1 / 24

The ONE True Church

The ONE True Church. The Universal Church. The “called out” gathering of those belonging to God (the saved). All who are saved are added to the church ( Acts 2:47 ) It is being in relationship with the Godhead. The Universal Church.

metzlerm
Download Presentation

The ONE True Church

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. The ONE True Church

  2. The Universal Church • The “called out” gathering of those belonging to God (the saved). • All who are saved are added to the church (Acts 2:47) • It is being in relationship with the Godhead

  3. The Universal Church • The ONE true Church with Christ as its head (Eph. 1:21-22) • NO earthly organization • Death does not change our standing in it (in fact, it SEALS one standing within or without)

  4. The ONE True Church - 3 Finding a Local Church

  5. The Local Church • A group of saints (membership therein is based upon an understanding of their being part of the universal church) who join together in a given locale to do the work God has prescribed to be done collectively.

  6. The Local Church • In the Bible – 1 Cor. 1:2, Gal. 1:2, 1 Thess. 1:1, Rom. 16:16, etc. • Direct relationship with Jesus – Rev. 1:9-191 Corinthians 12:27 – Christ is head, individuals the body!

  7. The Local Church • Some are unsound, or in danger of losing their relationship with Christ – Rev. 2:5, 3:15,16

  8. Qualities of a Local Church • Christians in ONE location • There are many of them – Rev. 1:4, Rom. 16:16, Gal. 1:2

  9. Qualities of a Local Church • Each church is independent not subject to another’s authority (on earth) &autonomous self-governing(Each congregation has its own elders & deacons). Control is limited to that work.

  10. Qualities of a Local Church • WE join a local church – • Acts 9:26-28,it is expected • NOTE: A church has the right to refuse membership for various reasons – Rom. 16:17, 1 Cor. 5:4-6, 2 Thess. 3:6, Ephesians 5:11, etc. But there ought to be valid reasons

  11. Qualities of a Local Church • Some human judgment involved • While we strive to be consistent with God’s standard, we cannot read hearts. Cf. 1 Cor. 1:10 - divisions occur and they are often the result of impurity

  12. Qualities of a Local Church • One can be saved and not be part of a local church. • All Such examples are temporary – Acts 8:39, 9:26, 3 John 9-10Examples: one moves into a community and seeks to find a sound congregation, leaves a congregation due to doctrinal error, etc.

  13. Qualities of a Local Church • Death affects membership – when one dies, he is still part of the church universal, Rev. 14:13 • but his work with a local church is done.

  14. Identifying a Local Church • One way to determine the true church is by eliminating all that are NOT true. • To do this requires an understanding of God’s word!

  15. Identifying a Local Church Does she respect God’s word • Many churches today add their own creeds. Others disregard portions of God’s word. • Be like the Bereans Acts 17:11 • We should consider this as we associate with other congregations as well – Eph. 5:11, cf. 2 John 9-10

  16. Identifying a Local Church By what name does it identify itself • “Church of Christ” Rom. 16:16 • “Church of God” 1 Cor. 1:2 • “Church of the …” 1 Thess. 1:1 • Each of these identify our relationship with God and Christ! • Man made names expose its purpose • NOTE: Just because a church has the right name does not make it the true church

  17. Identifying a Local Church Consider its organization • Nothing larger than a local congregation • Local leaders – Phil. 1:1, Acts 20:28, etc. • No presiding bishops, popes, etc.

  18. Identifying a Local Church Consider its organization • Many denominations today have organizations larger than a local church- Vatican, headquarters, councils, conventions, tabernacles, etc. • Such is foreign to scripture!

  19. Identifying a Local Church Consider its worship • Every act is found in scripture and executed according to God’s pattern – John 4:24

  20. Identifying a Local Church Consider its worship • Lord’s Supper – Ac. 20:7Giving – 1 Cor. 16:1-2, 2 Cor. 9:6-8Singing – Eph. 5:19, 1 Cor. 14:15Prayer – 1 Cor. 14:15, Acts 12:5Preaching – Eph. 4:11-16, Ac. 20:7, 1 Cor. 4:17

  21. Identifying a Local Church Consider its worship • Today many churches seek to appeal to man instead of God – entertainment, etc.

  22. Identifying a Local Church Consider its work • Simple – evangelism, edification, limited benevolence to saints, worship • More on this in future lessons!

  23. Identifying a Local Church Consider its terms of admission • Does she follow God’s plan of salvation? • Hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21, etc.) • If a church teaches another gospel it should be rejected! Gal. 1:6-9

  24. We CAN find the Lord’s church, if we will look in the Lord’s word!What church are you a part of?

More Related