"And he [Christ ] is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." Colossians 1:18.
"Christ did not tell His disciples that their work would be easy. He showed them the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against them.... But they would not be left to fight alone. He assured them that He would be with them; and that if they would go forth in faith, they should move under the shield of Omnipotence. He bade them be brave and strong; for One mightier than angels would be in their ranks—the General of the armies of heaven. He made full provision for the prosecution of their work and took upon Himself the responsibility of its success." —The Acts of the Apostles, p. 29.
You belong to a great Christian fellowship! You can look to Jesus Christ as the Leader! You will receive blessings in this fellowship!
During this Profile series you will examine the Bible evidence of the lordship of Jesus Christ as Leader of the Christian fellowship and Head of the church. You will learn of the relationship that should exist between Him and the members of His body today.
In this lesson you will discover that —
FELLOWSHIP LEADER
1. Who serves as Head of the church fellowship? Ephesians 1:20-22.
Ephesians 1:20-22 (NIV) which he [the Father] exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21) far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22) And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
2. What is the relationship of the church to Christ? Ephesians 1:23.
Ephesians 1:23 (NIV) which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
3. In what way did Jesus earn the right to be the Christian's Leader? Hebrews 12:2.
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
4. How does God exalt the name of Jesus Christ? Philippians 2:9-11.
Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV) Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11) and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
5. Where is Christ ministering for you now? Hebrews 8:1, 2.
Hebrews 8:1-2 (NIV) The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2) and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
6. As man's high priest, what is Christ doing for the sins of the people? Hebrews 2:17; 7:25.
Hebrews 2:17 (NIV) For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 7:25 (NIV) Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
7. What two things can Christ give as our high priest? Acts 5:31.
Acts 5:31 (NIV) God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.
8. What assurance do you have that Christ's ministry is effective for you? Hebrews 10:19-22.
Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV) Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20) by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21) and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22) let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
9. What role does Christ have in the prayers of His followers? John 16:23, 24.
John 16:23-24 (NIV) In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24) Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
"In Christ's name our petitions ascend to the Father. He intercedes in our behalf, and the Father lays open all the treasures of His grace for our appropriation, for us to enjoy and impart to others."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 178.
10. What title traditionally applied to Christ helps us to understand His work as leader? Joshua 5:13-15 (first part of verse 15.) Joshua 5:13-15 (NIV) Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" 14) "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?" 15) The commander of the Lord's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.
11. Who does Christ, as commander of the Lord's army, send on special missions to assist His followers? Psalm 91:11, 12.
Psalms 91:11-12 (NIV) For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12) they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
12. How does John in the book of Revelation picture Christ's relationship with His church? Revelation 1:13-20.
Revelation 1:13-20 (NIV) and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14) His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15) His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16) In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double—edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 17) When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18) I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. 19) "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20) The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Where is Christ pictured in John's vision? What do the lampstands represent?
"He [Christ] is in constant communication with His people. He knows their true state. He observes their order, their piety, their devotion. Although He is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He is represented as walking up and down in the midst of His churches on the earth. ...
He is the true watchman in the Lord's house, the true warden of the temple courts. His continued care and sustaining grace are the source of life and light. "—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 586.
HERITAGE TIE*
Our Spiritual Roots
During the early nineteenth century America experienced a religious revival called the Great Awakening, flourishing primarily in the New England area. Some church historians refer to it as the Great Advent Awakening. This revival has also been referred to as the Millerite movement, inspired by William Miller, a Baptist preacher. Modern Adventism developed out of this setting in the early years of the nineteenth century.
The denominational title of Seventh-day Adventist was adopted in 1860 by the largest branch of Adventists—those specifically who kept the biblical seventh day as the Sabbath. Seventh-day Adventists believe their roots in history go back a long way. Back, not only to the Millerite movement, but farther; to Wesley and the eighteenth—century evangelical revivalists, to the great Protestant Reformers, and to such earlier groups as the Waldenses of Europe, back to the apostles, and to Christ Himself.The real issue in tracing the true church is not in particular personalities or denominational titles but rather seeking to answer this question: Where is true message of Christ being taught?
*You have already made some discoveries about your church. In this Profile series you will be learning more from the scripture about the organization, operation, and function of the church fellowship. The Heritage Tie will acquaint you more specifically with interesting details regarding your denomination and the life of fellowship. We want you to enjoy a real sense of belonging. But much will depend on you. Your full participation in worship, ministry, and social fellowship will bring you great blessings.
Unless otherwise designated, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION�. Copyright � 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.