Body of Christ
Sharing in Common
Fellowship of the Saints
Flock of God
Household and Family of God
Temple and Building of God
Vine and Branches
Bride of Christ
Royal Priesthood

The studies listed on this page take up, one at a time, the pictures the New Testament uses to describe the church. Where the overview sets the pictures side by side, these studies stay with each one long enough to hear everything Scripture says through it.

Each study follows the same path. It begins with the picture’s roots, often in the Old Testament, where most of these images were first given to Israel. It then explains the key Greek and Hebrew words, so that readers without formal training can see what the writers chose to say. The teaching sections quote the key passages in full from the New King James Version, offer exegetical observations on the text, and draw out implications for the local church, framed as what we should align with and what we may need to adjust. Questions for reflection and discussion close every section.

The body of Christ shows that every member is needed and that Christ is the Head. Sharing in Common and The Fellowship of the Saints explore the shared life believers hold in Christ. The flock speaks of the Shepherd’s care, the household of belonging, and the temple of God’s holy presence among His people. The vine teaches that our life comes from Christ, the bride that He loves us and calls us to be faithful, and the royal priesthood that every believer may come to God and serve.

The studies can be read in order or taken one at a time. They are written for personal study, for adult classes, and for congregations that want to hear the church described from every side. Each picture asks the same question in its own way: who are we in Christ, and how then shall we live together?