CHURCH established, founded by Jesus Christ Himself

 THE CHURCH ESTABLISHED BY CHRIST

INTRODUCTION: There are several institutions which are vital to mankind: the home, the church, the school and civil government.

I.       The church: a divine institution

A.   The church’s importance is obvious.

1.     Her work is to lead people to Christ.

2.     Her work is to administer scriptural baptism.

3.     Her work is to teach the pure doctrines of Christ.

4.     Her mission is worldwide.

B.   To properly appreciate this heavenly institution, there are some facts that need to be

known.

II.     The nature of the church

A.   The church that is referred to in the Scriptures is always a tangible, visible congrega-

tion of people.

1.     It is not a universal, invisible organization, I Corinthians 1:2.

2.     It is not composed of all the saved, I Corinthians 16:19.

3.     It is not a denomination, Acts 9:31.

B.   The church is a called-out assembly. This is the basic meaning of the Greek word,
        ekklesia, which is translated “church.”

C.   The church is local and visible. This is demanded by the meaning of the word, ekklesia,
        Acts 8:1.

D.   The church is composed of baptized believers who have covenanted together under the
        Headship of Jesus Christ to carry out His teachings, Colossians 1:18.

III.    The origin of the church

A.   The church began during the earthly ministry of Christ. This fact is necessary to it

being Christ’s church, Matthew 16:18.

1.     The church did not start in the Garden of Eden as some have said. (It was the

family of God that started in the Garden of Eden.)

2.     The church did not start on the first Pentecost after Christ’s resurrection.

3.     The church did not start during the Reformation or some later date.

B.   Specifically, the church had its beginning at the time Jesus walked on the seashores of
        Galilee and called out the first disciples, Matthew 4:18-22.

C.   There is further proof that the church began during the earthly ministry of Christ:

1.     The church was given rules of personal reconciliation and discipline during Jesus’

personal ministry. (He could not have said “Tell it to the church” if there were no church in existence, Matthew 18:15-18.)

2.     The apostles were placed in the church during His personal ministry, I Corinthians

12:28; Luke 6:12-16.

3.     The Lord’s Supper was given to the church during His personal ministry,

I Corinthians 11:23.

IV.    The Purpose of the church

A.   Her purpose is to do Christ’s work in this world, Mark 13:34; I Timothy 3:15.

1.     The church is Christ’s sole representative in the world, II Corinthians 5:18-20.

2.     The church is the executor of His kingdom work, Matthew 16:19.

B.   The church’s ministry is three-fold, Matthew 28:18-20.

1.     She is to make disciples through the preaching of the gospel.

2.     She is to baptize disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

3.     She is to teach disciples to observe all things whatsoever Christ has commanded.

V.      The Perpetuity of the church

A.   Christ promised that the gates of hell would never prevail against His church, Matthew

16:18.

1.     Christ promised to be with His churches until the end of this age, Matthew 28:20.

2.     Paul said that God would receive glory in the church by Christ Jesus in every age,

Ephesians 3:21.

B.   Therefore, the churches of Jesus Christ have an unbroken history from the ministry of
        Christ in every age to this very day.

C.   Christ’s churches can be identified by their ordinances, offices, doctrinal practices,
        and history.

VI.   The Destiny of the church

A.   The church has already been chosen as the Bride of Christ by Christ, Himself, John
        3:29; II Corinthians 11:2.

B.   The church will be married to Christ, Revelation 19:7-9; Ephesians 5:22-32.

C.   The church will have a special place in the millennium and in the New Jerusalem,
        Revelation 5:10; John 14:2,3; Revelation 21:2,3,9,10; 22:1-5.