For a Ppt of this lecture please click on the title. Go to the next page and "click here"

THE CHURCH AND ITS MINISTRY PART 4

The Church as God’s Creation Under the Word

Additional ways Scripture defines the church

1.Creature and creation of the Word of God (Living and written)

2.Church under the Word of God (Living and written)

1 Thessalonians 2:13

We also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

Galatians 1:11-12

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

ACTS 2:41-42

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day [Pentecost]. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Two primary implications of the church being Christ’s Body and being a creature and creation of his Word:

1. A) The Church is Christ’s Body not ours. He remains Head of his Body still today. He remains Lord over his Body.
2. B) Those leading in Christ’s ministry lead first by following him, by being under him and his written word, as interpreted in the light of who he is as the Living Word of God.