1. GOD’S VIEW OF THE CHURCH (Matthew 16:13-20)

2. INTRODUCTION b b Three institutions are ordained of God Family Civil government Church b b We are going to see the church as God does What does the New Testament say? Men have perverted God’s plan

3. PLANNED FROM ETERNITY b b It was God’s intention to save men Intended to defeat Satan (Genesis 3:15) Jesus came into the world (Galatians 4:4, 5) His blood was shed for all (Romans 3:21-26) b b Part of God’s eternal plan Not an afterthought (Ephesians 3:10, 11) Composed of the saved ( Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23)

4. PLANNED FROM ETERNITY b b The word church is used in two senses Universal sense (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22, 23; 5:23) Local sense (1 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:2)

5. ORGANIZED AS HE DESIRED b b Simple organization for universal church Jesus is head (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18) Leaves no room for an earthly head Local churches answer to Him (Revelation 2, 3)

6. ORGANIZED AS HE DESIRED b b Organization of the local church Elders in each local church (Acts 14:23) Qualifications ( 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) Limited authority ( Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4) Deacons who serve (1 Timothy 3:8-13)

7. WORK - EVANGELISM b b Teaches His truth to the world. Lost to be taught (Romans 1:16; 1 Timothy 3:15) Churches spread the word (1 Thessalonians 1:8) Supported men to preach ( 1 Corinthians 9:14; Philippians 4:16)

8. WORK- EDIFICATION b b The church is to edify itself Gifts given to the church (Ephesians 4:8-13) Members must be knowledgeable Failure in this area means the church will have no leaders in the future

9. WORK- BENEVOLENCE b b Take care of the needs of the saints May be in the local church (Acts 2:44, 45; 4:34, 35) May help other local churches who cannot care for their own (Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:25, 26; 2 Corinthians 8, 9) Funds are raised on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2)

10. A FAMILY b b A “new” family Some will have to give up their earthly family (Mark 10:29, 30) Be there for each other (Romans 12:9-13; 1 Peter 4:9) b b There are certain expectations in a family Paul’s teaching (Ephesians 5:22-33) Emphasis on Jesus as head

11. A FAMILY b b Discipline in the church Must submit to elders (1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:17) Those who won’t repent must be disciplined (1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 2 Thessalonians 4:14, 15)

12. b b Only part of what has been revealed b b Are you a member of the church? CONCLUSION