6 The Church

Misconceptions of the Bible The church is a building

Misconceptions of the Bible The church is a building The church is a human organization

Misconceptions of the Bible The church is a building The church is a human organization All churches are the same

The church building is only a building used by the church The Church in the Bible The church building is only a building used by the church

The church is organized but is not a human organization The Church in the Bible The church building is only a building used by the church The church is organized but is not a human organization

There is really only one church The Church in the Bible The church building is only a building used by the church The church is organized but is not a human organization There is really only one church

The Church in the Bible I will build my church… - Matthew 16:18

Church = “EKKLESIA” = To call out

The church was the assembly of people who were disciples of Jesus Christ. The church is the gathering of all those who are saved by faith in Jesus Christ.

“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”  Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. - Acts 2:36-38

Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. - Acts 2:39-41

Imagery of the church Kingdom of Heaven – Matthew 3:2 Kingdom of God – Matthew 6:33 Church of God – Acts 20:28 Church of Christ – Romans 16:16 God’s Field – I Corinthians 3:9

Imagery of the church God’s Building – I Corinthians 3:9 Heavenly Jerusalem – Galatians 4:26 Israel of God – Galatians 6:16 Body of Christ – Ephesians 1:22-23 Holy Temple – Ephesians 2:21

Imagery of the church Dwelling Where God Lives – Eph. 2:22 Household of God – I Timothy 3:15 Pillar and Ground of the Truth – I Timothy 3:15 Mt. Zion – Hebrews 12:22 City of the Living God – Hebrews 12:22

Imagery of the church Church of the Firstborn – Hebrews 12:23 Flock of God – I Peter 5:2 Golden Lamp Stand – Revelation 1:21 New Jerusalem – Revelation 21:2 Bride and Wife of the Lamb – Revelation 21:9

Unbiblical Foundations Why so many types? Unbiblical Foundations

Disagree on Meaning of the Bible Why so many types? Disagree on Meaning of the Bible Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. - John 17:11B

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. - Ephesians 4:3-6

The Church of Christ is a “New Testament” church in that we try to follow the pattern for church organization and function laid out in the New Testament.

Three goals of the New Testament church Reach and save the lost Matthew 28:18-20

Three goals of the New Testament church Reach and save the lost Build Christ’s Church Matthew 16:18

Three goals of the New Testament church Reach and save the lost Build Christ’s Church Create and Maintain Unity John 17:11b

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