The Church as the Bride of Christ

1. Walking With God Lesson 12 The Church is the Bride of Christ

2. 11am How to Call 11:15am Discussion 12pm Summary Introduction: Introduction: Some think that as long as they have a personal relationship with God, they do not need to bother about the church. Some think that as long as they have a personal relationship with God, they do not need to bother about the church. How surprised they will be when Christ returns, He will not be looking for individuals but for His bride, the church! How surprised they will be when Christ returns, He will not be looking for individuals but for His bride, the church! Revelation 21:2 Coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2 Coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3. 11am How to Call 11:15am Discussion 12pm Summary Introduction: Introduction: Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light

4. 11am How to Call 11:15am Discussion 12pm Summary 1. Jesus is the founder of the church - Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. - Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. - He shed His blood for the church Acts 20:28 - to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. - He shed His blood for the church Acts 20:28 - to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Introduction

5. 11am How to Call 11:15am Discussion 12pm Summary 2. When we obeyed the gospel, we are added to Christ’s church - No choice. Automatic. One and the same. - No choice. Automatic. One and the same. - Eg. Our family. Did we decide? - Eg. Our family. Did we decide? - So important to understand that we are called out of darkness and into the fellowship of light – 2 Peter 2:9 - So important to understand that we are called out of darkness and into the fellowship of light – 2 Peter 2:9 Introduction 1. Jesus is the founder of the church

6. 11am How to Call 11:15am Discussion 12pm Summary 3. We are to worship, grow and serve together in the church - Clear instructions given in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. - Clear instructions given in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. - Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. - Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. - Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. - Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Introduction 1. Jesus is the founder of the church 2. We are added to Christ’s church

7. 11am How to Call 11:15am Discussion 12pm Summary 4. God works through no other insitutions today except the church - Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God - Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God - Empowerment, authority and glory belongs to the church of our Lord Jesus; not in para churches or individuals - Empowerment, authority and glory belongs to the church of our Lord Jesus; not in para churches or individuals Introduction 1. Jesus is the founder of the church 2. We are added to Christ’s church 3. We are to serve together in the church

8. 11am How to Call 11:15am Discussion 12pm Summary 5. We are to build scripturally organized congregations everywhere - Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed - Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed - Members must build up the church, work in consensus based on the scriptures as guide, and give their best to serve the church - Members must build up the church, work in consensus based on the scriptures as guide, and give their best to serve the church Introduction 1. Jesus is the founder of the church 2. We are added to Christ’s church 3. We are to serve together in the church 4. God works only through the church today

9. 11am How to Call 11:15am Discussion 12pm Summary 6. Memorize the Word: - Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. - Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. - Church is empowered to exercise discipline - 1 Thess. 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men . - Church is empowered to exercise discipline - 1 Thess. 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men . 6. Members are to be subjected to the church Introduction 1. Jesus is the founder of the church 2. We are added to Christ’s church 3. We are to serve together in the church 4. God works only through the church today 5. We are to build congregations everywhere

10. 11am How to Call 11:15am Discussion 12pm Summary 7. When we despise, divide and hurt the church, we are doing it to our Lord Jesus - Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? - Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? - 1 Corinthians 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God - 1 Corinthians 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God Introduction 1. Jesus is the founder of the church 2. We are added to Christ’s church 3. We are to serve together in the church 4. God works only through the church today 5. We are to build congregations everywhere 6. Members are to be subjected to the church

11. 11am How to Call 11:15am Discussion 12pm Summary Conclusion: Conclusion: 1. What does the church meant to Christ? 1. What does the church meant to Christ? 2. What does the church mean to you? 2. What does the church mean to you? 3. Are you willing to devote your life to the church, and even die for it, like Christ did? 3. Are you willing to devote your life to the church, and even die for it, like Christ did? Introduction 1. Jesus is the founder of the church 2. We are added to Christ’s church 3. We are to serve together in the church 4. God works only through the church today 5. We are to build congregations everywhere 6. Members are to be subjected to the church 7. When we hurt the church, we hurt Jesus

12. 11am How to Call 11:15am Discussion 12pm Summary Application: Application: 1. Do you put your own interest above that of the church? 1. Do you put your own interest above that of the church? 2. Are you willing to bear and forbear, patiently working and serving to build the church? 2. Are you willing to bear and forbear, patiently working and serving to build the church? 3. Do I insist on own way and take my ball home when others do not go along with my thinking? 3. Do I insist on own way and take my ball home when others do not go along with my thinking? Introduction 1. Jesus is the founder of the church 2. We are added to Christ’s church 3. We are to serve together in the church 4. God works only through the church today 5. We are to build congregations everywhere 6. Members are to be subjected to the church 7. When we hurt the church, we hurt Jesus