proclaim Jesus’ Christ’s death until He returns. Aim: Feed upon Christ by faith alone. The Lord’s Supper is… (1) A picture of feeding upon Christ by faith (2) A Meal of Remembrance (3) For believers in Jesus Christ (4) For the local church (5) It doesn’t save us

“Baptism” Romans 6:1-14

Theme: Baptism is the immersing of believers in Jesus Christ united them to the church and is a picture of conversion from sin to Jesus Christ. Aim: Let us be found faithful as we practice baptism corresponding to faith in Christ, an appeal for a good conscience washed clean through the blood of Christ. (1) A Picture of Conversion (Romans 5-6) (2) Immersion In Water (Matthew 13:13-17; Romans 6:3-11) (3) For Repenting Believers In Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:6, 11; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 8:12-13; 18:8; ) (4) Union to Church (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-42; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13) a. What about infant baptism? (5) Baptism Doesn’t Save You (1 Peter 3:21)

“Preaching” 2 Timothy 3:16-4:5

Theme: Preaching is the proclamation of God’s Word and the applying of God’s Word to listeners through the gospel. Aim: Treasure preaching so that we can find our satisfaction in Christ, and be built up to share the gospel with our neighbors. (1) What is Preaching? a. Heralding/Announcing/Proclaiming the Gospel b. Heralding/Announcing/Proclaiming the Bible (2) Preaching Faithfully Because of God’s Judgment a. Final Judgment of the Preacher b. Final Judgment of the Hearer (3) Treasure Preaching

“The Church” Ephesians 1:22-23

Theme: A church is created by God’s Word, a gathering/assembly of believers, with members, meets regularly on the Lord’s day, is orderly, and has the marks of the right preaching of the Word, administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and church discipline. Aim: If you trust in Christ, joyfully join a church. (1) Elect, Evangelical Believers (2) The Bible – God Creates Churches Through His Word (3) Church/Ekklesia – A Gathering of People Called Out for God a. Universal/Invisible b. Local/Visible (4) Membership (5) Regular (6) Orderly