The True Church

What is a Church ? Building - physical structure Faith, common belief The members, congregation or assembly Public place of worship

“Church” Derived from Greek “kuriakon” (i.e., “the Lord’s house”), which was used by biblical writers for the place of worship. “An assembly” - the character of which can only be known from the context in which the word is used

Hundreds of Churches ….. Most claim to be God’s true church Many common beliefs But also many different teachings Is there one true church ? Does it matter ? Isn’t just being a “Good Christian” enough

Is there only ONE true church ? Luke 17:26 - “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.” How many ways of escape were there is Noah’s day ?

How many Faiths or Churches did Paul say Jesus had ? Ephesians 4:4-6 - There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

One True Church What is the fate of Christians in other churches ? What is the fate of Non - Christians ?

John 10: 16,27 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd …. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand

God’s Church Symbolised Jeremiah 6:2 - I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman Isaiah 51:16 - And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.

When does the True Church Exist ? Revelation 12:13 - And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child Revelation 12:6 - And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

When does the True Church Exist ? God’s true church did not exist OPENLY as an ORGANISATION from 538 AD to 1798 AD Persecution occurred 538 AD - Bishop of Rome acknowledged as Head of all Churches by the Roman Emperor Justinian 1798 AD - Pope taken captive by Napoleon’s General, Berthier.

When does the True or Remnant Church Exist ? Revelation 12:17 - And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 19:10 - And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Characteristics of the Remnant Church Keep the Commandments of God Have the Gift of Prophecy

Characteristics of the Remnant Church Revelation 14:7 - Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14: 8,9 “Babylon is fallen - come out of her my people” “Beware of the beast and his image and his mark”

Characteristics of the Remnant Church Revelation 12:11 - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Acts 4:12 - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Salvation and Righteousness come by Faith in Jesus Christ alone.

God’s True Church Identified Will appear after the “Wilderness” - Dark Ages Experience (After 1798) Will hold the same truths as apostles - Teachings in accordance with the Bible Will keep the 10 Commandments Will have the Gift of Prophecy Will preach the 3 Angels Message Will be a worldwide Missionary Church to every nation tongue and people Will teach salvation through Jesus Christ

God’s True Church Identified Acts 2:47 - Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.