Preached by Chris Broom, 11/5/2006
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First Principles 11: The Church - Outline

Part 1. Colossians 1:15-18
The church is the body of Christ. The body needs the head. The church is essential to Christianity.

Part 2. Ephesians 2:19-21
A. The church is the family of God.
B. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13: baptized into the body of Christ, the church
C. 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.

Part 3. Ephesians 2:20
A. Cornerstone: Christ
B. Foundation: Apostles and Prophets

1. Apostles = New Testament Bible

2. Prophets = Old Testament
3. The church is based on the Word of God only.

Part 4. Have you ever wondered why there are so many denominations? (450 or more exist in the U.S. alone.)
A. 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

B. 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. Denomination = 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

Part 5. What is the one church called in the Bible?
A. Matthew 16:18: I will build my church
B. Romans 16:16: Churches of Christ
C. There are other names in the Bible: Church of God, The Way, Church of the Firstborn, Disciples of Christ, Christians, Saints, etc.
D. Discuss the difference between the “Church Universal” and the “Visible Church”
E. Discuss the need and advantages of being in a congregation of only disciples

Part 6. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27
A. We need the body. The body needs us (v. 21).
B. Be involved on a relationship level in the church (v. 26).

Part 7. Hebrews 10:23-25
A. Make every effort to be at church services (don’t give up).
B. The fellowship helps us to be unswerving in our commitment (v. 23)
C. Another purpose of fellowship is to encourage each other so we will remain faithful (v. 24)
D. Come to all meetings of the body: i.e. Sunday and Midweek Services, Bible Talks, special devotionals, Jubilees, retreats, seminars, etc. Begin to rearrange schedule to come to all the meetings of the body.

Part 8. Contribution
A. Malachi 3:6-12 How much should I give on Sundays? Tithing is the guideline of our sacrifice to meet needs.
B. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Giving should be from a “cheerful” heart - not under compulsion.
C. God blesses you when you sacrifice.

Categories: First Principles