When did it start?

Theology wrestles with exactly when the Church was formally inaugurated, which fundamentally shapes how you read the relationship between Israel and the Church.

  • The ___________________ View: The majority historical view is that the Church was born in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit baptized believers into one body.
  • The _____________________View: Sees the Church as the continuous “People of God” stretching all the way back to the Old Testament assemblies and continuing through the New Testament.
  • The Key Scripture: Matthew 16:18 (“I will build my church”—future tense, showing it hadn’t fully launched yet during Jesus’ earthly ministry).

_________________________ vs. ____________________

  • The Universal Church (The Invisible Church): The global, historical entity consisting of every true believer in Jesus Christ across all time, denominations, and geography (Ephesians 1:22–23).
  • The Local Church (The Visible Church): The specific, localized gatherings of believers who meet regularly in a particular city, zip code, or building to worship, hear the Word, and hold one another accountable (1 Corinthians 1:2).

The ________________ of a _____________________Church

Historically, true church and cult differences most of the time

  • The Right Preaching of the Word: Scripture is treated as the ultimate authority.
  • Ordinances/Sacraments
    • Baptism it is not salvation
    • Lord’s Supper/Communion.

How is _________________  governed?

The organizational structure of authority within the church. There are three primary historical models found across church history

  • ____________________ Authority rests in a single head leader or bishop outside the local church (e.g., Roman Catholic, Anglican/Episcopalian, Methodist).
  • ____________________  Authority rests in a graded series of governing boards or “elders” who shepherd the local and regional congregations (e.g., Presbyterian, Reformed).
  •  ______________________ The local church is completely independent and self-governing. Major decisions are voted on by the local congregation, other items usually voted  by  pastors/elders (e.g., Baptist, Bible Churches, Non-Denominational).

The _______________________

  • The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20): Proclaiming the gospel and making self-replicating disciples.
  • The Great Mandate: (Matthew 5:16) Acting as “salt and light” to push back systemic brokenness, practice justice, care for the poor, and seek the flourishing of the culture and communities.

Who is the church

We must who we are,  before we can effectively fulfill our mission. The New Testament uses vivid metaphors to define us:

  • The __________________ of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27):                                   Unity in Diversity: Just like a human body, we have different functions but one life source. We need each other to operate fully. 
  • The________________________of God (Ephesians 2:19):

Belonging: We are household members, meaning our bond isn’t based on political, social, or racial alignment, but on shared adoption through the Father.

  • The __________________of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22). Sacred Presence: God no longer dwells in buildings made by human hands; He dwells in and among His gathered people

The __________________________of the Church

A healthy church balances five core biblical rhythms, modeled perfectly by the early church in Acts 2:42-47:

1.    ___________________ Exalting God’s names and declaring His worth through prayer, praise, and obedience.

2.    ___________________Maturing believers through the study of Scripture and accountability.

3.    ___________________Walking in authentic community, sharing meals, and bearing one another’s burdens.

4.    __________________Serving the physical and emotional needs of the church family and our neighbors.

5.    __________________Fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) by sharing the gospel locally and globally.

Why the church will ______________________

  • Built on the Rock (Matthew 16:18): Jesus explicitly promised, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
  • It moves forward on Christ’s authority, not human political power.

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