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Sample page - Scroll the mouse over the Blank Spots for the Suggested Answers C The ChurchThis study looks at one of the most confusing and misunderstood doctrines of the Bible. People have all kinds of ideas as to what a church really is. Some people think it is a building (a cathedral, or some place of worship). Others think of a church as a denomination (a human organization) and speak of the "Catholic Church," the "Presbyterian Church," the "Baptist Church," etc. Many Christians conceive the "Church" as consisting of all born-again believers in the world, a kind of "invisible, universal" church. Our task is to put aside these notions and determine what God says a church is in His Word.
THE CHURCH IS A NEW TESTAMENT INSTITUTION. Look up: Matthew 16;18. This is the FIRST mention of the Church in the Bible. A. Who founded (built) the Church? __________________________ B. Look up: John 1:42. What is the meaning of Peter’s name? _______________________________ Note: Peter’s full name is Simon Peter bar Jona C. Look up: I Peter 2:3,4,6-8. Who did Peter identify as the "Rock" upon which the Church would be built? ______________________________ Note: The Old Testament is primarily addressed to the nation of Israel. The New Testament is mainly addressed to churches. DO NOT CONFUSE THE TWO. The Bible makes the distinction in I Corinthians 10:32.
THE CHURCH IS AN ASSEMBLY. The word "church" (or "churches") is found 114 times in the New Testament, and is rendered from the Greek word "EKKLESIA."
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