Core #1: Session 5 - Pentecost: The Birth of the Church
January 20, 2022      |     By: Sam McVay, Jr.      |      Category: Equip S of D      |      Location: Wichita
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Sam McVay Jr. teaches on Pentecost: the Birth of the Church, its purpose, birth, spread, theology, and eternal purpose.

EQUIP SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP
Core #1: Session 5 - Pentecost: The Birth of the Church
by Sam McVay Jr.    January 20, 2022

Matthew 16:18-19 (ESV)
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

I. Jesus has a Building Plan

A. Jesus makes a bold proclamation at the "gates of hades" near Caesarea Philippi that He was going to build a an "Ecclesia" on the statement of faith by Peter.
B. Ecclesia was a known term during that time for a governing group of citizens in a geographical area. It was not a congregation with meetings.
C. Jesus tells what the Ecclesia will do: Bind and Loose with kingdom keys.
D. The Great Commission is the process of making the disciples "citizens of heaven" that make up the Ecclesia. Matthew 28:18-20.

II. Acts records the birth and spread of the Church.

A. Day of Pentecost - the birthday of the Church and it's Old Testament symbolism. Acts 2.
B. The spread of the Church by persecution and missional zeal. Acts 8.
C. The shock of the Church going beyond Judaea and filling gentile lands. Acts 10 and beyond.

III. The Theology of the Church.

A. Statements of identity about the Church: Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 3:10, Ephesians 5:31-32, 1 Peter 1:4-10.
B. Statements about the activity of the Church: Worship, prayer, gospel preaching, community, caring for poor, even speeding the return of Christ.

IV. A more biblical allegiance to statements about the Church.

A. Church is a people not a building.
B. Church is a people not an organization.
C. Church is a people not a meeting.
D. Church is a family not a business.
E. Church is a house of prayer not merchandise.

V. The Church Forever

A. The church will play a part in the end times or the transition of the ages.
B. The Church will participate in executing judgements at the end of the age. 1 Corinthians 6:1-3
C. The Church will reign forever as a bride with Christ.