STUDIES FROM BRETHREN IN CHRIST

4/9/2006 ~ What is it to Be In The Church?

... and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, ... ~ Matthew 16:13-20 What is Jesus saying, I will build my church on this rock? What is the church? Is it just a civic function? ~ It was Peter’s confession. CHRIST · ROCK · ... built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, ... ~ Ephesians 2:19-22 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, ... ~ 1st Peter 2:5-6 ... God might be made known by the church to the principalities ... ~ Ephesians 3:10-11 When you want to get into Christ’s church you need to get into Christ. Christ either helps you or gets in the way. ... not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, ... - Hebrews 10:25-26 What is it to assemble in honor of the Lord? ASSEMBLY ┌─> Called the ancient Israelites to be in the church. ... The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear. ... ~ Acts 7:37-38                                       ┌─>A mob? But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of ... ~ Acts 17:5-7                                       ┌─>A mob? ... So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed ... ~ Acts 19:21-32                                                       ┌─> A lawful assembly? ... lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question ... ~ Acts 19:39-41 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. ~ Romans 16:16 ↓ Christians are not a mob but a righteous crowd; not contrary to CHRIST's words but an assembly of Christ and His people of God. ... desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, ... Coming to Him as to a living stone, ... ~ 1st Peter 2:1-5                             └─> Stones as an analogy; solid. Solid as a rock, truth remains. ... God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; ... ~ Colossians 3:15 Love of God bonds us together. → If we see church as a STRUCTURE and not the self we are in trouble.            └─> Idol worship. ... to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ~ 1st Peter 2:5 We are all priests, saints who love God. ... qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. ... ~ Colossians 1:9-14 ... but now has been revealed to His saints. ... which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ... ~ Colossians 1:24-29 ... love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. ~ Hebrews 6:10 ~ Our actions offer sacrifice.           f                                                     l                     ○                      e What did you sacrifice to JESUS today? Christians boldly act on their faith in the word. ... praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ... ~ 1st Peter 2:9 We are a chosen race who would love God above all. ... For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you ... ~ 2nd Corinthians 11:1-2               ┌─> Parallels the church with marriage. ... that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot ...                               ~ Ephesians 5:25-27                               d                                                                               e                                                                  m                                                e                                        e                           d              e With our bodies we must GLORIFY God and not ourselves. ~ Is your bride 24/7? ~ Honor the husband, we the people of God. Do we assemble for ourselves or God? Human Form - Israelites - Mob - Lawful Assembly     └─> Paul at Ephesus. God Ordered CHRIST ROCK ASSEMBLY Spirit Form Assembly People Us Me To find the church of Christ you have to look to yourself and read the word. Common Denominator = The Word Christ will carry us into eternity. ... For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, ... ~ Colossians 1:19-20 We are an assembly where the seed of God plants us. ... whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before ... ~ Matthew 10:32-33 ... he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. ~ Luke 12:8-9 ↑          Christians are openly serious about getting to Heaven. T                               I     E                              N      C                              I       R                              F      U                              N   O                              Jesus IS the Light!