Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST Matthew 16:18

The Church of Christ  We continue thinking about our theme for this year with lessons that cover the fundamental issues of our faith  We have covered several topics so far that should strengthen our faith and understanding of God and His will  Today we do the same with our lesson

The Church of Christ  In a nation with a church building on every corner, some might wonder if one is just as good as another  Some would say that we are all headed to the same place, but we are just taking different roads to get there  All would agree, however, that there are noticeable differences in those faiths

The Church of Christ  The Bible gives us that answer when it tells us:  There is one body – Eph. 4:4  The church is the body of Christ – Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18  Christ is the only way to the Father – Jn. 14:6

The Church of Christ  The question we must ask then is: Is the church of Christ the body of Christ?  Are we a body of saved believers that are following what the Bible teaches?  Can we know that we are on the right road to the Father, that runs through Christ?

The Church of Christ  1. Christ is the builder, investor & CEO  Christ is the one who built His church, not a man – Matt. 16:18  He invested in the church because He purchased it with His blood – Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25  He is the head of the church, which is His body – Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23; Col. 1:18; 3:17

The Church of Christ  2. The church bears His name  As the builder, investor and CEO, it’s only right and proper that the church would bear His name  “The churches of Christ greet you” – Rom. 16:16  Why would we call it by any other name?

The Church of Christ  3. It meets His membership requirements  When Jesus gave the great commission He commanded all to be baptized – Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16  We see this commanded when the church began in Acts 2:38  God adds to the church those who are saved

The Church of Christ  4. It worships as He directed  Jesus commanded that anyone worshipping God must do so in spirit and truth – Jn. 4:24  We are to gather with the rest of the saints at these appointed times – Heb. 10:25  We gather upon the first day of the week to worship Him – Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11

The Church of Christ  4. It worships as He directed  When we gather, we partake of the Lord’s Supper – Acts 20:7  God’s word is taught – Acts 20:7  There is giving – I Cor. 16:1-2  We sing praises to God as a body – Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16-17

The Church of Christ  4. It worships as He directed  Prayer should be offered as a church as well – I Thess. 5:17; Acts 12:5, 12  When we come together, all should be done decently and in order – I Cor. 14:33, 40  Above all, we should do as Christ has authorized – Col. 3:17

The Church of Christ  5. It is structured as He commands  Christ structured the church so the gospel would spread and needs would be met  They first appointed deacons to help with the work – Acts 6:1-7; I Tim. 3:8-13  Elder were appointed to oversee the congregations – Acts 20:28; Ti. 1:5-9; I Tim. 3:1-7

The Church of Christ  6. We live as He instructs  Those first added to the church abided in the doctrine of the apostles – Acts 2:42  God’s word is what we need to instruct and correct us – II Tim. 3:14-17; II Pet. 1:3  We are to be doers of His word, not hearers only – Js. 1:22