1. Drilling Bible Basics The Church of Christ Ephesians 3:1-12

2. The Church in Prophecy Kingdom would be set up during the days of the Roman Empire. –Daniel 2:44 Lord’s house would be established in the latter days; the word would go forth from Jerusalem. –Isaiah 2:2-4 The tabernacle of David would be raised up and repaired; Gentiles would enter into it. –Amos 9:11,12

3. Time of Establishment Jesus said: “The kingdom of God is at hand.” –Mark 1:15 Jesus linked building the church with unlocking the door to the kingdom of heaven. –Matthew 16:18,19 The word would go forth to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. –Luke 24:47-49

4. Time of Establishment On the day of Pentecost, the apostles preached the gospel in Jerusalem. –Acts 2 Thereafter, the church existed. –Acts 2:47; 5:11 Any “ church ” that came into existence at a later date and under different circumstances can not be the church that belongs to Christ!

5. Related Figures House of God –1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:19 Body of Christ –Ephesians 1:22,23; 1 Corinthians 12:13,14 Bride of Christ –Ephesians 5:23,24 Kingdom –Colossians 1:13,14

6. The Kingdom’s Nature Its Owner is Divine –Acts 20:28 It is unique— there’s only ONE –Ephesians 4:4; John 10:16 It is God’s building (a spiritual building) –1 Corinthians 3:9; Acts 15:16

7. Membership Penitent, baptized believers –Acts 2:37,38,41; 1 Corinthians 12:13 Registered in heaven –Hebrews 12:23 Identifiable –1 Corinthians 5:12,13; 2 John 9-11

8. Terminology Individuals— Acts 2:41 Christians— Acts 11:26 Disciples— Acts 11:29 Saints— Romans 1:7 Sons of God— Galatians 3:26 Brethren— Romans 12:1

9. Terminology Local congregations (2 Corinthians 11:28) –Churches of Christ Romans 16:16 –Churches of God 1 Corinthians 1:2; 11:16

10. Terminology Universal ( By one Spirit, we are baptized into one body.) 1 Corinthians 12:13,28 – Church of God ( 1 Corinthians 15:9) – Church of the firstborn (ones) (Hebrews 12:23)

11. Understanding the Church LC C C C C C C C C C C C C C OR CC MAN BIBLE

12. Its Organization Head –Christ (Colossians 1:18) Local Church –Elders and deacons (Philippians 1:1) –Each congregation independent and self- governing (Philippians 4:15,16)

13. Local Church C C C work C C C P Each local church had its own organization and oversight of its own work. 1 Peter 5:2 2 Corinthians 11:8-9

14. Its Work Edification –Ephesians 4:16 Evangelism –1 Thessalonians 1:8 Benevolence –1 Timothy 5:16 –Romans 15:26

15. Denominationalism Bible One church is as good as another. One way is as good as another. One faith is as good as another. We are all going to the same place. There is “one body” (Ephesians 4:4). There is one “way” (John 14:6). There is “one faith” (Ephesians 4:5). Not every religious person will be saved (Matthew 7:21).

16. Denominationalism and Christ’s Church Differ in… Origin FoundationMembership Head NameOrganization Doctrine PracticeDestiny

17. Christ’s Question to Denominationalism “Why do you call Me Lord, And do not the things Which I say?” Luke 4:46

18. Must I be a Member of the Church to Be Saved? If it is the body of the saved (Ephesians 5:23) …And if the only way to life is through Jesus (John 14:6) …Then YES I must be a member of the church to be saved. Will you submit to His will today?