Overview

Biblical Passage

Matthew 16:13–20, Acts 1:1–3

Supporting Passage

Psalm 118:22–24, Matthew 21:42

Memory Verse

Psalm 118:22–23

Table Talk Question

What is the importance of the Church?

Biblical Truth

The Church is the local and global body of believers founded on God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and commissioned to proclaim His true identity to the world.

Context

Matthew 16:13–20 contains the first mention of the word Church in the New Testament. This passage describes the Church’s role as Christ’s unstoppable force in this world. Jesus Christ is the rock, the very source and ground of the Church. Luke introduced the history of the Church as a letter to someone named Theophilus (Acts 1:1–3). Together, these two passages set the stage for the entire year of the study of the New Testament Church.

Learning Goals
  • Learners will understand that the Church was founded on Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
  • Learners will commit to the Church’s commission to share the truth of Jesus Christ with the world.
Prayer Suggestions

As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for those in your group.

  • Pray that learners will understand why God uses the Church to accomplish His purposes in the world.
  • Pray that learners will desire to find their place in the body of Christ so that they can participate in the Church’s mission and ministry.
  • Pray that God will cause you and your learners to follow Him wholeheartedly and proclaim the gospel boldly.

Acknowledgements