1. Christ’s Church Christ said He would build His church Matt. 16:18 Christ is head over all things to the church and it is His body – Eph. 1:22-23 God’s manifold wisdom is to be made known by the church – Eph. 3:9-12 God’s glory is in the church – Eph. 3:20-21

2. Christ’s Church Is Divine In Its Nature Its coming was prophesied – Isa. 2:2-3 Christ is described as the high priest of the true tabernacle – Heb. 8:2 Christ is prophesied as the builder – Psa. 127:1 It was described as a kingdom that would stand forever – Dan. 2:44

3. Christ’s Church Is Distinctive Its members are a special people to God I Pet. 2:9-10 Its members are to be distinctive from the world – II Cor. 6:14-16 Christ’s kingdom is not an earthly kingdom and we are not to let it become one – Jno. 18:36

4. Christ’s Church is Scriptural Christ has been given all authority to establish His church. Matt. 28:18 “…All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Dan. 7:13-14 Acts 2:26 – “Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ”

5. Christ’s Church Is Scriptural The Bible is the sole source of authority for the church II Tim. 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of god, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

6. Christ’s Church Is Scriptural Any work done in the name of Christ must be done according to His word. I Pet. 4:11 “If anyone speaks, let him speak as to the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever.”

7. Christ’s Church Is Scriptural All things done must be done according to the doctrine of Christ. II John 9 “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the father and the Son.”

8. Christ’s Church Is Scriptural The churches of Asia were told to listen to the Holy Spirit. Rev. 2 & 3 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

9. Christ’s Church Is United There is only one church promised by and established by Christ – Eph. 4:4-6; Rom. 12:4-5 There is to be unity and not division in the Lord’s church – I Cor. 1:10; II Cor. 13:11; Rom. 12:16

10. Christ’s Church Is Adequate To Do Its Work Preaching the gospel – Col. 1:23; Matt. 28:19-20 Edification of the saints – Eph. 4:16; Heb. 10:25 Benevolence – Acts 2:44-45; Acts 6:1-6; Acts 11:27-30; I Cor. 16:1-2

11. Christ’s Church Is Perpetual In Its Existence It will stand forever – Dan. 2:44 “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” It will not be destroyed – Dan. 7:14 “…His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.”

12. Christ’s Church Is Perpetual In Its Existence Not even death shall destroy it. Matt. 16:18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” A kingdom which will never be shaken Heb. 12:28 “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken,…:

13. Christ’s Church Is Glorious In Its Destiny Christ’s church established on Pentecost was pure and glorious in its destiny – Eph. 5:27 “that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” Those who are members of Christ’s church will also emerge pure and holy – Col. 1:22-23

14. Christ’s Church The one that is DIVINE The one that is DISTINCTIVE The one that is SCRIPTURAL The one that is UNITED The one that is ADEQUATE The one that is PERPETUAL The one that is GLORIOUS

15. WHAT CHURCH ARE YOU A MEMBER OF TONIGHT?