Distinctive Nature of the Church (Wharton) - Course Study Guide (Print)

In this study, Ed Wharton establishes that Scripture contains a divine pattern for the church of Christ. He then presents a systematic study of the biblical passages relating to the church, creating a clear understanding of the pattern set by God.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. The Pattern Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. The Pattern of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3. The New Covenant Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4. The New Covenant’s Distinctive Nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5. Identity of the New Testament Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
6. The Pattern of Baptism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
7. The Foundation Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8. Leadership Pattern - Elders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
9. Leadership Pattern - Deacons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
10. The Pattern of Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
11. Worship - The Lord’s Supper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
12. Worship in Song . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
13. SUPPLEMENTARY STUDY - Baptism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

INTRODUCTION
To begin our study in the distinctive nature of the church, we want to address ourselves
to two important aspects of the subject. First, we want to see the purpose for which
God has designed and created the church in the earth. And then we want to study the
pattern and principle after which Christianity has been ordered, by which we identify the body
of Christ.