1. Lesson 1: The Church Is A Family!

2. The Church Is An “Institution” The Church Is An “Institution” – Definition: An organization or establishment founded for and devoted to a specific purpose – As related to the church: The Lord’s church is to be organized The Lord’s church is to be organized The Lord’s church is to have purpose The Lord’s church is to have purpose The Lord’s church is to abide by laws The Lord’s church is to abide by laws – “Institution” emphasizes organization Introduction

3. The Church Is A “Society” The Church Is A “Society” – Definition: A voluntary association of individuals for common ends; especially an organized group working together and meeting together because of common interests and beliefs – As related to the church: The Lord’s church is made up of people The Lord’s church is made up of people The Lord’s church, comprised of real people, have ONE thing in common The Lord’s church, comprised of real people, have ONE thing in common The Lord’s church, comprised of real people, all have the same goal The Lord’s church, comprised of real people, all have the same goal – “Society” emphasizes people Introduction

4. The Church Is A “Family” The Church Is A “Family” – Definition: Any group of persons closely related by blood, united by certain convictions or a common affiliation – As related to the church: The Lord’s church is a family! The Lord’s church is a family! Each member of the family has been bought with blood (Eph. 1:4-7) Each member of the family has been bought with blood (Eph. 1:4-7) Every member of the family is to be of one mind (1 Pet. 3:8) Every member of the family is to be of one mind (1 Pet. 3:8) 1 Timothy 3:15; cf. v. 4-5 1 Timothy 3:15; cf. v. 4-5 Ephesians 2:19 Ephesians 2:19 Hebrews 3:6 Hebrews 3:6 1 Peter 2:5 1 Peter 2:5 Introduction

5. Relationships in the “Church Family” Relationships in the “Church Family” – The Father: God is our Father Matthew 6:9; cf. 23:9 Matthew 6:9; cf. 23:9 Ephesians 4:6 Ephesians 4:6 Ephesians 3:14-15 Ephesians 3:14-15 Our Father: Our Father: – Provides love (1 John 3:1; 4:7-19) – Provides needs (Matt. 6:8, 33; Heb. 4:14-16) – Provides protection (1 Cor. 10:13) – Provides comfort (2 Cor. 1:3) – Provides correction/discipline (Heb. 12:5-6) – Provides inheritance (Rom. 8:16-17)

6. Relationships in the “Church Family” Relationships in the “Church Family” – The Older Brother: Christ Jesus is our older Brother Hebrews 3:6 Hebrews 3:6 Hebrews 2:17-18 Hebrews 2:17-18 Hebrews 2:11-12 Hebrews 2:11-12 Romans 8:16-17 Romans 8:16-17

7. Relationships in the “Church Family” Relationships in the “Church Family” – The Children: All Christians (and only Christians) are God’s children Only two possible families of which to be a part (John 8:42-44; 1 John 3:10) Only two possible families of which to be a part (John 8:42-44; 1 John 3:10) It is a great manifestation of His love to call Christians His children (1 John 3:1-2) It is a great manifestation of His love to call Christians His children (1 John 3:1-2) God wants all to be in Christ and to be one of His children (Eph. 1:4-5) God wants all to be in Christ and to be one of His children (Eph. 1:4-5) But only certain ones have been given a right to become children (John 1:12-13) But only certain ones have been given a right to become children (John 1:12-13) Even among those who have been given the right, only certain ones will exercise that right and become a child of God (Gal. 3:26-27; Rom. 8:15-17). Even among those who have been given the right, only certain ones will exercise that right and become a child of God (Gal. 3:26-27; Rom. 8:15-17). Being a child of God is an “exclusive” relationship (God draws a line) Being a child of God is an “exclusive” relationship (God draws a line)

8. Relationships in the “Church Family” Relationships in the “Church Family” – The Siblings: All Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ “Brethren” 193 in NT; “Brother, -s, -ly, -hood” 165 times in NT (1 out of every 340 words in NT; 0.3% of words in NT) “Brethren” 193 in NT; “Brother, -s, -ly, -hood” 165 times in NT (1 out of every 340 words in NT; 0.3% of words in NT) There is a special relationship between brothers & sisters in Christ There is a special relationship between brothers & sisters in Christ There are special blessings for brothers & sisters in Christ There are special blessings for brothers & sisters in Christ There are special responsibilities of brothers & sisters in Christ There are special responsibilities of brothers & sisters in Christ Every member of God’s family is important! Every member of God’s family is important!