Outline By: Brian A. Yeager

 A. Jesus promised to build His church ( Matthew 16:13-18 ). Matthew 16:13-18  1. The church was part of God’s plan from the beginning ( Ephesians 3:1- 12 ). Ephesians 3:1- 12  2. The church is essential to the plan of redemption ( Acts 2:47 ). Acts 2:47  3. Jesus died, IN PART, to establish His church ( Ephesians 5:25 ). Ephesians 5:25

 B. The church is the spiritual body of Christ ( Colossians 1:12-24 ). Colossians 1:12-24  1. The church is the people, not a building ( I Corinthians 12:27 ). I Corinthians 12:27  2. There is only one church/body/assembly of Christ ( Ephesians 4:4-6, Colossians 1:18, and Colossians 3:15 ). Ephesians 4:4-6 Colossians 1:18 Colossians 3:15

 A. …In name ( Romans 16:16 ). Romans 16:16  1. There is something in a name ( Acts 4:10-12 ). Acts 4:10-12  2. Could anyone rationally think they could be saved in any other person’s church ( John 14:6 )? John 14:6  3. We can’t wear other names ( I Corinthians 1:10-13 ). I Corinthians 1:10-13

 1. We, the church of Christ, have only one creed ( I Corinthians 4:17, Colossians 3:17, and II Timothy 3:15-17 ). I Corinthians 4:17 Colossians 3:17 II Timothy 3:15-17  2. We take that creed [the truth] and spread it ( I Thessalonians 1:7-8 ). I Thessalonians 1:7-8  3. The church of Christ does not engage in carnal business ( John 2:13-17 ) or entertainment ( Romans 14:17 ). John 2:13-17 Romans 14:17  4. The church of Christ has her purpose in spiritual work ( Ephesians 4:15-16 ). Ephesians 4:15-16

 1. The denominational world assembles to the satisfaction of people ( Matthew 15:7-9 ; cf. Galatians 1:10 ). Matthew 15:7-9 Galatians 1:10  2. Rather than choosing our way of worship ( Colossians 2:18-23 ), we worship God His way ( John 4:23-24 ). Colossians 2:18-23 John 4:23-24  a. People may like bands, choirs, pianos, etc.; but the New Testament shows God just wants us to sing together ( Matthew 26:30, I Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, and Colossians 3:16 ). Matthew 26:30 I Corinthians 14:15 Ephesians 5:19 Colossians 3:16  b. Our prayers are to God’s will, not man’s will ( I John 5:14-15 ). I John 5:14-15  c. Sermons are not fluff and stupid stuff or professional babble, but intended to save souls ( I Corinthians 2:1-5 and II Timothy 4:2 ). I Corinthians 2:1-5 II Timothy 4:2

The church of Christ is the ONLY church that can truthfully make the Scriptural claims in this lesson! The church of our Savior is the only body of believers whose names are written in Heaven ( Hebrews 12:22-23 ). That’s DIFFERENT! Hebrews 12:22-23