1. The Unique Nature of the Church Matthew 16:16-18

3. Introductory Thoughts
Being unique is literally one of a kind
Scripture reveals the unique nature of the church
Religious world today has many churches claiming to be the unique one
In today’s world we need to go back to God’s word and see what makes His church unique
Seven areas to look at today from the Scriptures in order to determine what makes God’s church unique

4. Its Builder & Founder – Jesus Christ
This can be said of no other church
Matthew 16:16-18
Many churches today build in competition to the true church
Compare the Biblical timeline to the timeline of man made institutions

5. Its Foundation – Jesus Christ
This Rock – The Christ from God – Matthew 16:18
The laid foundation – 1 Corinthians 3:11
The tried foundation – Isaiah 28:16
The Apostolic foundation – Ephesians 2:20
We, as members, become the living stones –
1 Peter 2:5

6. You Cannot Join it – Must be Added
The world says to join the church of your choice
Scripture teaches that we must be added by God
Acts 2:41, 47
The church is composed of those who have been saved
Ephesians 5:23
I am not a member of it because of what it teaches and practices, but because I am saved

7. The Only Body of Which Christ is Head
Ephesians 1:22-23
Colossians 1:18, 24
There is only one body
Ephesians 4:4
The body is unified by the cross
Ephesians 2:13-16
Take note of the interdependence of the body
1 Corinthians 12:12-27

8. It Is God’s Family 1 Timothy 3:15
We are in the family by being born again
John 3:17 – James 1:18 – 1 Peter 1:22-23
1 John 5:1 – Romans 6:3-4
We are adopted
Romans 8:14-16 – Galatians 3:26-4:6

9. It Is Perfect on the Divine Side
Perfect Head – Jesus Christ
Perfect Law
James 1:25 – Matthew 24:35
A Perfect Mission
Ephesians 3:10-11 – Matthew 28:18-20

10. Only One That Can Glorify God
Ephesians 3:21
It will last forever
Matthew 16:18 – Daniel 2:44

11. Concluding Thoughts
Are you a member of the unique church, as defined by God’s word?
Many claim to be saved, but only those who are members of his body will be saved
Why are you waiting?