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

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: Benevolence: 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

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”