Developing A Biblical World View

CHAPTER SIX

THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

• Write the Key Verse from memory. • Explain the "Great Commission." • Present Scriptural references for the "Great Commission." • Define the word "Church." • Explain how the Church started. • Identify the spiritual power behind the Church. • Summarize God's organizational plan for the Church. • State the purpose of the Church. • Explain basic elements of the "Gospel of the Kingdom."

KEY VERSE:

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

INTRODUCTION

In Old Testament times God raised up the nation of Israel as the people through which He could reveal His plan of salvation to the world. After Israel rejected Jesus, God raised up a new group of people through which He would actively work in the world. That group is known as the Church. The Church has a special position and purpose in God's plan for the nations. This lesson explains the role of the Church in the world.

THE GREAT COMMISSION

After the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, He appeared several times to His followers. Each time, He presented an urgent challenge to them. That challenge was their responsibility to reach the entire world with the Gospel message. This mission assigned to believers by Jesus has become known as the "Great Commission." It is the greatest commission or assignment ever given man. It is the responsibility to reach every living creature with the Gospel.