1. The Uniqueness of the Church
“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.”
(Matthew 16:18)

2. West Side church of Christ West Side Church of Christ
Which is Correct?
West Side church of Christ
West Side Church of Christ

3. Webster’s Definition - Church
Etymology: Middle English chirche, from Old English cirice, ultimately from Late Greek kyriakon, from Greek, neuter of kyriakos of the lord, from kyrios lord, master; akin to Sanskrit śūra hero, warrior
Date: before 12th century
1 : a building for public and especially Christian worship 2 : the clergy or officialdom of a religious body 3 often capitalized : a body or organization of religious believers: as a : the whole body of Christians b : denomination <the Presbyterian church> c : congregation 4 : a public divine worship <goes to church every Sunday> 5 : the clerical profession <considered the church as a possible career>

4. Greek Definition – Church (ekklesia)
a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):--assembly, church.

5. Use of the term “Church”
Universal
Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47
Local
Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:2
Distributive (still local)
Galatians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:1

6. Other PRinciples The Lordship of Jesus Christ The Pattern Principle
Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23-24
The Pattern Principle
Hebrews 8:1-5
Like a recipe or a blueprint
Local church autonomy
Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4
Discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1-5)

7. Conclusion
No “church” that is patterned after men’s desires rather than Divine will can claim to be the unique assembly established and kept by Jesus Christ!