Part V - The Church
In the previous portion of this book, that is Part IV, we examine and explore several facets of the Christian life. Specifically, we review the subjects of: (1) the walk of faith, (2) prayer, (3) the attitude of mercy verses sacrifice and (4) the Christian’s devotion to God through praise and thanksgiving. In addition to the above aspects of the Christian life, there yet remains to be addressed the subject of the church. Because of its importance, Part V of this book is devoted to providing some insights and observations about the church that our Lord Jesus Christ came to establish and nourish. To accomplish this, this portion of this book is partitioned into five chapters.
The Scriptures are examined to reveal that the church, composed of the born again believers, is the fulfillment of the Old Testament foreshadowing of the Temple and the roles of those who ministered in it.
Chapter 20 - Purpose And Operation Of The Church
The Old Testament account of Job is examined to show that the purpose of the church, that is the body of Christ, is to bear witness of God’s Wisdom and Glory. New Testament Scriptures are used to show that each and every born again believer is an important member of the body of Christ and are to participate in its operation.
The New Testament is explored to show that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church. Scriptures are examined to show that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who appoints leaders within His church. These leaders are to care and feed, that is shepherd, the body of Christ.
Chapter 22 - Tithing and Christian Giving
The origin and purpose of the tithe, offering and temple tax is provided via the Old Testament Scriptures. With this background, the New Testament is examined to show that these Mosaic laws were shadows of what was to come. Specifically, the children of God are guided by the Holy Spirit and no longer under the Mosaic Law. In other words their charitable deeds are to be performed cheerfully and motivated by the love of God the Holy Spirit Who is living within them; not by trying to comply with laws or traditions.
Chapter 23 - The Lord’s Supper
The Passover meal prior to Israel’s exodus from Egypt and the manna, that is the bread that God miraculously fed the people during their escape through the desert, are used as examples to show that Jesus Christ is the true Passover Lamb and Heavenly Bread. The New Testament is also examined to show that for the members of the body of Christ, the Lord’s supper is a spiritually significant time and must be entered into in a worthy manner.