Identifying The Lord's Church Today Ephesians 4:4-6

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)

Basic Foundations of the Church Authority of the church The organization of the church Basic Foundations of the Church

Identifying and Becoming a part of the Lord’s Church 1 Identifying and Becoming a part of the Lord’s Church 1. How do we identify The Lord’s Church? 2. How do we worship in The Lord’s Church? 3. How do we become a part of the Lord’s Church? 4. What is the work of The Lord’s Church?

The largest main World Religions in order are: • Christianity: 2.1 billion. • Islam: 1.3 billion. • Hinduism: 900 million. • Buddhism: 376 million. • Sikhism: 23 million. • Judaism: 14 million. www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/Religion.html

41,000 Different Christian Denominations in Five Major ‘Families' of Churches 1. The Catholic Church [50%] 2. Historic Protestant and Anglican churches [18%] The Eastern Churches (Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Church of the East) [12%] 4. Pentecostal churches [12%] Evangelical (non-Pentecostal) [8%] Ask.com

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,” 1 Corinthians 14:33

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:5-6

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock(foundation), I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:17-18 (ESV)

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9

Compare the Practice of Today’s Church with the New Testament Pattern

The Book of Acts and the Epistles: New Testament Pattern The worship of local churches The work of local churches The organization of the churches Continuing steadfastly in the "apostles' doctrine" – Acts 2:42

Romans 3:23 Philippians 2:5-7

Can we identify the Lord’s Church today?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16

“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:37-38

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47