1. The Church
A Divine Institution dedicated to the furtherance of God’s Plan & Purpose
Composed of those who have committed their lives to Christ
Living Stones built up a Spiritual House – 1 Peter 2:4,5
Represents the “called out” body of believers – 1 Peter 2:9,10

2. “Church” Used in Two Ways:
Universal Sense – encompasses all faithful children of God (Acts 2:46-47)
Local Sense – Christians in given area who have banded together to work and worship as the New Testament dictates (1 Corinthians 1:2)

3. Reasons Why We Should Respect The Church Of Christ

4. Because of its Importance
Isaiah 2: Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy -- Daniel 2:44,45
Ephesians 1:22, The Body of Christ
Ephesians 3:8-11 – Expresses God’s Manifold Wisdom & His Eternal Purpose
Acts 20:28 – Purchased with His shed blood

5. Because of its Head Matthew 16:13-19 “My church”
Acts Chapter 2 Fulfilled on Pentecost
Ephesians 1:22,23 The church belongs to Jesus, Who is its Head
Matthew 28: The possessor of All Authority in Heaven and Earth
Isaiah 55:4 Christ is our Leader
2 Timothy 4:1,2 Christ is our Judge
James 4:12 Christ is our Lawgiver

6. Because of its Law 1 Corinthians 9:20,21 “under law to Christ”
James 1:25 law of Christ is Perfect
Jude 3 law of Christ is unalterable
We are not a church that belongs to Christ because of a sign on the front of the building

7. Because of its Law
Colossians 3:17 But because our faith and practice is based on His Word
1 Peter 4:11 Must guard against introduction of human dogmas & doctrines that lead away from truth
John 8:31,32 ONLY truth makes Free
2 John 9 Must be sure we are abiding in the doctrine of Christ

8. Because of its Work Evangelism: “Seek and save the lost” Luke 19:10
Matthew 28: Marching Orders
Mark 16:15,16 “All the world”
1 Timothy 3:15 Preaching Gospel Chief Obligation of the church

9. Because of its Work Edification: Benevolence:
1 Peter 2:1,2 Disciples to Grow
Ephesians 4:11-16 Body of Christ Built Up as Each member does its Part
Hebrews 10: Stir up love and good works – exhorting one another
Benevolence:
Acts 4: Special Needs
1 Timothy 5:3-10 Physical needs of its own

10. Because of its Worship John 4:23,24 “worship in spirit and truth”
Acts 2:42 Preaching, prayer, singing, giving, Lord’s Supper
Acts 20:7 On First day of the Week
1 Corinthians 11: “in remembrance of Him”
1 Corinthians 16:1,2 gathering of funds for the work of the church
Colossians 3:16 “singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”

11. Because of its Organization
Organized by Divine Guidance
Each Congregation Independent & Autonomous (self-governing)
Acts 14:23 Elders in every church
Acts 20: Elders to oversee and feed the flock among them
1 Peter 5:1,2 Oversight limited to local congregations the were in
1 Corinthians 12:12-26 Assisted by deacons, teachers & members

12. How Shall I View The Church?

13. Will I Cherish & Esteem it as the Handiwork of God?

14. Will I Ridicule its Very Existence & Manifest Contempt for its Laws?

15. How Dare We Underestimate The Value of Being a Member of the Church of Our Lord?
Church is destined for Greatness – Hebrews 12:22-24
1 Corinthians 15:23-28
Are You Numbered among those who are Called our of Sin unto Salvation and Service?
Do You Have a Covenant Relationship with Jesus Christ?

16. Have You Been Baptized Into Christ for the Remission of Sins?
Acts 2:38 “repent and be baptized… for the remission of sins”
Romans 6:3,4 “baptized into Christ Jesus … baptized into His death”
1 Corinthians 12:13 “all baptized into one body”
Galatians 3:26,27 “baptized into Christ … put on Christ”