Scripture’s doctrine of the Church. I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian Church.” Scripture’s doctrine of the Church

Scripture’s doctrine of Scripture’s doctrine of the Churchthe Church

I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian Church.”Church.”

Scripture’s doctrine of Scripture’s doctrine of the Churchthe Church

I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian Church.”Church.”A. ONE.


There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:4-6

A. ONE.

I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian Church.”Church.”B. HOLY.

I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian Church.”Church.”B. HOLY.

…just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

Ephesians 5:25-27

I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian Church.”Church.”C. INVISIBLE

I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian Church.”Church.”C. INVISIBLE…

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his.’

2 Timothy 2:19


D. …BUT YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND IT!


D. …BUT YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND IT!For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

Matthew 18:20


D. …BUT YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND IT!Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Romans 10:17



…just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

Ephesians 5:25-27



[The Church] is principally an association of faith and the Holy Spirit in the hearts of persons. Nevertheless it has external marks so that it can be recognized, namely, the pure teaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

Apology of the Augsburg Confession Art. VII & VIII

The ChurchThe Church vs.vs. churcheschurches

• One.


• One. • Many.Not only I but all the

churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house.

Romans 16:4


• One.• All times and

places.

• Many.



places.

• Many.• Specific times and

places.



places.


places.To the angel of the

church at Ephesus write….To the angel of the church at Smyrna write…

Revelation 2-3



places.• Only believers.


places.





places.• Believers AND

hypocrites.






hypocrites (Secret unbelievers who join the church for reasons other than personal faith)



places.• Only believers.• No one, external

organization.



hypocrites

The Church The Church vs.vs.churcheschurches



organization.



hypocrites • Congregations,

synods, denominations, etc.




organization.





• Come and go.




organization.• Never fails

(Matthew 16:18).





• Come and go.

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Scripture’s doctrine of the Church. I. “I believe in one, holy, Christian Church.” Scripture’s doctrine of the Church