AM Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4.11-16

This Morning’s Sermon:                                                             Brent T. Willey

THE “CHURCH OF CHOICE”

Introduction:

1. What do you think of the catchphrase, “Join the church of your choice”? Does God have any choice in the matter?

2. It is our duty to obey and please God, not men. (Acts 5.29; cf., Eccl. 12.13; Matt. 6.33)

3.   What about the church of God’s choice, is it available to us?

I.THE “CHURCH OF CHOICE” IS UNFOUNDED!

1. The “Church of Choice” is not biblically based, but Christ’s church clearly is. (Acts 20.28; 1 Tim. 3.15; Rom. 16.16)

2. The true church of God is Christ’s saved body, not a choice! (Col. 1.24; Eph. 5.23)

1. Christ’s “one body.” (1 Cor. 12.12-13, 20; cf., Eph. 4.4)

2.   Free choice sectarianism promotes multiple churches and division, and is wrong! (1 Cor. 1.10-13)

II.THE “CHURCH OF CHRIST” IS PERCEPTIBLE!

1. The church was Purposed. (Eph. 3.10-11)

2. The church was Promised. (Matt. 16.18; Acts 2.37-47)

3. The church was Purchased. (Acts 20.28)

4. The church was Perfected. (Eph. 4.11-16)

5. The church was Proclaimed. (Mark 1.14-15)

6. The church was Preserved. (Matt. 16.18; Heb. 12.28)

Conclusion: “To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3.21).