Ecclesiology Series Recap
What We Have Covered and Where We Are Going From Here
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It is a bright and sunny Spring day in the city of Ephesus. A handful of joyous people gather on the first day of the week, in a now somewhat crowded Roman home. Their voices rising in worship as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The air is filled with warmth and expectancy. They meet on this day not out of rigid obligation but as a joyous response to the new life they have received in Christ. In the flickering light of oil lamps, they listen intently as a new letter from Paul is read, expounding on the mysteries of the gospel and the call to holy living.
After the teaching, they organize the outreach missions—not out of compulsion, but from hearts stirred by love. Some bring portions of their harvest; others offer coins, knowing that their generosity will support widows, orphans, and those in need. No one gives because they are bound by law, but because they are bound by grace.
As the evening progresses, they gather for a communal meal, the Agape Feast. Platters of bread, fruit, and roasted fish are passed around. Laughter mingles with prayer as they share stories of faith and redemption. Several rise and confesses their struggle with sin, and rather than judgment, they receive encouragement, reminders of God’s mercy, and prayers for strength. In this place, the Church is not just an institution—it is a family, living out the love and power of Christ.
This is the heartbeat of the first-century Church. It is a church that meets on Sunday to commemorate the resurrection, gives freely out of love rather than compulsion, gathers in fellowship around the table, and embraces transformation through confession and mutual encouragement. As we reflect on our Ecclesiology Series, may we seek to return to this vibrant, Spirit-filled expression of the Body of Christ.
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Our Journey Through Ecclesiology
The study of Ecclesiology—the doctrine of the Church—has been a foundational exploration in our recent essay series. We have examined crucial topics that shape our understanding of the Church's structure, purpose, and function in the life of believers. From the biblical basis of Sunday worship to the role of tithing, the significance of the Agape Feast, and the challenge of moving beyond "Churchianity," this series has sought to provide clarity on what it truly means to be part of the Body of Christ.
The Biblical Basis for Church on Sunday
In our first essay, we tackled the question: Why do Christians gather for worship on Sunday? Some argue that the Sabbath, observed on Saturday, remains the true day of worship. However, we explored how the early Church gathered on the first day of the week to commemorate Jesus' resurrection (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). The transition from Sabbath to Sunday worship was not arbitrary but deeply rooted in biblical and historical precedent. More than just a tradition, Sunday worship represents the fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the inauguration of a new creation in Christ.
Is the 10% Tithe Biblical?
Tithing is often a contentious issue within the Church. Many have been taught that giving 10% of their income is a biblical command for all Christians. However, in our second essay, we examined how the Old Testament tithe was tied to Israel’s agrarian economy and Levitical priesthood (Leviticus 27:30-32, Malachi 3:8-10). In contrast, the New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful giving rather than a legalistic percentage (2 Corinthians 9:7). The principle of stewardship remains, but the emphasis shifts from obligation to joyful participation in God's work.
The Agape Feast
The Agape Feast, a communal meal shared among early Christians, provided a tangible expression of love and unity in the Body of Christ. This practice, mentioned in Jude 1:12 and 1 Corinthians 11:20-22, served as more than just a meal—it was a celebration of God's provision and a foreshadowing of the great wedding banquet of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Unfortunately, as time passed, this practice diminished, yet its principles of fellowship, love, and mutual care remain vital for the Church today. In this essay, we explored how modern Christians can reclaim the heart of the Agape Feast through openness of confession, receiving confession with grace, and loving grace-filled community.
Exit Churchianity
In our final essay, we challenged the notion of "Churchianity"—a faith defined by routine attendance, traditions, and institutional loyalty rather than a living relationship with Christ. Many believers find themselves going through the motions of religious observance without experiencing genuine transformation. Jesus calls us not just to participate in church services but to be the Church (Matthew 16:18). True Christianity is not about checking boxes but about walking in faith, obedience, and discipleship. We urged readers to evaluate their faith: Are we merely attending church, or are we actively engaging in the mission of Christ?
What’s Next? The Discipleship Series
With Ecclesiology as our foundation, we now turn our focus to the practical outworking of faith in our upcoming series: Discipleship. What does it truly mean to be a follower of Christ? How do we live out our faith daily? Over the next several weeks, we will explore essential topics related to Christian discipleship, including:
Be a Pot, Not a Bucket – Don’t withhold God’s love for yourself.
Embracing the Other – Jesus’ radical inclusion of outsiders.
Unity in the Body – Paul's teachings on church unity in Romans.
Orphans and Widows – Our biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable.
Orthodoxy vs Orthopraxy – Knowing vs. doing in the Christian faith.
For God So Loved – The universal reach of Christ’s sacrifice.
Victory by Surrender – The paradox of winning through yielding to God.
Free People Free People – Our calling to set others free in Christ.
παρουσία (Parousia) – Preparing for Christ’s return.
Be Thankful in All Circumstances – Gratitude amidst trials.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus – Avoiding distractions in our spiritual walk.
The Forge – How suffering refines our faith.
τετέλεσται (Tetelestai) – The sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross.
Resistance is Futile – How God closes doors to lead us rightly.
A Voice from Above – Recognizing how God speaks to us.
We are Saints – Understanding our identity in Christ.
This upcoming series will provide a roadmap for what it means to live as disciples of Jesus. Discipleship is not just about learning theology—it is about transformation, obedience, and reflecting Christ in our daily lives.
We invite you to continue this journey with us as we move beyond the walls of the Church and into the call of true discipleship. Stay tuned, and may this next season of study draw us all closer to the heart of our Savior.
Conclusion
The Ecclesiology Series has been a valuable exploration of what it means to be the Church. As we move forward into the Discipleship Series, we must remember that our faith is not confined to traditions or institutions, but is an active, living relationship with Christ. Let us step into our calling with boldness, embracing the mission of Jesus with love and purpose.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Your Church, the body of Christ. I ask that You align my heart with Your will and help me to grow in my understanding of what it truly means to be part of Your kingdom. Remove any legalism or tradition that hinders my relationship with You, and fill me with a passion for true discipleship.
Help me to be a faithful steward of what You have given me, to give freely and joyfully, and to love as You have called me to love. Let my life be a reflection of Your grace, and may I walk in obedience to Your truth.
I surrender my heart, my plans, and my desires to You. Lead me deeper into fellowship with You and with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let my faith be more than words—may it be a life fully surrendered to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bibliography
Carson, D. A. The Church and the Bible.
Dever, Mark. Nine Marks of a Healthy Church.
Stott, John. The Living Church.
Schreiner, Thomas. New Testament Theology.
Kostenberger, Andreas. The Theology of the New Testament.
MacArthur, John. The Master’s Plan for the Church.
Piper, John. Let the Nations Be Glad.
Wright, N.T. Surprised by Hope.
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together.
Ryrie, Charles. Basic Theology.
Scripture References
Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 16:2
Leviticus 27:30-32
Malachi 3:8-10
2 Corinthians 9:7
Jude 1:12
1 Corinthians 11:20-22
Revelation 19:9
Matthew 16:18