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The Beginning of the Church
Introduction: 1. In recent weeks we have been presenting lessons on topics which are basic and fundamental; topics concerning which it does make a difference concerning whether or not we know the truth on the issue under consideration. Accordingly we have presented lessons on: a. Why I Believe in God. (Heb. 11:6) b. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (John 8:24) c. The Bible is the word of God. (James 1:21) 2. The sermon this a.m. is a continuation of that theme from the standpoint of discussing items which are basic and fundamental. But in some respects, beginning with this lesson, the theme is taking a different twist. Today we will be discussing the church, and the same in planned for the next five or more lessons. 3. Title: The Beginning of the church. a. Note: We are discussing the beginning of the church Jesus referred to (Matt. 16:18).
Discussion: A. Negatively: We are not: 1. Talking about a physical building. a. Illus. Some talk about painting the church, cleaning the church, etc. b. The church is a spiritual house (I Pet. 2:5). 2. A social club. a. Some regard the church as some kind of a fraternity designed to provide for the social and recreational needs (and desires), as well a vehicle to promote business and political interests. Rom. 14:17. 3. A conglomerate of Denominations. Eph. 1:22,23; Eph. 4:4. 4. A substitute for a postponed kingdom. Note; many believe Jesus fully intended to set up a kingdom (Matt. 4:17), but was thwarted in His plans by the Jews and set up the church instead. (More on this later). 5. An individual. Note: Many say there is no difference between the individual Christian and the church. Note: I Cor. 12:20 B. Positively: 1. The church is people (I Cor. 1:1,2). 2. Called out people (meaning of "church," 2 Thess. 2:14). 3. Saved people (Acts 2:47).
II. The Beginning of the Church. A. The Importance of knowing when it began. It helps us: 1. Identify it. 2. Determine what laws it is governed by. B. The Church Existed in the Mind of God long before it came into actual Existence. 1. Eph. 3:8-11; Eph. 1:4; Eph. 3:3-6. C. The Church Existed in Prophecy Before it came into actual existence. 1. Note Isa. 2:2-3 (Note items specified). a. Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4. 2. Dan. 2:44; Mark 1:14,15;Mark9:1. a. Matt. 16:19; Matt. 26:29; Acts 20:7 D. The church existed in Preparation before it came into actual existence. 1. Matt. 3:1,2; 4:17; 10:5-7
III. The Church Was Established in Jerusalem. A. Review the Isaiah (2:2,3) prophecy and fulfillment.
IV. The Church was Established on Pentecost. A. Acts 11:15. It was the beginning of 1. The kingdom (Mark 9:1; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-2). 2. The reign of Christ (Acts 2:34-35). 3. The last days(Acts2:17;Heb. 1:2). 4. The first gospel sermon (Luke 24:46-49). B. If the Church had Begun before the death and resurrection of Christ, it would have existed without: 1. The blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28). 2. The Holy Spirit (John 16:13). 3. The New Covenant (Heb. 9:15-17). 4. The Lord's Supper (Matt. 26:28). 5. The Gospel (I Cor. 15:1-4). 6. The headship of Christ (Eph. 1:19-21). 7. Salvation (Eph. 1:7).
V. If the Lord's church was build by Jesus, Established in Jerusalem, on Pentecost, then: A. Any church built by someone else, established somewhere else, and at some other place can not be the Lord's church!
Conclusion: 1. You can become a member of the same church today if you obey the same gospel, in the same way, and for the same reasons. |