“Upon this rock, I will build my church” Jesus said: Thus, this is the Lord’s church Thus, this is the Lord’s church Since Jesus is Divine – it is a Divine institution Since Jesus is Divine – it is a Divine institution Matt. 16:18

Old Testament New Testament Church Promised (Mt. 16:18) Church Built (Act 2:47) Thus, It is the New Testament Church! Not built upon OT (Mt. 5) Is built upon NT (2 Cor 3)

I. Jesus is the Only Head It’s Standard and Discipline II. OT is Not Her Law III. Bible (NT) is Her Only Guide IV. Application & Meaning

I. Origin of the NT Church Origin and Establishment II. Establishment of the NT Church

I. The Saved Its Nature II. The Church III. The Body IV. The Kingdom V. The House VI. The Temple VII. The Bride

I. The Term “Church” Used in Two Senses Its Organization II. Universally – No Organization III. Local Church Organization

I. Determining the Work Its Work II. Scriptural Work III. Unscriptural Work

I. The Object of Worship Its Worship II. The Manner of Worship III. The Assembly for Worship IV. The Day of Worship V. The Items of Worship

I. The Importance of a Name Its Name II. Denominational Names III. Scriptural Names - Church IV. Scriptural Names - Individual V. Ashamed of the Name

Membership

1.How do I know which church is the church we read about in the New Testament? 2.Why is it important to be a member of that church? 3.How does one become a member of the church? 4.What does membership in the church mean?

I. Finding the New Testament Church Membership

I. Finding the New Testament Church A.The importance of finding the church 1.There is just one (Eph. 4:4) 2.Others are empty (Matt. 15:13; Psa. 127:1)

I. Finding the New Testament Church A.The importance of finding the church B.Searching for it in a world of churches 1.Just like searching for a lost child “One boy is as good as another” Find a boy that I like Most popular boy

I. Finding the New Testament Church A.The importance of finding the church B.Searching for it in a world of churches 1.Just like searching for a lost child 10 Years old 10 Years old 70 lbs 70 lbs 50” tall 50” tall Name is Tommy Name is Tommy Hair: Brown Hair: Brown Eyes: Green Eyes: Green

I. Finding the New Testament Church A.The importance of finding the church B.Searching for it in a world of churches 1.Just like searching for a lost child 2.Looking for the church with all the characteristics Name Name Origin Origin Organization Organization Work Work Doctrine Doctrine Practice Practice 10 Years old 10 Years old 70 lbs 70 lbs 50” tall 50” tall Name is Tommy Name is Tommy Hair: Brown Hair: Brown Eyes: Green Eyes: Green

I. Finding the New Testament Church Membership II. Why Do I Need to be a Member?

A.To be saved (Acts 2:47) B.To be in Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; 2 Cor. 5:17) C.To be in the kingdom (Matt. 16:18-19; Col. 1:13) D.To be in the family of God (Gal. 3:26-27) E.To be married to Christ (Eph. 5:23-32; Rom. 7) F.To benefit from the blood (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25) G.To have all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3) H.To have name enrolled in heaven (Heb. 12:22-23)

I. Finding the New Testament Church Membership II. Why Do I Need to be a Member? III. How Do I Become a Member?

A.Not by: 1.By inheritance (Rom. 9:6-7; Ezek. 18) 2.Joining the church (Acts 2:47)

III. How Do I Become a Member? A.Not by: B.Apostles given the keys 1.Spoken to Peter & rest (Matt. 16:18; 18:18; John 20:23) 2.Keys = terms of entrance

III. How Do I Become a Member? A.Not by: B.Apostles given the keys C.What did the apostles require? 1.Faith in Christ (Acts 16:31) 2.Repentance of sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31) 3.Confession of faith (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9-10) 4.Baptism for the remission (Acts 2:38)

22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know– 36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. saved 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Hear Believe Repent Baptized

I. Finding the New Testament Church Membership II. Why Do I Need to be a Member? III. How Do I Become a Member?