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 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)

The ONE True Church - 3 Finding a Local Church

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.

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: Corinthians 12:27 – Christ is head, individuals the body!

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

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

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.

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

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

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 Examples: one moves into a community and seeks to find a sound congregation, leaves a congregation due to doctrinal error, etc.

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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