The Holy Christian Church

Introduction

The Christian is not alone on this earth. There are many throughout the world whom the Holy Ghost calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies by the Gospel. he gathers all of these people into God’s special community, the Holy Christian Church.

Why do we say, “I believe in the Holy Christian Church”?
We say, I believe in the Holy Christian Church, because even though we cannot see or determine with certainty who its members are, we know from God’s Word that this Church exists and always will exist.
Why do we say “the Holy Christian Church”?
We say the Holy Christian Chruch, because only those who believe in Jesus are the one body of which Christ is the head.
Why do we say “holy Christian Church”?
We say holy Christian Church, because it is made up of holy people, or saints, who ahve been cleansed by Christ and serve God by holy living.
Why do we say “Christian Church”?
We say Christian Church because the Church belongs to Christ and is built on Him as its only foundation.
Why is the Church called “catholic” in some of our Christian creeds?
The Church is called catholic, or universal, because God invites all people to enter it, and because it is to be found in all parts of the world where the Gospel is preached.
Why is the Church in this world also called “militant”?
The Church in this world is called militant because it is constantly at war with its spiritual enemies: the devil, the world and our sinful flesh.
What should Christians do, since they are one body, or communion?
Since they are one body, Christians should be unite in true outward fellowship and serve one another in love.
What is the purpose of Christians uniting in such outward fellowship?
Christians unit in order to
- preserve the means of grace pure and unadulterated,
- use the means of grace for their own edification,
- show the unity that exists among them and
- join in bring the good news of salvation in Christ to others.
Bible Example: The church at Antioch commissioned Paul and Barnabas as missionaries.
How do Christians unite in such fellowship?
Christians in the same area unit in outward fellowship by joining together in worship and work, usually in the form of congregations. Congregations often organize into synods or denominations.

Bible Example: The congregations in Greece cooperated in teh collection for the saints in Jerusalem.
How do we use the doctrine of the church correctly?
We use the doctrine of the church correctly when according to God’s Word, we
- become members of the true church by sincere faith in Christ as our Savior,
- belong to that congregation, synod or denomination which teaches the Word of God in all its purity,
- do all in our power to maintain, promote and extend God’s kingdom by prayer, personal service and financial support and
- avoid all false teaching churches and all other organizations that profess a religion which is false. (See “unionism” and “lodge” in the Glossary.)
What provision has the Lord made for the church to carry on His work?
To carry on His work the Lord has given the church the means of grace; He has also given it the authority to call special servants who are publicly to preach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments.

Bible Example: Arrangement for pastors in Crete (See also The Office of the Keys and Confession.)

Conclusion

Through faith in Christ, you are a member of a community of pure saints, the Holy Christian Church. Each member of this church possesses all the treasures of the Gospel. Each member is to use these treasures for edification. Each member is also to seek to share them with others so that all together may enter into Christ’s kingdom in heaven (Church Triumphant).

Hymn

We are God’s house of living stones,
Builded for His habitation;
He through baptismal grace us owns
Heirs of His wondrous salvation;
Were we but two His name to tell,
Yet He would deign with us to dwell
With all His grace and His favor. (ELH 211:3)

Bible Readings

At home:

In class: