Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

3. Many in churches unknown by others in churches of Christ
a. Who may wear other scriptural names (e.g., Church of God?)
b. Yet hold true to the apostles’ doctrine revealed in the New Testament
c. But known and recognized by the Lord as belonging to Him
4. Many in churches that may not be true in other respects
a. Who may have a correct view of church origin and organization
b. But who may remain ignorant or in error regarding church worship, work, etc.
CONCLUSION
1. What is the Church of Christ? As I understand and use the phrase...
a. It is not a denomination among other denominations
b. It is not some sect identified by one exclusive name
-- It is the Lord’s church, as defined and revealed in the New Testament
2. The Lord’s church is thus spoken of in the Bible primarily in two ways...
Mark A. Copeland
The Church “Universal”
Composed of all Christians
There is just one church
Began on the Day of Pentecost
Enter only by being added by the Lord
The Lord keeps the books of membership
Consists of all the saved
Must be in this to be saved
Has no earthly organization
Can’t be divided
Death doesn’t affect membership
Does not have one scriptural name
The Church “Local”
Composed of Christians in one location
There are many churches
Begins when people join together
Enter by joining ourselves
Enrolled by human judgment
Consists of both saved and lost
Do not have to be in this to be saved
Has earthly organization
Can be divided
Death does affect membership
May use different scriptural names
3. Properly understood, the Church of Christ is...
a. The one Body of Christ, the church - Ep 4:4; cf. 1:22-23
b. Made up of disciples, called Christians - Ac 11:26; 1 Co 12:27
c. Who work and worship together in local churches - Ro 16:16
d. Abiding in the apostles’ doctrine - Ac 2:42; cf. 1 Co 4:17
e. Honoring Jesus’ prayer for unity - Jn 17:20-21
f. Deploring religious division in all its forms, including denominationalism - 1 Co 1:10-13
4. So in response to our original questions...
a. “Are you Church of Christ?”
b. “Are you a Church of Christ preacher?”
c. “Are you a member of the Church of Christ?”
5. I would likely respond...
a. “I am not ‘Church of Christ’, as that reflects a denominational concept.”
b. “I am a preacher of the gospel of Christ, an evangelist.”
c. “I am a Christian, a disciple of Jesus Christ, and member of His body, the church you read
about in the New Testament.”
d. “I work and worship with a nondenominational congregation of Christians, known as the
Fortune Road Church of Christ in Kissimmee, Florida.”
Topical Sermons 380