The Church, Universal or Local?

What’s the difference?

This is the one who was in the congregation in

the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to

us. (Acts 7:38 ESV)

• Nation of Israel• A group, congregation

Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion,

and most of them did not know why they had come together. (Acts 19:32 ESV)

For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that

we can give to justify this commotion.” (Acts 19:40 ESV)

• Confused, shouting, gathering• Riot, illegal

But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in

the regular assembly.

(Acts 19:39 ESV)

• A legal gathering

And I tell you, you are Peter, and

on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

(Matthew 16:18 ESV)

A worldwide, universal congregation or

group

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. (Romans 16:16 ESV)

Local groups or assemblies

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be

saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ, both their Lord and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:1-2 ESV)

• A local assembly, congregation in Corinth

Conclusion?

• Ekklesia is a called out, separate group

• Represents the word church in both it’s universal sense and local sense

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE

BETWEEN THEM?

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three

thousand souls. (Acts 2:41 ESV)

And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was

a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on

the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached

boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly

in the name of the Lord. (Acts 9:26-28 ESV)

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Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at

Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

(Philippians 1:1 ESV)

Organized

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No organization

And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So

now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by

your completing it out of what you have. (2 Corinthians 8:10-11 ESV)

Local church plans

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession,

that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his

marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)Universal church has a purpose

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But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is

guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not

even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside

the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person

from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:11-13 ESV)

Local church disciplines itself

Matthew 13:24-30Universal church disciplined by the LordL

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Revelation 2:5- I know your works

Revelation 2:19- I know your works

Revelation 3:1- I know your works

Revelation 3:8- I know your works

Revelation 3:15- I know your works

Local church has works

Universal church has no works, deeds, actsL

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Local ekklesia is where the action is

• Joins

• Organized

• Plans

• Disciplines

• Works

• Added by the Lord

• No organization

• Purpose, but no plans

• Disciplined at the end

• No commanded works

LOCAL VERSUS UNIVERSAL “CHURCH”

What is the conclusion?

• Christians band together in local areas to take responsibility for …– Organizing– Growing– Equipping– Worship– Giving

The local ekklesia only works with the hands

of individuals