1. How are the Universal and Local Church Related?
The New Testament Church (6)

2. The difference between the Universal and Local Church Why is this important?
There is misunderstanding of the distinction in the religious world (e.g. denominations parts of the body)
Even some brethren misunderstand this (e.g. body is made of congregations)
Terminology sometimes betrays our misunderstanding (e.g. you don’t join the church…)

3. How are the Universal and Local Churches related?
The Universal church is a relationship – fellowship with God. If you are saved, you are part of this.
A local church ought to be related in that it seeks to accept into membership those in the Universal church

4. How are the Universal and Local Churches related?
Both have in common
Christ is the head – Ephesians 1:22- 23
Both glorify Him – Ephesians 3:21
Both are designed by Him – Ephesians 3:10-11
Both are based upon fellowship with Him
Both are governed by the same standard – God’s word!

5. How are the Universal and Local Churches related?
Both have in common:
Each local church exists as if it were the only one on earth. We are independent and autonomous. We answer directly to our Lord based upon His word!

6. How are the Universal and Local Church different?
Its Beginning
Universal Church AD 33 Pentecost in Jerusalem Acts 2
Local Church Has its beginning whenever a group of saints join together to do the work of a local church

7. How are the Universal and Local Church different?
Number – How many?
Universal Church There is only one Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:4 Matthew 16:18
Local Church There are many 1 Cor. 1:2 Romans 16:16 Galatians 1:2 Rev. 1:4

8. How are the Universal and Local Church different?
Membership – who is in it?
Universal Church All who are saved – in heaven and on earth
No mistakes in it
Local Church A group in a given location Only the living Phil. 1:1, 1 Cor. 1:2
As humans we may admit those who should not belong

9. How are the Universal and Local Church different?
Membership – who is in it?
Universal Church Added by the Lord Acts 2:41, 47
If saved, you are part of it!
NOTE: In the Bible, this is NOT the norm. All examples would be temporary circumstances!
Local Church We join it Acts 9:26
You can be saved and not a part of it – i.e. 3 John 9-11, Acts 8:4, , 9:26, etc.

10. How are the Universal and Local Church different?
Membership – Removal?
Universal Church The Lord adds and removes according to His will
He NEVER makes mistakes!
Local Church When one passes, he no longer a member
We can err – by not removing when we should 1 Cor. 5, Rev. 2 By removing who we should not – 3 John 9-11

11. How are the Universal and Local Church different?
Membership – Removal?
Universal Church The Lord adds and removes according to His will
He NEVER makes mistakes!
Local Church We must practice discipline – 1 Cor. 5:1-7, 2 Thess. 3:6, Romans 16:17 Matthew 18:15-17

12. How are the Universal and Local Church different?
Organization
Universal Church no earthly organization
Spiritual – John 18:36
Christ our head – Ephesians :22-23
Local Church local organization – elders, deacons, saint – Philippians 1:1, Acts 20:28, 14:23
Christ is our head

13. How are the Universal and Local Church different?
Organization
Universal Church Saints on earth do live to glorify her – Ephesians 5:3, Peter 4:11
Local Church Location (Acts 20:7)
Work to do
Treasury – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

14. How are the Universal and Local Church different?
Its Purity
Universal Church only the pure within it Revelation 21:27 Hebrews 12:14 Ephesians 5:25-27
Sometimes we become impure and in danger.
We must repent and return! Cf. Rev. 2:5
Local Church commissioned to be pure! 1 Corinthians 5:4-6, Revelations 2:14-16, 2: Eph. 5:25-27

15. How are the Universal and Local Church different?
Its Duration
Universal Church has continued since Pentecost, AD 33 Romans 8: Matthew 16:18 Hebrews 12:28
Local Church they come and go. Sadly, some die too soon, or fall away Revelation 2:5 1 Corinthians 1:10, 3:3-4

16. Understanding what the church is affects our work and worship.

17. Are you part of the church we read of in the Bible – both universally and locally?