9-Ecclesiology
This study is a discussion of the fundamental nature and mission of the Church, particularly as it finds expression through the lives of individual disciples within the local church.
A. The Church
Discussion 1
Read the following Scriptures and discuss the different ways in which the word ‘church’ is used. What are different things that “church” refers to? [Note: The Universal Body of Christ, a local congregation, a group of local churches, the bride of Christ, a family (brothers and sisters), etc.]. (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:27-28; Colossians 1:18, 24; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:7-9; 21:1-2; Ephesians 2:19; 1 Timothy 3:15; Romans 16:1; Galatians 1:2; Philemon 1:2; Colossians 4:15; Romans 16:4, 16; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Revelation 1:19-20).
Discussion 2
The Church is not the Kingdom, but the Kingdom creates the Church. Jesus said that His Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Discuss what this means for the Church. (In one way, this means that the Kingdom/Church is not a political institution; also consider the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount).
Discussion 3
On the cornerstone at the entrance to Angelus Temple is the inscription: “Dedicated unto the Cause of inter-denominational and worldwide evangelism.” Why do you think that it is important to understand that the Church is inter-denominational and world-wide, consisting of all who belong to Christ…Abraham’s seed…heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29)?
Discussion 4
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-28 and discuss the characteristics of the church as the Body of Christ (look for at least 5 or 6 characteristics).
Discussion 5
The Foursquare Statement of Faith #16 on Church Relationship says: “We believe that followers of Christ have a sacred duty to identify with the visible church of Jesus Christ and should meet regularly with fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). Do you agree with this statement? If so, how should it be practiced? If not, why not?
B. The People of the Church
Discussion 6
Discuss the various characteristics of the people of the church found in the following verses: (1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 1:11-12; Romans 1:7; Ephesians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2,6:11; Colossians 1:2). [Note: They are chosen for praise, loved by God, holy, sanctified, faithful brothers and sisters].
Discussion 7
According to the following verses, how are the people of the church to live? (Ephesians 3:16-19, 5:18; John 13:14, 34-35; 17:22-23; Matthew 24:9; 2 Timothy 3:12; Romans 12:9-21; Ephesians 4:22-32). [Note: Filled with the Spirit, love, serving, unity, persecuted, transformed lives, forgiving, etc.].
Discussion 8
If Christians are going to go from converts of Christ to ever-growing disciples of Christ who are disciple-makers, how important do you think it is for them to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in (their) inner being, so that Christ may dwell in (their) hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:16-17).
Discussion 9
What impact do you think it has on the Church’s testimony when its members truly love one another (John 13:34-35)? Why?
Discussion 10
If you have been personally persecuted for the Gospel, share what that persecution involved and how Jesus helped you (Matthew 24:9; 2 Timothy 3:12).
Discussion 11
Read Ephesians 4:7-16 and discuss the following: who is to be equipped for works of service (ministry)? Who does the equipping? What does it mean to equip? What is the result? How does this fit in with 2 Corinthians 5:17-21?
Discussion 12
Looking back over your personal journey with Christ, what are some ways in which you were equipped for works of service (Ephesians 4:12).
Discussion 13
Read Acts 2:42-47 and discuss the practices of the new believers in Jerusalem.
C. The Church’s Mission
Discussion 14
Discuss the following Foursquare Global Distinctive #6: Shared Mission: We will focus our mission and ministry efforts on multiplying disciples, leaders, churches, and national movements. Holding to God’s passion for the lost, we will seek a movement of evangelism, mercy ministries, contextualized church planting and mobilizing indigenous believers in ministry among all peoples.
Discussion 15
How do you see the church working together in your community to advance the Gospel?
Discussion 16
Since the mission of the Church is a continuation of the mission that Jesus began, read Luke 4:16-21, and discuss what that means for the church today and for you personally.
Discussion 17
What do the following verses tell us about the relationship between the will of God and the mission of the Church? (Acts 13:1-3; 15:28; 16:6-10).
Discussion 18
Is there a difference between Mark 16:15 – “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all nations…” and Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go and make disciples of all nations…”?
Discussion 19
In your opinion, why does Foursquare emphasize the importance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit in terms of doing the Church’s mission? (Acts 1:7-8).
Discussion 20
How can a local church find the balance between sharing the gospel and social ministries? (Matthew 25:34-46; James 1:27; 2:14-16; 1 John 3:17-18; Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37).
Discussion 21
How do the following verses about the return of Jesus relate to the mission of the Church? (Titus 2:13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Discussion 22
The Church is to continue the mission of Jesus by proclaiming the Kingdom of God and demonstrating its power. Read and discuss the following verses as they apply to the church today: (Matthew 4:23-24; 8:16; 10:1; Luke 4:16-21; 10:8-9; 17:17-21; Acts 3:1-10; 5:12-16; 8:4-8; 28:8-9).
Discussion 23
Discuss the mission of the Church as it relates to worship. (John 4:23-24; Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 4:9-11; 7:9-12). This includes communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
Discussion 24
Discuss the role prayer and the mission of the Church. (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 10:2; 18:1; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 6:18-20).
Discussion 25
Discuss the role of spiritual warfare and the mission of the church. (Matthew 16:18-19; Luke 10:17-20; Ephesians 6:10-12; 1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7; 1 John 5:4-5, 19).
Discussion 26
In the Great Commission in Matthew 28:20 it says to teach new disciples to follow the commands of Jesus. Discuss the place of the public reading of Scripture, preaching and teaching in church services. (1 Timothy 4:6, 13-16; 2 Timothy 2:1-2, 15; 3:14-17; 4:1-4; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Acts 20:20, 27; 1 Thessalonians 5:14).