CHAPTER EIGHT

LIVING THE CHURCH LIFE IN A LOCALITY TO BE DELIVERED FROM SELF-VIEW AND SELF-GOAL

Scripture Reading: 1 Cor. 10:32b; 12:13; Eph. 4:4a; Acts 9:31a; Rev. 1:11; Gal. 1:2b; 2 Cor. 8:1; Rom. 16:1-5a, 16b

1. The Body of Christ being the church of God-1 Cor. 10:32b; 12:13:
   1. The Body of Christ being unique in the universe; the church of God also being unique in the universe-Eph. 4:4a; Acts 9:31a.
   2. The unique church of God in the universe becoming the churches in various cities locally, through the spread of His children over all the earth-Rev. 1:11; Gal. 1:2b; 2 Cor. 8:1.
   3. Every believer being able to live the practical church life in one local church only.
2. The practical local churches in the book of Romans:
   1. The church in Cenchrea-Rom. 16:1-2:
      1. Phoebe being a deaconess there.
      2. Having been a patroness of many and of the apostle.
      3. Being worthy of a saint.
   2. The churches of the nations existing severally in various localities-16:4.
   3. The church in the house of Prisca and Aquila being the church in Rome-16:3, 5a.
   4. The churches of Christ being the local churches existing severally in various localities-16:16b.
   5. The church of which Gaius was host probably referring to the church in Corinth, which met in Gaius’ house.
3. The gathering point of God’s salvation in life:
   1. The local churches being the gathering point of our enjoyment of God’s salvation in life:
      1. Being the destination to which our enjoyment of God’s salvation in life brings us.
      2. Being also the place where we continue to enjoy God’s salvation in life unceasingly.
   2. Saving us from self-view and self-goal.