The ONE True Church. The Universal Church The “called out” gathering of those belonging to God...

The ONE True Church

The Universal Church• The “called out” gathering of

those belonging to God (the saved).• All who are saved are added to

the church (Acts 2:47) • It is being in relationship with

the Godhead

The Universal Church• The ONE true Church with Christ

as its head (Eph. 1:21-22)• NO earthly organization• Death does not change our

standing in it (in fact, it SEALS one standing within or without)

The ONE True Church - 3

Finding a Local Church

The Local Church• A group of saints (membership

therein is based upon an understanding of their being part of the universal church) who join together in a given locale to do the work God has prescribed to be done collectively.

The Local Church• In the Bible – 1 Cor. 1:2, Gal. 1:2, 1 Thess. 1:1, Rom. 16:16, etc.• Direct relationship with Jesus – Rev. 1:9-191 Corinthians 12:27 – Christ is head, individuals the body!

The Local Church• Some are unsound, or in danger

of losing their relationship with Christ – Rev. 2:5, 3:15,16

Qualities of a Local Church• Christians in ONE location • There are many of them – Rev. 1:4, Rom. 16:16, Gal. 1:2

Qualities of a Local Church• Each church is independent not

subject to another’s authority (on earth) &autonomous self-governing(Each congregation has its own elders & deacons). Control is limited to that work.

Qualities of a Local Church• WE join a local church – • Acts 9:26-28, it is expected• NOTE: A church has the right to

refuse membership for various reasons – Rom. 16:17, 1 Cor. 5:4-6, 2 Thess. 3:6, Ephesians 5:11, etc. But there ought to be valid reasons

Qualities of a Local Church• Some human judgment involved •While we strive to be consistent

with God’s standard, we cannot read hearts. Cf. 1 Cor. 1:10 - divisions occur and they are often the result of impurity

Qualities of a Local Church• One can be saved and not be part

of a local church.• All Such examples are temporary – Acts 8:39, 9:26, 3 John 9-10Examples: one moves into a community and seeks to find a sound congregation, leaves a congregation due to doctrinal error, etc.

Qualities of a Local Church• Death affects membership –

when one dies, he is still part of the church universal, Rev. 14:13• but his work with a local church

is done.

Identifying a Local Church• One way to determine the true

church is by eliminating all that are NOT true. • To do this requires an

understanding of God’s word!

Identifying a Local ChurchDoes she respect God’s word

•Many churches today add their own creeds. Others disregard portions of God’s word.•Be like the Bereans Acts 17:11•We should consider this as we associate with other congregations as well – Eph. 5:11, cf. 2 John 9-10

Identifying a Local ChurchBy what name does it identify

itself•“Church of Christ” Rom. 16:16•“Church of God” 1 Cor. 1:2•“Church of the …” 1 Thess. 1:1•Each of these identify our relationship with God and Christ! •Man made names expose its purpose•NOTE: Just because a church has the right name does not make it the true church

Identifying a Local ChurchConsider its organization

•Nothing larger than a local congregation•Local leaders – Phil. 1:1, Acts 20:28, etc.•No presiding bishops, popes, etc.

Identifying a Local ChurchConsider its organization

•Many denominations today have organizations larger than a local church- Vatican, headquarters, councils, conventions, tabernacles, etc.•Such is foreign to scripture!

Identifying a Local ChurchConsider its worship

•Every act is found in scripture and executed according to God’s pattern – John 4:24

Identifying a Local ChurchConsider its worship

•Lord’s Supper – Ac. 20:7Giving – 1 Cor. 16:1-2, 2 Cor. 9:6-8Singing – Eph. 5:19, 1 Cor. 14:15Prayer – 1 Cor. 14:15, Acts 12:5Preaching – Eph. 4:11-16, Ac. 20:7, 1 Cor. 4:17

Identifying a Local ChurchConsider its worship

•Today many churches seek to appeal to man instead of God – entertainment, etc.

Identifying a Local ChurchConsider its work

•Simple – evangelism, edification, limited benevolence to saints, worship•More on this in future lessons!

Identifying a Local ChurchConsider its terms of admission

•Does she follow God’s plan of salvation? •Hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21, etc.)•If a church teaches another gospel it should be rejected! Gal. 1:6-9

We CAN find the Lord’s church, if we will look in the

Lord’s word!What church are you a part

of?