Ecclesiology
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Ecclesiology is the study, or doctrine of the Church.

The Greek word Ekklesia, meaning assembly, a specific called out assembly. In the Christian sense it's the assembly of saints. Those set apart for God's purpose. All true Christians are saints; set apart ones.

We often exclaim that we are 'Going to church'. However, Christians are individual members of the church, it is not a physical building, no matter how beautiful a Cathredral may be! The assembling of the saints is often on Sundays, commemorating the risen Christ. Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. Historically the church has assembled on Sundays for corporate worship.

The Church Described in many Metaphors

The Church's Mission

Make Disciples. Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 24:46-47. This has become known as the Great Commission of the church. See the Discipleship page on what a disciple is.

Their and our commission is to Go (literally 'as you are going') and Make Disciples. You (God working through you) make disciples by proclaiming the Gospel. Romans 1:16 Then Baptize them (those that believe) and Teach them all that Jesus taught. (all that the Scriptures teach).

The Church's Goal - Maturity leading to Holiness

We start out as spiritual newborns 1 Peter 2:2, and are to grow to maturity: Ephesians 4:11-15, 1 Peter 1:14-16. To become more like Christ. 2 Peter 1:2-6.

The Church's Ordinances

Communion

The Communion, or Breaking of Bread, was instituted by Jesus on the night of His betrayal as He and His disciples were sharing in the Passover meal. Matthew 26:26-28. This of course was not the real body nor real blood of Christ as He was there breaking literal bread and drinking literal wine from the cup. It was the Passover meal, looking back at the sacrifice of a lamb to pass over the son's of Israel prior to their flight from Eqypt. Recall what John the Baptist said when Jesus came to the Jordan River. John 1:29. Jesus' death was to pay the price for our sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21

We partake in this, in remembrance of Christ"s sacrifice. Luke 22:19

Baptism (Water)

Baptism is an outward testimony of what was (once we believe) an inward reality, our 'coming to Christ'. It depicts our dying with Christ and being resurrected to a new life. Romans 6:1-4, This verse speaks of a spiritual reality Colossians 1:13

Baptism should be a believer's first act of obedience! Matthew28:19-20

The Church's Practice - The One Anothers