Christ and His Church

Text: Matt. 16:13-20

INTRODUCTION:
      Christ did not commission a country, city, or a club or organization to carry His gospel into all the world. This responsibility and privilege was given to His body, the church. Some say the usefulness of the Church is over! But what does the Word of God say about Christ's church? It says that--

  1. Christ's Church Has a Sound Foundation.

    1. It is as Sound as the Plan of Christ (Matt. 16:18a)
    2. It is as Sound as the Promise of Christ (Matt. 16:18b)
    3. It is as Sound as the Person of Christ (Rom. 12:5)

  2. Christ's Church Has a Secure Future.

    1. It is as Secure as His Life in His Body.
      1. His life unites sinners in one belief (Acts 2:41)
      2. His life unites sinners by one baptism (I Cor. 12:13)
      3. His life unites saints in one behavior (Acts 2:42-47)
        1. They are made usable members of his body (vv.42-43)
        2. They are made unselfish members of his body (vv.44-45)
        3. They are made united members of his body (vv.46-47)

  3. It is as Secure as His Love for His Bride.

    1. His love makes Him the head of the bride (Eph. 5:23-26)
      1. He is her head because she is saved by Him (vv.23, 25)
      2. He is her head because she is subject to Him (v.24)
      3. He is her head because she is sanctified by Him (v.26)
    2. His love makes Him the hope of his bride.
      1. His love should make her faithful (Eph. 5:27)
      2. His love should make her fervent (Rom. 12:1-2)
      3. His love should make her foresighted
        1. Someday He will return to receive her (1 Thess. 4:13-18)
        2. Someday he will return to reward her (2 Cor. 5:9-11)

CONCLUSION:
Christ and His Church should be a constant and constraining reminder to us. Our attitudes and actions toward the Lord's church are also our attitude toward Christ, Himself (Acts 9:1-4)

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