1. As a believer, you are part of a universal body of born-again friends call the Church.

2. 1. Who is Jesus in relation to the church? 2. What is the church called? 3. Who must have first place in everything? Colossians 1:18 Colossians 1:18 He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body's life. He is the firstborn Son, who was raised from death, in order that he alone might have the first place in all things. (GNB)

3. 1. Acts 20 : 28 1. Acts 20 : 28 “So keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock which the Holy Spirit has placed in your care. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he made his own through the blood of his Son.” (GNB) By what means did Jesus purchase the church?

4. 2. Hebrews 10:25 2. Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.”(GNB) Why must Christians meet regularly together?

5. 3. Ephesians 4 : 11 - 12 3. Ephesians 4 : 11 - 12 It was he who “gave gifts”; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. 12He did this to prepare all God's people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. What spiritual leaders has God given his Body?

6. 4. 1 Thessalonians 5 : 12 - 13 “ 4. 1 Thessalonians 5 : 12 - 13 “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” How should I treat leaders in God’s Church?

7. 5. Acts 2 : 42 - 27 5. Acts 2 : 42 - 27 “42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”(NIV) What did the early believers do together?

8. 6. 1 Corinthians 12 : 25 - 27 “ 6. 1 Corinthians 12 : 25 - 27 “25 And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. 26 If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness. 27 All of you are Christ's body, and each one is a part of it.”(GNB) What should be my reaction when another Christian suffers?

9. 7. Romans 16 : 17 - 18 “ 7. Romans 16 : 17 - 18 “17 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to watch out for people who create divisions and problems against the teaching that you learned. Keep away from them. 18 People like that aren’t serving the Lord. They are serving their own feelings. They deceive the hearts of innocent people with smooth talk and flattery.”(CEB) How should I respond when someone causes divisions in the church?

10. 8. Ephesians 4 : 2 - 3 ‘ 8. Ephesians 4 : 2 - 3 ‘2 Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, 3 and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together.”(CEB) What should be my attitude towards all believers?

12. As several logs in a fire burn brightly and vigorously when together, so we are encouraged by fellow believers and their gifts. If we avoid other Christians, our fire dims…

14. “Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.”

15. To whom does the Church belong? Why is the church important to you? What happens when we avoid other Christians?

17. “Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.” (GNB)