1. The Church in the Eternal Plan of God I. The Church was Prophesied in the Old Testament.  Isaiah – “mountain of the Lord’s house” (Isaiah 2:2-3).  Jeremiah – “new covenant” (Jer 31:31-34).  Daniel – a kingdom which shall stand forever (Daniel 2:36-45). Jeremiah 640 BC Isaiah 760 BC Daniel 560 BC

2. The Church in the Eternal Plan of God These Prophesies Promised…  “Mountain of the Lord’s house”  A law to “go forth” from Jerusalem  A “New covenant” where all “know” the Lord and receive forgiveness  An eternal kingdom, to begin during the Roman empire Jeremiah 640 BC Isaiah 760 BC Daniel 560 BC

3. The Church in the Eternal Plan of God II. The Church was Established in the New Testament.  Jesus – “I will build my church” (Matt 16:13-20; Deut 4:10 LXX).  Declared the “new covenant” (Matt 26-30).  Law sent forth from Jerusalem (Act 1:8; 2:36; 41-47). Jeremiah 640 BC Isaiah 760 BC Daniel 560 BC Jesus’ Earthly Ministry 30-33 AD Pentecost Church Established 33 AD

4. The Church in the Eternal Plan of God III. The Role of the Church in the New Testament.  Forgiveness in the “kingdom of the Son” (Colossians 1:9-14).  Christ is “Head of the Church” (Eph 1:22). Jeremiah 640 BC Isaiah 760 BC Daniel 560 BC Jesus’ Earthly Ministry 30-33 AD Pentecost Church Established 33 AD

5. The Church in the Eternal Plan of God The Church – the Body of Christ  The church is “His body” (Eph 1:23a) …There is “one body” (Eph 4:4). Jesus organized church (Eph 4:11-15; Phil 1:1). He is the “Savior of the body” (Eph 5:23).  Church the “fullness of Him” (Eph 1:23b) Church is to glorify Him (Eph 3:21). The eternal purpose of God (Eph 3:8-12). Jeremiah 640 BC Isaiah 760 BC Daniel 560 BC Jesus’ Earthly Ministry 30-33 AD Pentecost Church Established 33 AD

6. The Church in the Eternal Plan of God III. The Role of the Church in the New Testament.  Forgiveness in the “kingdom of the Son” (Colossians 1:9-14).  Christ is “Head of the Church” (Eph 1:22).  New Testament is the Rule of Faith for the Church (I Timothy 3:15). Jeremiah 640 BC Isaiah 760 BC Daniel 560 BC Jesus’ Earthly Ministry 30-33 AD Pentecost Church Established 33 AD

7. Church Established 33 AD The Church in the Eternal Plan of God How Can We Identify the Lord’s Church?  When was it to be established?  Where was it to be established?  How was it organized?  What is its Rule of Faith and Practice?  How is one added to it? Jeremiah 640 BC Isaiah 760 BC Daniel 560 BC Jesus’ Earthly Ministry 30-33 AD Pentecost ??? Today “In the days of these kings” - Rome (Daniel 2:44; Acts 2) “Out of Zion shall go forth the law” - Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3; Acts 2). Christ as Head - elders & deacons (Eph 1:22; Phil 1:1). The New Testament (I Timothy 3:15) Obedience to the Gospel (Acts 2:47)