THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
1) The church grows with the confession of
Jesus Christ and will never fail.
Matthew 16:16-18 Simon Peter answered and said,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to
him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed
this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are
Peter, and on this rock (confession) I will build My church, and the gates of
Hades shall not prevail against it.”
2) The church represents people who are focused
on Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:2-3 To the church of God which
is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be
saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,
both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.
3) The church glorifies God the Father by Jesus
Christ forever.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do
exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power
that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all
generations, forever and ever. Amen.
4) The church is led by Jesus Christ who should
have the preeminence.
Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body,
the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all
things He may have the preeminence.
5) The church must be protected by pastors from
greedy heretics within.
Acts 20:28-30 “Therefore take heed to
yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you,
not sparing the flock. Also, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking
perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.”
6) The church will be persecuted by
nonbelievers who Jesus Christ will destroy.
2 Thessalonians 1:3-8 We are bound to thank God
always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows
exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so
that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and
faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is
manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted
worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a
righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and
to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from
heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do
not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7) The churches of people will be cleansed by
Jesus Christ.
Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those
things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some
of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten
days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Revelation 3:19-20 “As many as I love, I rebuke
and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and
knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and
dine with him, and he with Me.”