The Church A Divine Institution dedicated to the

The Church A Divine Institution dedicated to the furtherance of God’s Plan & Purpose Composed of those who have committed their lives to Christ Living Stones built up a Spiritual House – 1 Peter 2: 4, 5 Represents the “called out” body of believers – 1 Peter 2: 9, 10

“Church” Used in Two Ways: – Universal Sense – encompasses all faithful children of God (Acts 2: 46 -47) – Local Sense – Christians in given area who have banded together to work and worship as the New Testament dictates (1 Corinthians 1: 2)

Reasons Why We Should Respect The Church Of Christ

Because of its Importance Isaiah 2: 1 -4 -- Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy -Daniel 2: 44, 45 Ephesians 1: 22, 23 -- The Body of Christ Ephesians 3: 8 -11 – Expresses God’s Manifold Wisdom & His Eternal Purpose Acts 20: 28 – Purchased with His shed blood

Because of its Head Matthew 16: 13 -19 “My church” Acts Chapter 2 Fulfilled on Pentecost Ephesians 1: 22, 23 The church belongs to Jesus, Who is its Head Matthew 28: 18 -20 The possessor of All Authority in Heaven and Earth Isaiah 55: 4 Christ is our Leader 2 Timothy 4: 1, 2 Christ is our Judge James 4: 12 Christ is our Lawgiver

Because of its Law 1 Corinthians 9: 20, 21 “under law to Christ” James 1: 25 law of Christ is Perfect Jude 3 law of Christ is unalterable We are not a church that belongs to Christ because of a sign on the front of the building

Because of its Law Colossians 3: 17 But because our faith and practice is based on His Word 1 Peter 4: 11 Must guard against introduction of human dogmas & doctrines that lead away from truth John 8: 31, 32 ONLY truth makes Free 2 John 9 Must be sure we are abiding in the doctrine of Christ

Evangelism: Because of its Work – “Seek and save the lost” Luke 19: 10 – Matthew 28: 18 -20 Marching Orders – Mark 16: 15, 16 “All the world” – 1 Timothy 3: 15 Preaching Gospel Chief Obligation of the church

Edification: Because of its Work – 1 Peter 2: 1, 2 Disciples to Grow – Ephesians 4: 11 -16 Body of Christ Built Up as Each member does its Part – Hebrews 10: 23 -25 Stir up love and good works – exhorting one another Benevolence: – Acts 4: 34. 35 Special Needs – 1 Timothy 5: 3 -10 Physical needs of its own

Because of its Worship John 4: 23, 24 “worship in spirit and truth” Acts 2: 42 Preaching, prayer, singing, giving, Lord’s Supper Acts 20: 7 On First day of the Week 1 Corinthians 11: 23 -25 “in remembrance of Him” 1 Corinthians 16: 1, 2 gathering of funds for the work of the church Colossians 3: 16 “singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”

Because of its Organization Organized by Divine Guidance Each Congregation Independent & Autonomous (selfgoverning) Acts 14: 23 Elders in every church Acts 20: 28 -32 Elders to oversee and feed the flock among them 1 Peter 5: 1, 2 Oversight limited to local congregations the were in 1 Corinthians 12: 12 -26 Assisted by deacons, teachers & members

How Shall I View The Church?

Will I Cherish & Esteem it as the Handiwork of God?

Will I Ridicule its Very Existence & Manifest Contempt for its Laws?

How Dare We Underestimate The Value of Being a Member of the Church of Our Lord? Church is destined for Greatness – Hebrews 12: 22 -24 1 Corinthians 15: 23 -28 Are You Numbered among those who are Called our of Sin unto Salvation and Service? Do You Have a Covenant Relationship with Jesus Christ?

Have You Been Baptized Into Christ for the Remission of Sins? Acts 2: 38 “repent and be baptized… for the remission of sins” Romans 6: 3, 4 “baptized into Christ Jesus … baptized into His death” 1 Corinthians 12: 13 “all baptized into one body” Galatians 3: 26, 27 “baptized into Christ … put on Christ”