1. March 30, 2011 Lesson Twenty-One

2. Key Question: Why do I want to join a local congregation?

3. 1. If there is only one holy Christian Church, why are there so many different churches? a. 2 Timothy 4:3, 4 Many churches allow false doctrines to be taught Doctrine: teaching b. 1 Corinthians 1:10* But Jesus wants us to agree in all that we teach from the Bible False doctrines in other churches divide us from them

4. Visible church: A visible gathering of people around God's Word, such as, a congregation WELS: Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, our church body Synod: A church body that shares the same faith and so walks together. Evangelical: Centered around the Gospel of Jesus

5. 2. How can I know if a visible church is teaching God's Word correctly? a. 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22* God wants me to test everything a church teaches and practices Confessions: Written statements of what a church believes and teaches b. Matthew 28:18, 19 Jesus wants a church to teach all his Word correctly By comparing all of its teachings to all of God's Word.

6. 3. What blessings do we share when we join in fellowship with a church that teaches correctly? a. 1 Corinthians 1:10* Fellowship: United in faith because we agree on what God's Word says and so share the same doctrine b. Hebrews 10:24, 25* Church fellowship: Worshiping, communing, and studying God's Word together

7. 3. What blessings do we share when we join in fellowship with a church that teaches correctly? c. Acts 1:14 Prayer fellowship: Praying to God together d. Psalm 78:4-7 Christian education: Working together to teach the next generation God's Word e. Mark 16:15 Mission work: Working together to spread God's Word

8. 3. What blessings do we share when we join in fellowship with a church that teaches correctly? When I join, we can work together around God's Word.

9. Key Question: Why do I want to join a local congregation? The Holy Spirit wants me to join a congregation that teaches all of God's Word correctly so that we can share Christian fellowship.