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Explore the importance of the Church of Christ, a divine institution dedicated to fulfilling God's plan and purpose. Discover the reasons to respect and cherish the Church, its role as the body of Christ, the authority of Jesus as its head, the significance of its laws, and the importance of its work in evangelism, edification, and benevolence. Learn about the worship and organization of the Church, and consider the value of being a member in this great institution.
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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)
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
Because of its Work • Evangelism: • “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
Because of its Work • Edification: • 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 (self-governing) 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
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”