Paul’s letters are written primarily to local churches. This discussion will focus on the importance of the church using the manifesto of the church, Ephesians. Ephesians tell us what the church is, w

Paul’s letters are written primarily to local churches. This discussion will focus on the importance of the church using the manifesto of the church, Ephesians. Ephesians tell us what the church is, who the church is, how the church came to be, and what the church's purpose is.

Although the letter to the Ephesians was likely a circular letter for multiple churches, it was written with an expectation that specific local churches would read the letter (see, for example, Ephesians 2:19–22). So we should read the letter with an eye for truths about the universal capital C Church and an eye for how these truths work themselves out in the local little c church.

For your initial discussion board post, read Ephesians and answer the following questions, giving specific examples from the text:

What and who is the church?

How did the church come to be?

What is the purpose of the church?

How should Christians live in light of the church?

Discuss with your classmates:

• In light of what you have learned about the church in Ephesians, read Hebrews 10:19–25 and discuss why the author of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of believers being a part of a local church.

What did Jesus say about the church? Give specific examples.