 Greek word for “church” appears 115 times in the New Testament: Matt. 16:18; Rev. 22:16  Great deal of misinformation and falsehoods about “the church.”  Despite Jesus’ prayer (Jn. 17:20-23), Paul’s plea (1 Cor. 1:10-13), and God’s plan (Eph. 4:1-6) “Christendom” is hopelessly fractured and divided. 2

 How many denominations?  33,000+ (World Christian Encyclopedia).  Independents: ~22,000  Protestant: ~9,000  Marginals: ~1,600  Orthodox: 781  Roman Catholics: 242  Anglican: 168 3

 If not for its seriousness, it would be funny!  Apostolic Faith Church Body of Jesus Christ of the Newborn Assembly  Our Most Holy Precious Lady of the Sacred Heart  Hebrew Pentecostal Church of God, Inc.  Power Pass Power Church of the Mountain Ministry, Inc.  Happy Go Lucky Church of Almighty God in Jesus Name Amen  Trigger Happy Ministry 4

 Our concepts are more than merely an academic interest  There’s a definite relationship between our thinking and our actions: Matt. 12:34; 15:19  Our words and actions are merely extensions of how and what we think: Prov. 23:7; 4:23 5

6 I IIIII IV CONCEPTS Concepts are the soil from which we draw conclusions. A concept is a mental picture of something. CONCLUSIONS therefore Behaviors & Practices Man behaves, practices, or lives according to his… CONCLUSION:1. If our CONCEPT is wrong, conclusions will be wrong; and behavior/practices cannot be right. 2. We need to keep going back to “the old paths” (Jer. 6:16); asking, “Do I have the right concept?” AND REMEMBER: 3. It is what we think we know already, that often prevents us from learning. Belief or Concept Prov. 4:23: Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Prov. 23:7: For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Many, if not all the problems in the religious world today, are the result of man’s incorrectly held concepts. The CONCEPT must be corrected FIRST! produce e.g. LOW ESTIMATE of DEITY (wrong concept) Acts 17:16-32 Incorrect conclusion concerning morality will be drawn. PRACTICE: Gross immorality Rom. 1:20-32 thus

 Many notions (concepts) about “the church” spring from tradition rather than Truth; from creeds and not from Christ.  It’s critical to challenge our concepts about “the church”: 1 Pet. 4:11 7

 Quiz on “the church”: 8

The New Testament Church

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