Lesson Theme: The purpose of this lesson is to impress upon the student that there is only one true church and that God adds those who are saved to it.

References:

“What is the Church of Christ” Jividen, Jimmy, Gospel Advocate, November 2003, p. 34-35 (background reading, not directly used)

The Church of Christ, Wharton,Edward C., Sunset School of Preaching {copied from Chuck Gambill}

Introduction:

· What church do you belong to?

· Are you a protestant, evangelical, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic etc.?

· What is the difference between Church of Christ and Baptist/Methodist/…

What is the Church?

· Greek work for church means “those that are called out”

· Matt 16:18 – Upon this rock, I will build my church (Universal Church)

· Acts 20:28 – church was bought with the blood of Christ; therefore church is composed of all who have been saved by Christ’s blood.

· 1 Cor 1:2 – Church is made up of those that are sanctified (made holy) (Local Church)

How does one become a member of Christ’s Church?

· Acts 2:47 – The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

· Romans 6:17-18 – obeyed that form of teaching

· What was that form of teaching? - see attachment: Conversions in Acts

Conclusion:

· We are members of the one church that Jesus purchased with his blood.

· In upcoming lessons, we will look at how Christ’s church is commanded to worship, organize and live.