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?