The Church Christ Built: Identifying Marks and Prophecies Fulfilled
Many churches claim to be the true church, but the one Christ built has specific identifying marks as revealed in Scripture. This lesson explores these marks and discusses the church that fulfilled Old Testament prophecies from Isaiah and Micah regarding the establishment of the Lord's house.
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The Church Christ Built Matthew 16:18
Matthew 16:15-19 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Introduction There are many churches in existence today Most all claim to be the true church In order to find the Lord s church, we must know its identifying marks In this lesson we will discuss these marks that are revealed in the Holy Scriptures
Churches in Lodi First Church of Christ Scientist The Faith Community Church The Salem United Methodist Church The GracePoint Church The Radiant Life Church where everyone counts The Lodi Baptist Church The church of Christ The Buddhist Church Grace Presbyterian Church The Home Church The Providence Reformed Church The First Baptist Church The Faith Fellowship Foursquare Church The Calvary Bible Church The Gravity Church
IS NOT The Church Christ Built An ATM machine In the entertainment business A social club A vehicle for social reform A wedding chapel If the church you are a member of is involved in any of these things, it is not the church Christ built!
Is the church that fulfilled OT prophecy The Church Christ Built This church fulfilled the prophecies Of Isaiah & Micah who foretold of the establishment of the Lord s house - Isaiah 2:1-4; Micah 4:1-3 This would occur in in the last days - Isaiah 2:2; Micah 4:1 At this time all nations shall flow to it - Isaiah 2:2; Micah 2:1-2 The word would go forth from Jerusalem - Isa. 2:3; Mic. 4:2 The kingdom would not increase by military force - Isa. 2:4; Mic. 4:3 John 18:36; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Is the church that fulfilled OT prophecy The Church Christ Built This church fulfilled the prophecy Daniel Daniel foretold of coming kingdoms in Daniel 2 Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian and Roman kingdoms His vision described events during the fourth kingdom of the Roman kings - Daniel 2:44 The Lord s kingdom is distinctive from others It was established during the days of the Roman kings It would be an eternal kingdom This kingdom would include men from every nation
Came on Pentecost after Christs resurrection The Church Christ Built Divine prophesy was fulfilled during the time of Christ Christ preached that the kingdom of God was at hand Mark 1:14-15 This was the right time - the last days During the days of Tiberius Caesar, the Roman King - Luke 3:1 The gospels speak of the establishment of the kingdom being at hand - Matthew 3:2; 4:17 It would be established during the life of those living then Mark 9:1
Came on Pentecost after Christs resurrection The Church Christ Built The kingdom came with POWER After Christ s resurrection He commanded His apostles to tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high Luke 24:46-49 Acts 2 relates the fulfillment of this promise of the Holy Ghost coming on the apostles - Acts 2:1ff Peter announced in his sermon that the last days had come Acts 2:16-17; cf. Isaiah 2:2 On that day about 3000 obeyed the gospel and were added by the Lord to His church - Acts 2:41-47 What is the beginning place and date of the church you are a member of?
Wears a scriptural name The Church Christ Built The names the church is called in scripture include Churches of Christ - Romans 16:16 Church of God - 1 Corinthians 1:2 Kingdom of God - Acts 8:12 House of God - 1 Timothy 3:15 Church of the Living God - 1 Timothy 3:15 Kingdom of God s Dear Son - Colossians 1:13
Wears a scriptural name The Church Christ Built The scriptures condemn calling the church by unauthorized names The church at Corinth was divided because they called themselves after men - 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 One should not take on the name of one who DID NOT DIE for them Some are called, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Episcopalian If the name of the church you are a member of is not in the Bible, it is not the Lord s church!
Worships God according to His will The Church Christ Built God has revealed how the church is to worship Him The Lord requires His saints to To assemble on the first day of the week to offer its worship - Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Revelation 1:10 This a distinct change from worship of the Jews who assembled on the Sabbath for their worship It is interesting that all of the 10 commandments are restated in principle in the New Testament except, remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy - Exodus 20:8
Worships God according to His will The Church Christ Built God has revealed how the church is to worship Him The items of worship include Preaching/teaching apostolic doctrine - Acts 2:42; 20:7 Praying in the name of Jesus - Acts 2:42; John 16:23-24 Breaking of bread - the weekly observance of Lord s supper in the assembly - Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 Congregational singing - Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16 Hebrews 2:12 Taking a collection - 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Worships God according to His will The Church Christ Built But man has changed worship to suit himself Such changes are condemned - Matthew 7:21-23 This is will worship - Colossians 2:20-23 Unauthorized items of worship includes Baptizing babies, using the rosary, burning incense, instrumental music, partaking of the Lord s supper once a year, apostolic doctrine replaced with funny stories, plays & tithing If the church you are a member of does not practice the five items of worship we discussed, it is not the Lord s church!
Is scripturally organized The Church Christ Built There is no inter-congregational organization that ties one local church to another Each local church is autonomous and independent But all local congregations must submit to Christ s rule The church is organized under elders and deacons who meet God s revealed qualifications Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11 A plurality of elders (bishops, overseers, pastors) are charged to feed and watch over the flock among them Acts 14:23; 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3 Deacons are servants of the church directed by the elders
Is scripturally organized The Church Christ Built There is no earthly head of the church such as the Catholic pope - Christ is THE HEAD - Ephesians 1:22-23 There are no cardinals, arch-bishops, or bishops in the denomination sense and no diocese of churches in God s organization The local preacher is not the pastor and sole overseer There are no women in leadership roles in official capacities as pastor, deacon or Sunday school superintendent 1 Timothy 2:14-15 If your church has these, it is not the Lord s church!
Executes the mission God revealed The Church Christ Built The mission of the local church falls into these areas Evangelism - 1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:8 Edification - Acts 20:32; 1 Corinthians 14:26 Benevolence for its own members and needy saints Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30 Discipline of its own members - 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; Titus 1:13 God has given the church only these works Any other works done are iniquity - Matthew 7:21-23
Respects the divine terms of admission The Church Christ Built The same actions that save one s soul, add one to the universal church - Acts 2:41, 47 New converts are generally considered a member of the local church where they obeyed the gospel One can join a local church Christians can express their desire to work and worship with a local church like Paul - Acts 9:26-28 But it is the responsibility of the local church to guard and maintain its purity by not granting fellowship with any who are involved in sin and error - Ephesians 5:11
Is fulfillment of OT divine prophesy Came on Pentecost after Christs resurrection Worships God according to His will Is scripturally organized Executes the mission God revealed Respects the divine terms of admission The Church Christ Built Any church lacking these characteristics is NOT the church Christ built! REVIEW & CONCLUSTION
Alien sinners must Hear the Gospel Romans 10:17 Believe the Gospel John 8:24 Repent of Your Sins Acts 17:30 Confess Your Faith in Christ Before Men Matthew 10:32 Be Baptized in Water to Wash Away Thy Sins Acts 2:38 Erring children of God must Repent & Pray for Forgiveness Acts 8:21-23 Christians must live faithful unto death Revelation 2:10 what shall we do? Acts 2:37 20
