March 30, 2011 Lesson Twenty-One

Key Question: Why do I want to join a local congregation?

1. If there is only one holy Christian Church, why are there so many different churches? a. 2 Timothy 4:3, 4 Many churches allow false doctrines to be taught Doctrine: teaching b. 1 Corinthians 1:10* But Jesus wants us to agree in all that we teach from the Bible False doctrines in other churches divide us from them

Visible church: A visible gathering of people around God's Word, such as, a congregation WELS: Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, our church body Synod: A church body that shares the same faith and so walks together. Evangelical: Centered around the Gospel of Jesus

2. How can I know if a visible church is teaching God's Word correctly? a. 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22* God wants me to test everything a church teaches and practices Confessions: Written statements of what a church believes and teaches b. Matthew 28:18, 19 Jesus wants a church to teach all his Word correctly By comparing all of its teachings to all of God's Word.

3. What blessings do we share when we join in fellowship with a church that teaches correctly? a. 1 Corinthians 1:10* Fellowship: United in faith because we agree on what God's Word says and so share the same doctrine b. Hebrews 10:24, 25* Church fellowship: Worshiping, communing, and studying God's Word together

3. What blessings do we share when we join in fellowship with a church that teaches correctly? c. Acts 1:14 Prayer fellowship: Praying to God together d. Psalm 78:4-7 Christian education: Working together to teach the next generation God's Word e. Mark 16:15 Mission work: Working together to spread God's Word

3. What blessings do we share when we join in fellowship with a church that teaches correctly? When I join, we can work together around God's Word.

Key Question: Why do I want to join a local congregation? The Holy Spirit wants me to join a congregation that teaches all of God's Word correctly so that we can share Christian fellowship.