On the Church (Ecclesiology)

We cap off the Here I Stand series with a message on ecclesiology, the doctrine of the church. Another massive topic. As far as the Reformation goes (this series has commemorated the 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation), the doctrine of the church was pretty much neglected. As things would develop over time, Protestant churches would evolve into just about every possible option with regard to governance, philosophy, and structure.

For us here at Harvest, it comes down to the simplest reading of the Bible and what we find there in terms of how a church should look and what a church should be doing. So, the five Reformation tenets all apply: Sola Scriptura (Scriptures alone) informs our ecclesiology. Sola Fide (faith alone) and Sola Gratia (grace alone) are the gospel message we preach. Solus Christus (Christ alone) is our foundation. And Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone) is our reason for being a church in the first place.

Additional Resources

• Why the Church Is Vitally Important for Every Christian
• Why We Need the Church
• What Is a Local Church?
• The Pillar of the Truth
• 5 Metaphors for Church Membership
• Where Do We See Church Membership in the New Testament?
• Every Good Church Is Messy
• Church Should Feel Uncomfortable
• 10 Things You Should Know about Church Elders
• Elders for the Church
• Can Someone Love Jesus But Not the Church? (Video)
• Why Listening to a Podcast Is Not a Substitute for Going to Church (Video)
• 7 Key Characteristics of the Church (Video)
• Here Is Water (Sermon from Todd Dugard)
• The Lord’s Table (Sermon from Todd Dugard)

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Sermon Notes

Here I Stand: 7 Must-Believes for Christians
On the Church (Ecclesiology)
Pastor Todd Dugard // Various scriptures
January 27–28, 2018

What I believe...
The church is the community of God’s people redeemed by Jesus Christ and on mission in the world

Why I believe it...
The church is...

• founded on a confession (Matthew 16:13–20)

• the pillar and ground of truth (1 Timothy 3:15)

• local and universal (Acts 2:42–47; 2 Timothy 2:19)

• guided by qualified leaders (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11–12)

• observant of the ordinances (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:17–26)

• on mission for God’s glory (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8)

How I’m living because of it...

The church is a... So, I will...

Family (2 Corinthians 6:18) Make myself at home

Temple (1 Peter 2:4–8) Offer my life up to Christ

Body (1 Corinthians 12:12–27) Play my part

Vine (John 15:5) Commit to my growth

Bride (2 Corinthians 11:2) Maintain my purity