We Know We Are The Lord’s Church

Matthew 16:13-20

Confusion About The Church

World not satisfied with God’s planSome in the church not either

What Settles It?

Answer: The New Testament True for us and them

Bible Authority

Not so for denominations– Creed books, catechisms, etc.– Separates rather than unite

Bible Authority

Only His Word– No written or unwritten creeds– All sufficiency of the inspired Scriptures

(2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:3)– Same teaching everywhere

(1 Corinthians 4:17)

Sinners Taught The Gospel

Bible used to teach the unsaved– Unbelievers told to believe

(Acts 16:30-33)– Believers told to repent (Acts 2:36-38)– Penitent told to be baptized

(Acts 22:5-9, 16)

Sinners Taught The Gospel

Bible used to teach Christians – Can sin and be lost like Simon

(Acts 8:13-24)– Sin breaks fellowship with God

(1 John 1:7-9; 2:1, 2)

Worship From New Testament

Revealed by God– Cain’s painful lesson (Genesis 4:3-5)– Nadab and others (Leviticus 10:1, 2)

Worship From New Testament

Pattern in the New Testament– Teaching the Word

(Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 14:6, 19)

– Singing (Ephesians 5:19)– Praying (Acts 12:5; 1 Timothy 2:8)– Taking the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7)– Giving (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2)

Work According To The Pattern

Three areas– Evangelizing the lost

(Philippians 4:15, 16; 1Timothy 3:15)– Edifying the saints

(1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:11-16)– Helping needy saints

(Acts 2:44, 45; Romans 15:26)

Work According To The Pattern

Congregational autonomy– Only guide is the Bible (Colossians 3:17)– No support to human institutions to do

the church’s work– Work according to ability

(2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

Conclusion

Are you a member of the Lord’s church?Only one authorized by GodDenominationalism ensures division