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1 Corinthians 10 Parallel with Romans 14 2 Peter 1:5-7

Welcome! Bibles and copies of sermons are available Please silence your cell phones Sunday Bible Classes 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM 5:30 PM Wednesday Bible Classes 7:00 PM www.SunsetchurchofChrist.net

Judges 5:3 "Hear, O kings; give ear, O rulers Judges 5:3 "Hear, O kings; give ear, O rulers! I--to the LORD, I will sing, I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel” Hymns Invitation Red Songbook - Supplemental

Difficult Question This question is very difficult because: 1. When I was baptized, I was added to the single church of Christ 2. The congregations called churches of Christ are plural and independent of one anotherJesus built ONE church - Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 4:4 There are congregations/churches There are denominations built by men There are churches that fell away

What Makes Us Different Instrumental music? Baptism? Lord’s Supper every Sunday? No single pastor over a church? No church headquarters? WRONG These things are only the RESULTS of the things that make us different

What Makes Us Different Headship in Christ Sola Scriptura Identity Self-Examination Spiritual over worldly

Jesus’ Church Has One Head And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1:22-23

Jesus’ Church Has One Head He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. Colossians 1:18

Jesus’ Church Has One Head Headship: One head One body Head directs Concept of Headship means: one body, not many; one head, not many.

Jesus’ Church Has One Head The church is the Temple of God …..you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, Ephesians 2:19-21 Eph 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,

Jesus’ Church Has One Head The church is the Temple of God Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE., 2 Corinthians 6:16 Eph 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,

Jesus’ Church Has One Head Men usurp God’s place in the Temple 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 2Th 2:3 ¶ Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.

Jesus’ Church Has One Head Men usurp God’s place in the Temple 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 Men usurp God’s place by making rules There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? James 4:12 Jas 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

Jesus’ Church Has One Head The Headship of Christ makes us different We do NOT follow the directions of men We do NOT have an outside authority - Church councils/conventions/assemblies - Church presidents or fathers - Church creeds or codes 2Th 2:3 ¶ Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.

Jesus’ Church Has One Head We want to be in Jesus’ church His Body is what He is saving We can find His Body by finding His Headship ONLY following what Jesus has revealed 2Th 2:3 ¶ Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.

Jesus’ Church Has One Head God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. Hebrews 1:1-2 2Th 2:3 ¶ Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.

Joining the Body of Christ Acts 2:47b And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved

On the day of Pentecost the People: Heard and believed – Acts 2:37 Confessed Jesus – (Acts 2:40) Repentance from sin – Acts 2:38 Baptism into Christ – Acts 2:38 Remain Faithful – Acts 2:40 God has not changed – neither has His plan!

Jesus’ Church Has One Light God speaks to us ONLY through the Bible SOLA SCRIPTURA

Jesus’ Church Has One Light God speaks to us ONLY through the Bible All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Jesus’ Church Has One Light God speaks to us ONLY through the Bible Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3

Jesus’ Church Has One Light God speaks to us ONLY through the Bible I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. Jude 1:3b So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

Jesus’ Church Has One Light We do not get to change that message I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18-19

Jesus’ Church Has One Light We do not get to change that message Many claim that they follow only the Bible; - But they have church authorities - But they have other messages - But they have miracles and signs

Jesus’ Church Has One Identity The church is the Bride of Christ And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2

Jesus’ Church Has One Identity The church is the Bride of Christ The church has no name of itself - She is the Body of Christ - She bears His name All the churches of Christ greet you. Romans 16:16 All of the “titles” of the church in the NT are not names but descriptions coming back to one idea – the church belongs to Christ. When it says “church of the laodicans, of the Philippians” or even “Sunset church of Christ”, these are descriptions. We need to remember this

Jesus’ Church Is Not Right of Itself The church is established in Scripture I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 1Timothy 3:15 All of the “titles” of the church in the NT are not names but descriptions coming back to one idea – the church belongs to Christ. When it says “church of the laodicans, of the Philippians” or even “Sunset church of Christ”, these are descriptions. We need to remember this

Jesus’ Church Is Not Right of Itself Scriptures are created (in part): The church is established in Scripture I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 1Timothy 3:15 All of the “titles” of the church in the NT are not names but descriptions coming back to one idea – the church belongs to Christ. When it says “church of the laodicans, of the Philippians” or even “Sunset church of Christ”, these are descriptions. We need to remember this

Jesus’ Church Is Not Right of Itself Scriptures are created (in part): The church is established in Scripture I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 1Timothy 3:15 To define (local) church behavior: All of the “titles” of the church in the NT are not names but descriptions coming back to one idea – the church belongs to Christ. When it says “church of the laodicans, of the Philippians” or even “Sunset church of Christ”, these are descriptions. We need to remember this

Jesus’ Church Is Not Right of Itself The church is established in Scripture A local church must examine itself Revelation 2-3 Lose the “candle stand” of Christ

Jesus’ Church Has One Head The church is the Temple of God …..you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, Ephesians 2:19-21 Eph 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,

Jesus’ Church Has One Head The church is the Temple of God …..you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, Ephesians 2:19-21 Eph 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,

Jesus’ Church Has One Head Men usurp God’s place in the Temple 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 2Th 2:3 ¶ Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.

A Way of Dialogue Between people of the Way 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage one another James 5:16 – Confess sins to one another Romans 15:14 – Admonish one another Matthew 18:15-18 – Confront about sin Matthew 5:23-24 – Reconcile with one another Colossians 3:16 – Teach one another

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Hear and believe – John 5:24 Confess Jesus – Romans 10:9 Repentance from sin – Acts 2:38 Baptism into Christ – Mark 16:16 Remain Faithful – Revelation 2:10