Jump to:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

 

the holy catholic church, the communion of saints

In this Session, we will discuss the next line of the Apostles’ Creed: “the holy catholic church, the communion of saints.”

We will discuss: 

  1. The Purpose of the Church

  2. The Means of Grace Within the Church

 

Jump to:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Part 1
What Is the Church?

Key Points from Part 1

The Church is the community of all true believers for all time.

  • The Church, as it exists today began on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. 

  • "Catholic" refers to "universal," not the Roman Catholic Church.

  • Christ’s death, though powerful enough to save anyone, was intended and effective to save His Church.

 

Review Questions

  • The Universal Church, comprised of all Christians from all time.

  • Both. All gospel preaching churches make up the universal Church (with a big C). Individually, they are local churches (with a small c). Every Christian belongs to the "big C" Church, but we are called to belong specifically to a "small c" church in the areas in which we live.

 

Jump to:
Top | Part 1 | Part 3

Part 2
The Purposes of the Church

Key Points from Part 2

The Purposes of the Church

  • The Church exists to glorify God.

  • The Church exists to nurture other believers.

  • The Church exists to spread the gospel.

 

Review Questions

  • It began on the day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2.

  • Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission

 

Jump to:
Top | Part 1 | Part 2

Part 3
The Means of Grace Within the Church

Key Points from Part 3: 

The Means of Grace Within the Church

  • Preaching

  • Baptism

  • The Lord’s Supper

  • Prayer

  • Congregational Singing 

  • Church Discipline 

  • Fellowship

  • Giving

  • Personal Ministry to Each Other

 

Review Questions

  • Baptism

  • Wayne Grudem: “The means of grace are any activities within the fellowship of the church that God uses to give more grace to Christians.”

 
 

Questions for Further Discussion 

  1. Share with the group your own history with the church. What have you found to be the most meaningful aspect of church in your spiritual life?

  2. How would you respond to someone who said that going to church every week is not important?

  3. Read Matthew 28:18-20. What are the ways your church fulfills this command? How have you personally worked to fulfill it?

  4. How would you explain baptism and the Lord's Supper (communion) to a brand new Christian? 

  5. What is the Church's highest authority? Who has the final say-so?

You completed Session 6!
Submit your name below to let us know.