• Some think of a building• Some think of a denomination

• Some think of a building• Some think of a denomination• Some think of a hierarchy or

government

• As used in the Bible – the word CHURCH is not a religious word

• The word CHURCH is translated from the Greek EKKLESIA

• “Ek” means “out of”• “klesia” means “called”

The assembly (Ekklesia) was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. (Acts 19:32 NIV)

Acts 19:23-41

The assembly (Ekklesia) was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. (Acts 19:32 NIV)

Acts 19:23-41

Same word translated Church

If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly (Ekklesia). (Acts 19:39 NIV)

If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly (Ekklesia). (Acts 19:39 NIV)

Best translated

“assembly”

“Ekklesia” is a collective noun like:

• Covey

• Herd

• Flock

• Troop

• Jury

• Team• Family• School• Committee• Congress

When Jesus said “I will build my church” (Matt 16:18), he was not talking about an organization or a corporation – but a group of people

Roman Catholic Church

Protestant Denomination

God God

The Saved People The Saved People

Roman Catholic Church

Protestant Denomination

God God

The Saved People The Saved People

Roman Catholic Church

Protestant Denomination

God God

The Saved People The Saved People

Roman Catholic Church

Protestant Denomination

God God

The Church is the Saved People

Roman Catholic Church

Protestant Denomination

God God

The Church is the Saved People

Non-denominational Denomination

The Church – A look at two uses in the Bible

• THE UNIVERSAL ASSEMBLY (church)

• THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY (church)

If we don’t learn to make the proper distinction between these two uses for the people of God – we will tend to think in a denominational sense

• In today’s lesson – we will look at this distinction

• In our next lesson we will see some of what we need to learn from this truth

The Church: Universal and Local

• The Universal Church

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:18 NIV)

PEOPLE SAVED BY JESUS

The Church: Universal and Local

• The Universal ChurchYou have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned." The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear." But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:18-23 NIV)

The Church: Universal and Local

• The Universal Church

• The Local Church

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ-- their Lord and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2 NIV)

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (Philippians 1:1 NIV)

The Church: Universal and Local

• The Universal Church

• The Local Church

What are the distinctions between the Universal and Local Church?

Why is it important to know these differences?

Distinction in Fellowship

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched-- this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. (apostles) And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. (1 John 1:1-4)

In Universal Church, Fellowship with God is emphasized

Distinction in Fellowship

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. (1 John 1:5-6 NIV)

In Universal Church, Fellowship with God is emphasized

Distinction in Fellowship

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV)

In Local Church, Fellowship with Brethren is emphasized

Distinction in Fellowship

And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; (Philippians 4:15 ASV)

In Local Church, Fellowship with Brethren is emphasized

Distinction in Manner of Entry

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 NIV)

In Universal Church, we enter at the point of forgiveness

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41 NIV)

praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47 NIV)

Distinction in Manner of Entry

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-- whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13 NIV)

In Universal Church, we enter at the point of forgiveness

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27 NIV)

Distinction in Manner of EntryIn Local Church, a Person Joins

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. (Acts 9:26-28 NIV)

Distinction in Enrollment

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:22-23 NIV)

In Universal Church, God enrolls and he never makes mistakes

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," (2 Timothy 2:1)

Distinction in Enrollment

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. (Acts 9:26 NIV)

In Local Church, Humans are the enrollers and they do make mistakes

They refused Saul at first

Distinction in EnrollmentIn Local Church, Humans are the enrollers and they do

make mistakes

The local church – he could not do this in respect to the universal church

I wrote something to the church; Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, neither does he receive the brethren, and he forbids those who desire to do so, and puts them out of the church.

Distinction in Effect of DeathIn Universal Church, Death does not effect our Fellowship

with God

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, (Philippians 1:21-25 NIV)

Distinction in Effect of DeathIn Universal Church, Death does not effect our Fellowship

with God

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4 NIV)

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. (Revelation 3:21 NIV)

Distinction in Effect of DeathIn Local Church, Death does effect our Membership

Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. (Acts 8:2 NIV)

Stephen was no longer a member of the Jerusalem church – but his death did not effect his fellowship with God

The Universal church consists of saints both dead and alive – the local church consists only of those still in the flesh.

Distinction in Beginning

For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance-- now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. (Hebrews 9:15 NIV)

The Universal Church began at the time period surrounding Christ’s death

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. (John 10:16 NIV)

Distinction in Beginning

He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. (John 11:51-52 NIV)

The Universal Church began at the time period surrounding Christ’s death

The Sovereign LORD declares-- he who gathers the exiles of Israel: "I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered." (Isaiah 56:8 NIV)

Distinction in Beginning

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41 NIV)

The Universal Church began at the time period surrounding Christ’s death

The 3000 were added to those already saved

I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 8:11 NIV)

God had collected stones for his building since the beginning of time – but the foundation was laid in 30 A.D.

Distinction in BeginningA Local Church can begin any time after 30 A.D.

The Longmont church began in July, 1981

I remember seeing church buildings in the south that had a cornerstone which said – “established in A.D. 33”. They confused the universal church

with the local church.

I don’t know of any local church begun in the first century that has continued until the present

Local churches do cease to exist – the universal church lasts forever

Distinction in NumberOnly One Universal Church

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV)

There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- (Ephesians 4:4 NIV)

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-- whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (1 Corinthians 12:13 NIV)

Distinction in NumberCan not even accurately count the number of local

churches in the history of Christianity

Seven are mentioned in Asia in Revelation

Acts mentions other churches that were in Asia

Distinction in Earthly Organization

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, (Ephesians 1:22 NIV)

The universal church has no earthly organization

At universal church has no earthly address, no telephone number, no zip code, no area code

Distinction in Earthly Organization

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (Philippians 1:1 NIV)

The local church has overseers called shepherds, elders

You can write a letter to a local church or even call them on the phone. They might have a building or at least a mailing address

Distinction in ShepherdsThe universal church has One Shepherd: Jesus Christ

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11 NIV)

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, (Hebrews 13:20 NIV)

For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25 NIV)

Distinction in ShepherdsThe local church has a plurality of shepherds

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:23 NIV) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (Philippians 1:1 NIV)

From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17 NIV)

Distinction in Composition

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. (Ephesians 5:23 NIV)

The universal church is composed only of the saved

Distinction in Composition

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2:14-16 NIV)

The local church is composed of some who may be lost

The universal church includes only the saved (both living and dead), local church might consist of both saved and lost.

Distinction in Necessity of BelongingBy definition, one must be a member of the universal church to be saved – “It is an assembly of the saved”

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:25-27 NIV)

Distinction in Necessity of Belonginglocal church membership is not necessary to be saved

One does not have to be a member of a particular local church to be saved

One does not have to be a member of any local church to be saved

We will learn later that God wants us to be a member of a local church – it is his gift to help keep us saved – but local church membership is not absolutely essential to be right with God

Distinction in Necessity of Belonginglocal church membership is not necessary to be saved

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. (Acts 9:26 NIV)

Paul was not a member of the local church yet but was pleasing to God

The Ethiopian in Acts 8 obeyed the gospel but was not a member of a local church

Diotrephes ….. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. (3 John 1:10 NIV)

Though these people were not in a local fellowship they were in fellowship with God

Distinction in AssemblingThe Universal church has an eternal assembly

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:22-23 NASB)

Distinction in AssemblingThe Local Church has many assemblies

not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25 NASB)

Distinction in FounderThe Universal Church is founded by Jesus Christ

“upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt 16:18)

Distinction in FounderThe Local Church is founded by a group of Christians

Or possibly by an evangelist

SUMMARYThe Universal church and Local church are vastly

different

• The Universal church emphasizes fellowship with God

• The Local church emphasizes fellowship with other Christians

• However, when one is in fellowship with God he will want to be in a local church

• Often our fellowship with God depends on our relationship with other Christians

SUMMARYThe Universal church and Local church are vastly

different

• In Evangelism – should we emphasize the local church before we emphasize fellowship with God?

• Should we emphasize the “identifying marks” of the New Testament church or the blood of the Savior who made a New Testament possible?

SUMMARY

• Are we talking about the universal church – which is simply the saved people?

• A local church? – which one is the ONE TRUE CHURCH?

• A collection or list of local churches – isn’t this a denominational concept?

What do we make of lessons about the One True Church