Church

God is calling a people to himself, and so the Church is central to his purpose. Christ died for his Church, and he is the head of that Church, his body. The Church is to be radically different from the world, ruled only by the will of Christ, her head. She must also seek to influence the world, spreading the Gospel, caring for the needy, and speaking out against sin and injustice. Christ has appointed leadership in his Church, through elders or presbyters who rule and deacons who deal with material affairs. Ministers are elders who have a special preaching ministry, something which is a vital characteristic of any healthy Church. The Free Church of Scotland has a Presbyterian government, organised into local kirk sessions, area presbyteries and a national general assembly.

The Lord's Day, Sunday, is a very special day, because on this first day of the week Jesus rose from the dead. This is a day which the Lord commands us to keep holy, enjoying physical rest and spiritual worship, and seeking to avoid duties which cannot be classed as works of necessity or mercy. It is a day for God's people to meet together for praise and prayer, to hear the Word being read and proclaimed, and to benefit from the supportive fellowship of their local congregation.

Our Lord gave two sacraments to his Church, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, as visible signs of his grace. Baptism with water is a sign of cleansing from sin, of new life and of ownership by God. We give baptism to believers, and to their children because they are part of a special family and heirs of spiritual privilege. The Supper with bread and wine helps us to remember what Jesus did on the `Cross, to give thanks for it, and to enjoy fellowship with him and with his people. It is only to be taken by those who profess faith in Christ and have lives consistent with that profession.

What do these images tell us about the Church?

Body --1 Corinthians 12: 12-26
Bride -- Ephesians 5: 25-27
Temple -- I Peter 2: 4-6

What are the qualifications for elders and deacons?

I Timothy 3: 1-13

Why has God given us preachers and teachers?

Acts 8: 31; 20: 20-21, 27; Ephesians 4: 11-13; 2 Timothy 4: 2

Why is Christian fellowship important?

Galatians 6: 1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5: 11; Hebrews 10: 24-25

What do these verses tell us about the first day of the week?

Luke 24: 1-8; John 20: 19-20, 26-28; Acts 20: 7

Who should be baptised?

Acts 2: 38-39; 16: 31-34

Who should take the Lord's Supper?

I Corinthians 11: 23-29