AM Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4. 1-6

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

Why The “Lord’s” Church?

 Introduction:

1. We must be members of the church, but not just any church…
2. Unfortunate Fact: There are many “churches” in the world, many which claim to be following biblical teachings.
3. Is that possible in light of Eph. 4.1-6?
4. This fact emphasizes our need to recognize the characteristics of the Lord’s church as seen in the New Testament.

IT TEACHES THE PURE GOSPEL

1. There is only one true gospel! (Gal. 1.6-9)
2. The “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20.27-32; 2 Tim. 3.16-17).
3. The saving gospel! (Rom. 1.16-17; Mark 16.15-16)

IT WEARS CHRIST’S NAME

1. After all, it is Christ’s church! (Matt. 16.18)
   1. Collectively, as the church. (Rom. 16.16)
   2. Individually, as Christians. (Acts 11.26; 1 Pet. 4.16)
2. The danger of sectarianism. (1 Cor. 1.10-13; 3.1-4)

IT HONORS BIBLICAL PATTERNS

1. God always used patterns. (Gen. 6; Exod. 25.9; Heb. 8.2-5)
2. The New Testament contains within it the specific pattern for the Lord’s church! (Eph. 2.13-22)
3. Worship – Work – Organization (John 4.23) (Eph. 4.10-11) (Phil. 1.1; 1 Pet. 5.2)

IT SEEKS AUTHORIZED WORSHIP

1. Contextual biblical preaching. (Acts 2.42; 20.7)
2. Weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper. (1 Cor. 11.23-26)
3. Weekly financial collection. (1 Cor. 16.1-2)
4. Singing “psalms, hymns & spiritual songs” (Col. 3.16-17).
5. Spiritual fellowship & prayers. (Acts 2.42)

IT EMPHASIZES EVANGELISM

1. The Great Commission! (Matt. 28.18-20; Mark 16.15-16)
2. It cares about winning souls! (Prov. 11.30; 1 Thess. 1.8)

Conclusion: The Lord’s true church is “the pillar ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3.15)!