THE CALLED OUT BODY BY JAMES A. UDU

INTRODUCTION: Many descriptive phrases are applied to the church in the N.T. scriptures. These phrases give emphasis to various features of the church and set forth Its nature. The first six lessons of this series concern these descriptive phrases applied to the Church and therefore constitute a study of The nature of the church. They should be studied with this idea in mind.

The meaning of the Term, Church:
1.derived from “kuriakos” meaning” of or belonging to the Lord”
2. Translation of  Greek Term ”Ekklesia” the actual Term used Jesus and apostles in New Testament.
3. Literal meaning of Term ” To call Out”
4. The Church then in N.T. scripture means “A called Out Body Of People”
5. Word “Church” used in Two senses in the N.T. [1] Referring to all those called out of the world into God’s service- Universally. Mtt. 16:18; Eph.  5:23,25.
[2] Referring to all those “   called out” into God’s service in any definite locality, [1 Cor. 1:2; 1Thess.1:1

The Nature Of This Calling:
1. Called of God- a divine calling 1 Pet. 5:10; 1 Cor.7:15;11 Tim. 1:7-9.
2. Called into fellowship and peace of Christ- Into one body 1cor. 1:9;col. 3:15
3. Called to be children of God Rom. 9:25-26;1Jon. 3:1,
4. Called to be Saints 1cor. 1:2; Rom.1:7
5. A holly calling 1 Thess. 4:7;11Tim.1:9;1pet. 1:15.
5. A Heavenly calling Heb. 3:1

1. Made possible by suffering of Christ1pet. 2:21.
2. Out of Darkness 1pet. 2:9
3. by the Gospel of Christ 11 Thess. 2:13-14.

THE HOPE OF THE CALLING
1. That we may be worthy 11thess 1:11-12;Eph. 4:1-3
2. To inherit a blessing 1 Pet. 3:9.
3. Unto perfection Phil. 3:13-16
4. Make our calling and election sure 11 Pet. 1:10.