New Testament Church and Its Ministries

Session Overview

Session 1 - Promise and Prophecy

In this lesson, we examine Christ’s first mention of the Church in Matthew 16:18, unpacking His dual promise (“the gates of hell shall not prevail”) and prophecy (“I will build my church”). We define ecclesia (called-out ones), trace the threefold progression of the Church (blade → ear → full corn) via Mark 4:26–28, and survey its planting at Pentecost and maturity through apostolic letters. We also contrast the universal and local dimensions of the New Testament Church, highlight the transition from a Jewish to a Gentile focus (Acts 10), and affirm Christ as the divine architect and protector of His living organism.

Session 2 - The Church - The Great Mystery

In this lecture we examine the concept of the Church as “the great mystery” hidden in the Old Testament and unveiled in the New. We define biblical mystery, explore divine concealment and revelation (e.g., Daniel’s sealed prophecy and 1 Corinthians 2:6–16), survey New Testament mysteries, and consider the stewardship responsibilities laid out in Matthew 25, Luke 12 and 1 Peter 4. Finally, we trace God’s eternal purpose—from the council of the Godhead (1 John 5:7) through progressive revelation (Romans 16:25–26; Ephesians 3:1–5) to the present dispensation of grace—culminating in the Church’s mission under the Spirit’s guidance (Romans 8:26–30).

Session 3 - The Church - The Eternal Purpose

In Lesson 3 we explore the eternal purpose of the Church as revealed in the Father’s heart. We examine God’s desires—to reproduce His image, multiply His offspring, extend His ministry, and provide a bride for His Son—and trace how sin disrupted these plans and how God’s foreordained strategy in Christ accomplishes redemption. We conclude by defining the Church’s role in fulfilling God’s eternal purposes, uniting Jews and Gentiles into “one new man.”  

Session 4 - The Nature of the Church

In Lesson 4 we examine the inherent features of the New Testament church—Ecclesia, “the called-out ones.” Tracing an Old Testament shadow in Israel’s wilderness assembly and Tabernacle worship (Genesis 12; Acts 7), we then explore the clearer New Testament revelation: Jesus’ promise to build His church (*Matt. 16:18*), the Pentecostal birth of the congregation (Acts 2), and two defining characteristics—its militant victory over the kingdom of darkness (Eph. 6; *Matt. 16:18–19*) and its profound unity amid diversity (John 17; Eph. 4:11–13). We conclude by outlining the church’s binding and loosing ministries, keys of the kingdom, and the practical implications for believers today.

Session 5 - Jesus on the Nature of the Church

In Lesson 5 of our New Testament Church series, we examine how God, as Architect, designed a precise pattern for His Church (Matt 16:15–19; 18:15–20), and how Christ, as Builder, constructs it through commission, Spirit-empowerment, evangelism, and discipleship (Matt 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; Eph 2:20–22). We explore the Church as a living organism—holy, consecrated, and Christ’s Bride—destined for maturity in the fullness of Christ (Eph 4:13).

Session 6 - The Church- God’s Peculiar People

In this session, students explore the church’s identity as God’s chosen, special possession and His spiritual dwelling place. Through biblical metaphors, scriptural parallels with Old Testament Israel, and key terms from 1 Peter, Ephesians, and other epistles, the lecture unveils the church’s foundation, structure, priesthood, and call to holiness, highlighting God’s manifold wisdom in assembling His people.

Session 7 - The Church - The Family of God

In this lesson we examine the New Testament church metaphorically as God’s family.  Beginning with Paul’s prayers in Ephesians and exhortations in Galatians, we trace how believers are born again into one Father’s household, receive an inheritance, and relate to one another as siblings under Christ the “firstborn.”  We then explore church membership from both the divine (Matthew 16) and human (Acts 2) perspectives, before outlining the local church’s autonomy in governance (elders), support (giving), and propagation (Great Commission).

Session 8 - The Church - The Body of Christ

In this lecture, students trace the progressive revelation of “the body” motif from Adam to Christ to the Church. Beginning with Saul’s Damascus Road encounter (Acts 9), the study highlights how persecuting believers is persecuting Christ (Matt 25:31–40). It then surveys Genesis 2:7 and 1 Corinthians 15:45–47 to contrast the first man, the second Man, and the third Man (the Church). Key passages (Ephesians 4; 1 Cor 12) unpack Christ as Head and believers as interdependent members, endowed with spiritual gifts and activated by the Spirit. Finally, it underscores our call to function collectively, edify one another, and complete Christ’s ministry until His return.