The Good News

The Good News

The word "gospel" is an old English word meaning "good news". The message Jesus preached was good news. The same message was preached by the apostles. That same good news is the only true message of the Christian Church.

Study 7. The Body of Christ

After they were converted, baptised and filled with the Holy Spirit the new converts "joined" themselves to the local church. This is part of the normal process of becoming a Christian.

In the New Testament several different terms are used to describe the church, such as "Body" or "Building" or "Branches of the Vine".

1. Members of the Body

What do you learn about the body of Christ from Romans 12:5; Eph 4:25 and 1 Cor 12:27?

Write down other things you can learn concerning what the church should be, by thinking of a human body.

Tick one of the following: The relationship between the various parts of the human body is:

(a) vague, loose and indefinite ...................[ ]
(b) close, firm and well-defined .................[ ]

The members of a body receive life, strength and direction through other members and pass it on to one another, but it all originates in the Head.

Who is the Head of the Body? (Eph 1:22-23)

What attitude should members of the Body of Christ have for one another?
(a) 1 Cor 12:25-26

(b) 1 Cor 1:10

What advantages are gained from being a living member of the body rather than an isolated limb?

2. Stones in the Building

What does Peter call Christians in 1 Peter 2:5?

Study Eph 2:19-22 and answer the following:
(a) Who is the chief cornerstone?

(b) What is the building growing into?

(d) Complete this: "You are also being built...

(e) What is the purpose of the building? (v22)

Consider the differences between a pile of bricks and a completed building. List some differences.

What do you consider are the advantages to a Christian of being "built into a temple" of the church rather than being isolated?

3. Branches in the Vine

Study John 15:1-8

Who is the Vine?

Who are the branches?

What is the purpose of the Vine?

Which part bears fruit?

Can a branch bear fruit on its own?

What happens to a branch that is separated from the Vine? (v6)

Consider the differences between a pile of branches and a living vine. What are the advantages of being joined to other "branches" of the vine? List some of these advantages:

4. The Unity of the Church

The New Testament knows nothing of isolated individual Christians. If there were such they would be as grotesque as a dismembered body, as desolate as a demolished building and as withered and fruitless as a chopped up vine. Read through John 17 and note the verses which refer to the disciples being "one". Make notes on what you learn about the unity of the body.

Read Eph 4:1-16 and make similar notes on unity.

Becoming "one" does not happen by accident. It requires definite action. We have to "join".

5. The Meaning of Joining

The word "member", as used in the New Testament, is not to be identified with merely having your name on a church roll, keeping certain rules and contributing to the offering. That is "club-type" membership. New Testament church membership is being a "limb" of a living body. What does "joining the church" really involve?

1. Commitment. 1 Cor 10:16-17. To join is to commit yourself to the Lord as He is seen in your brothers and sisters. It isa sort of covenant between you. This brings a sense of belonging. It carries with it a certain responsibility to and for your fellow members. This implies loyalty to all members and leaders alike. Make notes on your thoughts about these terms concerning the Body of Christ.

Commitment

Covenant

Belonging

Responsibilty

Loyalty

2. Love for the other members of the body.

Write notes on these verses:
John 13:34-35 1 Peter 1:22

3. Obedience. Look up these verses and make notes on this question of obedience.
Acts 6:7; Rom 1:5; 15:18; 16:5-26; Heb 13:17.

4. Contribution. Every member of the body should play his part. Rom 12,4-8; 1 Pet 4,10-11; Mal 3,8-10. Make notes on these verses.

6. The Results of Beig a Member of the Body

1. Joints are formed. (Eph 4:16 cf Col 2:19). These joints are relationships in the body. What do you learn from these verses?

2. Life flows from one to the other (Eph 4:15-16; Rom 12:4-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11; John 15:1-17). How do you think life flows?

3. There is mutual care (1 Cor 12:25-26; Acts 2:44-46; 4:32-35). Give examples of how this can happen.

4. We are "covered". This includes a measure of protection (Eph 6:10 cf 1 Cor 5:3-5), being under authority (Luke 7:6-8; Acts 13:1-3; Heb 13:17), being subject to training and dicipline (Heb 12:5-11; 2 Tim 2:2; 4:2). Write comments on these.

5. We have shepherds and leaders (Jer 3:15). Who are they?

Exercise

Answer the following:
1. Do you belong to a live church?

2. Is there anyone over you in the Lord?

3. Is there anyone close to you and alongside you?

4. Have you made any progress in the areas covered by this study? If not, write down what you are going to do as well as pray.