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Introduction

Greek word for “church” appears 115 times in the New Testament: Matt. 16:18; Rev. 22:16

Great deal of misinformation and falsehoods about “the church.”

Despite Jesus’ prayer (Jn. 17:20-23), Paul’s plea (1 Cor. 1:10-13), and God’s plan (Eph. 4:1-6) “Christendom” is hopelessly fractured and divided.

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Introduction

How many denominations?33,000+ (World Christian Encyclopedia). Independents: ~22,000 Protestant: ~9,000 Marginals: ~1,600 Orthodox: 781 Roman Catholics: 242 Anglican: 168

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Introduction

If not for its seriousness, it would be funny! Apostolic Faith Church Body of Jesus

Christ of the Newborn Assembly

Our Most Holy Precious Lady of the Sacred Heart

Hebrew Pentecostal Church of God, Inc.

Power Pass Power Church of the Mountain Ministry, Inc.

Happy Go Lucky Church of Almighty God in Jesus Name Amen

Trigger Happy Ministry

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Introduction

Our concepts are more than merely an academic interest

There’s a definite relationship between our thinking and our actions: Matt. 12:34; 15:19

Our words and actions are merely extensions of how and what we think: Prov. 23:7; 4:23

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I II III IV

CONCEPTS

Concepts are thesoil from which

we drawconclusions.

A concept is a

mental picture

of something.

CONCLUSIONS

there

fore

Behaviors &Practices

Man behaves,practices, or

lives accordingto his…

CONCLUSION: 1. If our CONCEPT is wrong, conclusions will be wrong; and behavior/practices cannot be right.

2. We need to keep going back to “the old paths” (Jer. 6:16); asking, “Do I have the right concept?”

AND REMEMBER: 3. It is what we think we know already, that often prevents us from learning.

Belief orConcept

Prov. 4:23: Keep your heart with all diligence,For out of it spring the issues of life.

Prov. 23:7: For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Many, if not all the problemsin the religious world today,

are the result of man’sincorrectly held concepts.

The CONCEPTmust be corrected

FIRST!

pro

du

ce

e.g. LOW ESTIMATEof DEITY

(wrong concept)Acts 17:16-32

Incorrect conclusionconcerning morality

will be drawn.

PRACTICE:Gross immorality

Rom. 1:20-32

thus

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Introduction

Many notions (concepts) about “the church” spring from tradition rather than Truth; from creeds and not from Christ.

It’s critical to challenge our concepts about “the church”: 1 Pet. 4:11

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Introduction

Quiz on “the church”:

Part 1: The Importance of Studying the Church

Matthew 16:13-20

The New Testament Church

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