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The Church Of Christ 5: The Universal And Local Church
As we saw in lesson 1 of this study, the word “church” (from the Greek word “ekklesia”) is used in various ways in the Scriptures. Most notably, this word is used with regard to God’s people. Then, whenever it is used in reference to God’s people, it is frequently used in reference to two things: The “universal” and the “local” church.
Although these two terms are not used in the Scriptures, certainly these terms accurately convey the ideas that are presented in the pages of God’s word. Therefore, it is important for us to consider these two specific Bible uses of the word “church” so that we can properly understand each one – and so that we do not reach false conclusions about the church.
The purpose of this fifth lesson in the study, “The Church Of Christ,” is to help you gain a better understanding of what the Bible teaches about the “universal” church and the “local” church. We want to investigate each one and discover what each term refers to, how you become a member of each one, why you should be a member of each, and learn about the responsibilities of membership to each one.
Outline
What are the two ways the term “church” is frequently used in Scripture?
1. The Universal Churchx
What is the universal church?
*What is the organizational structure of the universal church?
*What is the collective work of the universal church?
*What is the collective worship of the universal church?
How do you become a member of the universal church?
Why should you be a member of the universal church?
What are the responsibilities involved in being a member of the universal church?
2. The Local Church
What is the local church?
*What is the organizational structure of the local church?
*What is the work of the local church?
*What is the worship of the local church?
How do you become a member of a local church?
Why should you be a member of a local church?
What are the responsibilities involved in being a member of a local church