Church Purpose

The Evangelical Herald

Bible Study No. 08-03

Purpose of Church Ministries

(Whiteboard Illustration --

use this diagram as you present the lesson)

Focus: To show that the purpose of the church as a spiritual building is to be a channel of eternal blessings to the world.

Text: Eph 2:1 -- 3:20

I. The Purpose of Israel -- Gen 12:3

A. The Wall between the Jew and the Gentile

B. The Walls that divide in our present world

1. Examples -- Race, nationalities, education, economics, social standing, etc

C. Walls within the Church

1. Examples -- Race, nationalities, education, economics, social standing, etc

II. Destruction and Construction

A. Destruction of the Old Covenant

1. The Physical Temple -- A.D. 70

B. Construction of the New Covenant

1. The Spiritual Temple (Eph 2:20-22)

C. Destruction of Walls that Divide

D. Spiritual walls constructed to unite

E. Christ the Chief Cornerstone as the Only Foundation (begin drawing illustration)

1. Purpose of Spiritual Building

2. Design of Building -- Great Designer

3. Material to be used -- His People

4. Stone Shapes -- In Image of His Son

5. Position of Stones in Building -- His /Choosing

III. The Spiritual Building

A. Characteristics found in Ephesians (write on whiteboard)

B. Paul's Ministry

1. Faithful to His Calling

2. Prepare the Church for Service -- Growth (Eph 4:11-13)

3. Proclaim the Gospel

C. The Church's Ministry

1. Faithful to its Calling (2 Cor 2:18,19)

2. Proclaim the Gospel to the World (write above pointers to earth)

a) Disciple

b) Baptize

c) Minister

d) Serve

e) Pray