Lecture 6: Understanding The Church and The Apostles Creed
Opening Prayer
Thanking God for His word, the church, and the growth of the community.
Prayer for baptisms and baby dedications to occur.
Overview of Today's Lecture
Focus on understanding the church: What and who is the church?
Discuss a controversial statement within the Apostles Creed.
Homework recap and sharing gospel stories.
Key Statement of the Day
"I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen."
Clarification of the term "Holy Catholic Church"—not referring to Roman Catholicism.
Homework and Gospel Sharing
Encouragement to share the gospel and witness to others.
Discussion of personal stories of evangelism.
The Apostles Creed
Brief, ancient, Trinitarian, and christocentric.
Purpose: To combat heresies, use in catechism, and define terms.
What is the Church?
Definitions and Concepts
Built by Christ: Matthew 16:13-19 — Jesus says He will build His church.
Eklesia: Greek for church, congregation, assembly.
Catholic: Means universal, not related to the Roman Catholic Church.
Continuation from the Old Testament: The church's roots are traced back to the covenants and assemblies of Israel.
Holy: Set apart, separated for God's purpose (Isaiah 6).
Administers of Communion: Means of Grace through word, baptism, communion, and prayer.
Church Structure
Plurality of Elders: Multiple leaders for accountability and guidance.
Visible and Invisible Church: Distinction between those present physically and those truly part of God’s family.
Key Scriptural References
Matthew 16:13-19: Jesus discusses the foundation of the church.
Acts 9:19-31: The conversion of Saul and his role in the early church.
Romans 11:13-24: Analogy of being grafted into the olive tree (Israel).
1 Peter 2:9: Christians as a chosen race, royal priesthood.
Catholic vs. Protestant Beliefs
Roman Catholic Doctrines: Disagreement with apocryphal books, Marian dogmas, transubstantiation, and equal authority of church tradition and scripture.
Protestant Reformation: Emphasis on grace alone, faith alone, scripture over tradition.
Church Discipline
Biblical basis in Matthew 18, Galatians 6, Titus 3, and 1 Corinthians 5.
Aim: To restore fellowship and holiness within the church.
Upcoming Session
Questions for discussion next week regarding sanctification, Jesus's divinity, final judgment, and church discipline.
Closing
Reminder of the church's mission to love, serve, and proclaim the Gospel.
Prayer for continued growth and understanding in the church.