“THE ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH”

“The Origin of the Church”

 Genesis 15:4-7; 2 Samuel 7:12-14; Genesis 22:15-18; Romans 11:25-30; Acts 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13 

Point 1:     Covenant Theology teaches continuity.

Thesis: The New Testament Church has replaced Israel in God’s redemptive plan. The promises in the Old Testament that were originally for the nation of Israel are now for the Church.

Point 2:     Dispensationalism teaches distinction.

Thesis: The New Testament Church is not a replacement or continuation of Israel, but a separate entity comprised of Jew and gentile together worshipping Christ. The promises God made to the nation of Israel are not for the Church and will be fulfilled fully and literally in the future.

Point 3: The Church was Founded when the Spirit Fell.

Thesis: The Church began to exist when the Holy Spirit fell upon believers on the day of Pentecost .

Scripture cross references: Colossians 1:8; Titus 2:1; 1 Timothy 1:10; Matthew 18:15-20; Genesis 22:18; 13:15; Isaiah 49:6; Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:7-8; Romans 9:20; Ephesians 2:3; John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9; Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:31-39; 2 Corinthians 11:2; John 1513; Deuteronomy 6:15; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 4:30

The Seven Dispensations

1. Innocence: Garden of Eden to the fall.
2. Conscience: The fall to the flood.
3. Human Government: Post-flood to Abraham.
4. Patriarchal Rule: Abraham to Moses and the giving of the Mosaic Law.
5. Law: Moses to Christ and the New Covenant.
6. Grace: First coming to second coming (aka the Church Age).
7. Millennium: Christ’s thousand year earthly reign following the Great Tribulation.