1. List the seven terms that describe the church. (1) the body which must function in unity (assembled and unassembled); (2) the Temple of God which has a foundation, the cornerstone, and building blocks or stones (a division of labor); (3) the Bride of Christ made up of those who are trusting Christ; (4) the Flock of God under the leadership of an Undershepherd (the Great Commission is satisfied when we find, fold, and feed sheep; shepherd's role is protection and discipline); (5) the Garden of God which should grow and bear fruit (church is organization and organism); (6) the Family of God to show how we fit together; and (7) the Priesthood for sacrifice, witnessing, and intercession.
2. What is the difference between the definition of the church and the description of the church? The description of the church present seven images or pictures of the church, and each one teaches some eternal truths about its nature, purpose, and function. Each image speaks to a different way that life is found in the church, and each one presents the church from a different perspective. The description shows the church as a living organism. The definition of the church is theological. The description is implicit while the definition is explicit and based on word meanings.
3. How does the body relate to the head? Christ is the Head, and He must be given preeminence. The church must be willing to receive orders, and the result will be quantitative and qualitative growth.
4. In what sense does the temple grow? The body grows by the division of cells. People are individual cells in the church, and the church grows when one cell becomes two.
5. How does the bride relate to the bridegroom? The bride is the church, made up of those who have put their faith in Christ. The bridegroom is Jesus, and He has limitless love for His bride. Jesus will return for the church at the Rapture and take us to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. At that time, the church Age will end, and there will be a glorious celebration.
6. What were the three terms that described the flock? The Great Commission is fulfilled by finding sheep (making disciples), folding them (baptizing), and feeding them (teaching).
7. What is "fruit" in the garden of God? Fruit is soul-winning. It is also the life of Christ flowing through the branches to manifest the characteristics of Galatians 5:22. Fruitbearing (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) draws others to Christ.
8. How does the family describe the church? The picture of family shows the relationship of those within the church, that of brethren and children.
9. What is the primary truth about the church that is communicated by the priesthood? In the Old Testament, the Priest performed sacrifices, witnessing (messenger of the Lord), and intercession (Christians interceded in the New Testament, Christians are exhorted to pray, and the church serves as a channel between God and the lost). In the church, each believer carries out these three functions.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
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