Introduction:

1. This series introduction has two primary goals:

A. Demonstrate the series’ theological and practical implications.

B. Provide a roadmap for the journey ahead.

2. Hopefully this series enhances our devotion to Christ and His body.

Discussion:

I. Faulty Views of the Church

A. Most Evangelical denominations are premillennial.

B. This theory has many branches, but some common ideas are:

1. That Christ intended to set up an earthly kingdom.

2. That the Jewish rejection thwarted its establishment.

3. That the church is a substitute until He returns.

4. This view wrongly devalues the church and its role.

C. Some say, “Give me Jesus but not the church” or “Give me Christianity not Churchianity,” but the Head and body are one.

II. The Church in God’s Eternal Purpose

A. Ephesians depicts the Lord’s church in all her splendor.

B. Chapters 1-3 show God’s blessings to all in Christ and His body.

C. Chapters 4-6 show us the practical outworking of that body.

D. Chapter 3 falsifies both views above as we see the church is:

1. Central to the mystery God revealed (vv. 1-11; Romans 16:25-26).

2. The demonstration of God’s wisdom to the world (vs. 10).

3. Part of God’s eternal purpose which was fulfilled (vs. 11).

E. These are the engines driving the series that lies ahead.

III. Where We Are Headed in This Study

A. This study could lead in a thousand different directions.

B. For this, it seems prudent to give the broad plan for the series.

1. Old Testament expectation and the kingdom of God.

2. The establishment of the church.

3. Salvation and church membership.

4. The work and worship of the church.

5. The church in eternity, entering His rest.

C. While each section will feature multiple subordinate discussions, these are the overarching areas this study will address.

1. The church is under attack from within and without.

2. This is nothing new, but as always it is our job to build her up.

3. Knowing the true nature and value of the church is essential as we must be properly motivated and focused to succeed.

4. As Paul said, “to Him be glory in the church…” (Ephesians 3:21).