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THE CHURCH

1. COLOSSIANS 1:15-18

   The church is the body of Christ. The body needs the head. The church is essential to Christianity.

2. EPHESIANS 2:19-21

   1. The church is the family of God.

   GOD (Father)
   Christian		<-- Brothers -->		Christian
   (Son)				(Son)

   
   
   
   
   
   

3. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-13

   1. Baptized into the body of Christ, the church.

   2. Romans 6:3-4 teaches we are also baptized into Christ. Baptism is when we become a Christian, a son of God, and at that same point we become members of the church, the family of God.

4. EPHESIANS 2:20

   1. Cornerstone: Christ

   2. Foundation: Apostles and Prophets

      1. Apostles = New Testament } Bible

      2. Prophets = Old Testament } Bible

      3. The church is based on the Word of God only.

5. HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY THERE ARE SO MANY DENOMINATIONS? (450 OR MORE EXIST IN THE U.S. ALONE.)

   1. The Bible teaches there is one church.

      1. Ephesians 4:4-6 - One Body

      2. Romans 12:4-5 - One Body

      3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 - One Body

   2. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 - No divisions. Following personalities and in time their writings (traditions) have caused the divisions (Matthew 15:6-9).

      1. Denominations

         de	nomin	ation
         Latin	Latin	English
         of	name	group

      2. Denominations = a group of a name. Unscriptural according to 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.

      3. Examples:

         • Lutheran - From Martin Luther

         • Methodist - From John and Charles Wesley

         • Presbyterian - From John Calvin and John Knox

         • Mormon - From Joseph Smith

         • Catholic - Tradition through the ages

6. WHAT IS THE ONE CHURCH CALLED IN THE BIBLE?

   1. Matthew 16:18 I will build my church.

   2. Romans 16:16 Churches of Christ.

   3. There are other names in the Bible.

7. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:14-27

   1. We need the body. The body needs us (v. 21).

   2. Be involved on a relationship level in the church (v. 26).

8. HEBREWS 10:23-25

   1. Do not miss church.

   2. The fellowship helps us to be unswerving in our commitment (v. 23).

   3. Another purpose of fellowship is to encourage each other so we will remain faithful (v. 24)

   4. Must come to all services.
      i.e. Sunday, Wednesday, Devotionals, Bible Talks, Retreats, Seminars, etc.