What church do you attend? n How would you answer?

What church do you attend?What church do you attend?

How would you answer?How would you answer?


How would you answer?How would you answer? One of the problems we face in explaining One of the problems we face in explaining

any Bible subject is that the current any Bible subject is that the current culture has taken Bible words and used culture has taken Bible words and used them to describe something else!them to describe something else!


How would you answer?How would you answer? One of the problems we face in explaining One of the problems we face in explaining

any Bible subject is that the current any Bible subject is that the current culture has taken Bible words and used culture has taken Bible words and used them to describe something else!them to describe something else!

Take the word "baptism". Many think of Take the word "baptism". Many think of sprinkling! What does the Bible say? sprinkling! What does the Bible say? (Col 2:12; Rom 6:4)(Col 2:12; Rom 6:4)


Colossians 2:12 (NKJV)Colossians 2:12 (NKJV) 12buried with Him in baptism, in which 12buried with Him in baptism, in which

you also were raised with you also were raised with HimHim through faith through faith in the working of God, who raised Him in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. from the dead.


Romans 6:4 (NKJV)Romans 6:4 (NKJV) - Therefore we were - Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.also should walk in newness of life.


When someone has the wrong definition of When someone has the wrong definition of a word we then must explain what we mean a word we then must explain what we mean when using a Bible word. when using a Bible word. (1 Pet 4:11)(1 Pet 4:11)


1 Peter 4:11 (NKJV)1 Peter 4:11 (NKJV) - If anyone speaks, - If anyone speaks, let himlet him speakspeak as the oracles of God. If as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, anyone ministers, let him do itlet him do it as with the as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.forever and ever. Amen.


Another problem we face when dealing Another problem we face when dealing with churches is current state of division with churches is current state of division and confusion among those who call and confusion among those who call themselves Christians.themselves Christians.


Another problem we face when dealing Another problem we face when dealing with churches is current state of division with churches is current state of division and confusion among those who call and confusion among those who call themselves Christians.themselves Christians.

This again is man's doing and not God's. This again is man's doing and not God's. (1 John 2:19; Col 2:18-19)(1 John 2:19; Col 2:18-19)


1 John 2:19 (NKJV)1 John 2:19 (NKJV) - They went out from - They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with been of us, they would have continued with us; but us; but they went outthey went out that they might be that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of made manifest, that none of them were of us.us.


Colossians 2:18-19 (NKJV)Colossians 2:18-19 (NKJV) - Let no one cheat - Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in you of your reward, taking delight in falsefalse humility and worship of angels, intruding into humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19and not puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase ligaments, grows with the increase that isthat is from from God.God.


We can know the truth on the matter from a We can know the truth on the matter from a careful handling of God’s word. careful handling of God’s word. (2 Tim 1:13; 3:16-17)(2 Tim 1:13; 3:16-17)


2 Timothy 1:13 (NKJV)2 Timothy 1:13 (NKJV) - Hold fast the - Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. in Christ Jesus.


2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) - All Scripture - All Scripture isis given by inspiration of God, and given by inspiration of God, and isis profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The Church is People!The Church is People!

The Greek word "ekklesia" from which we The Greek word "ekklesia" from which we translate "church" has the root idea of translate "church" has the root idea of "called out"."called out".


The Greek word "ekklesia" from which we The Greek word "ekklesia" from which we translate "church" has the root idea of translate "church" has the root idea of "called out"."called out".

You do not call out a building or an object, You do not call out a building or an object, but the people of God are "called out". but the people of God are "called out". (1 Pet 2:9-10)(1 Pet 2:9-10)


1 Peter 2:9-10 (NKJV)1 Peter 2:9-10 (NKJV) - But you - But you areare a a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once who once werewere not a people but not a people but areare now the now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. but now have obtained mercy.


This calling is by the gospel. This calling is by the gospel. (2 Thess 2:13-15)(2 Thess 2:13-15)


2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (NKJV)2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (NKJV) - But we are - But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.or our epistle.


This calling is to Jesus as our head and to This calling is to Jesus as our head and to the standard revealed in His word. the standard revealed in His word. (Lk 6:46; Jn 8:31-32)(Lk 6:46; Jn 8:31-32)


Luke 6:46 (NKJV)Luke 6:46 (NKJV) - “But why do you call - “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? which I say?


John 8:31-32 (NKJV)John 8:31-32 (NKJV) - Then Jesus said to - Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32And you shall know the truth, and the 32And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”truth shall make you free.”


Without this obedient connection to Jesus Without this obedient connection to Jesus as our head we are not part of Christ's as our head we are not part of Christ's church even though we might attend church even though we might attend somewhere. somewhere. (Mt 15:13)(Mt 15:13)


Matthew 15:13 (NKJV)Matthew 15:13 (NKJV) - But He - But He answered and said, “Every plant which My answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.uprooted.


There is a definite entrance into this There is a definite entrance into this relationship with Jesus.relationship with Jesus.


Jesus plainly stated that there would only be Jesus plainly stated that there would only be one church as there would only be one one church as there would only be one head. head. (Mt 16:18; Eph 1:22-23; 4:4-6)(Mt 16:18; Eph 1:22-23; 4:4-6)


Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) - And I also say to - And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Hades shall not prevail against it.


Ephesians 1:22-23 (NKJV)Ephesians 1:22-23 (NKJV) - And He put - And He put all all thingsthings under His feet, and gave Him under His feet, and gave Him to to bebe head over all head over all thingsthings to the church, to the church, 23which is His body, the fullness of Him 23which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.who fills all in all.


Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV) Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV) - - There isThere is one one body and one Spirit, just as you were called body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who all, who isis above all, and through all, and in above all, and through all, and in you all.you all.


How did Jesus build His church? How did Jesus build His church? (Acts 2:46-47; 36-41)(Acts 2:46-47; 36-41)


Acts 2:46-47 (NKJV)Acts 2:46-47 (NKJV) - So continuing daily - So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.church daily those who were being saved.


Acts 2:36-41 (NKJV)Acts 2:36-41 (NKJV) - “Therefore let all - “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 Now when they both Lord and Christ.” 37 Now when they heard heard this,this, they were cut to the heart, and they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men “Men andand brethren, what shall we do?” brethren, what shall we do?”


38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”many as the Lord our God will call.”


40And with many other words he testified 40And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41Then those this perverse generation.” 41Then those who gladly received his word were who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added souls were added to them.to them.


To be a Christian is to be in the church of To be a Christian is to be in the church of Christ, or Christ's body. Christ, or Christ's body. (Rom 6:3; 1 Cor 12:13)(Rom 6:3; 1 Cor 12:13)


Romans 6:3 (NKJV)Romans 6:3 (NKJV) - Or do you not know - Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?


1 Corinthians 12:13 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 12:13 (NKJV) - For by one - For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.one Spirit.


What do What do youyou mean by "the church of mean by "the church of Christ?" Because of division and doctrines Christ?" Because of division and doctrines of men, one cannot determine God's way of men, one cannot determine God's way by the name on the sign alone.by the name on the sign alone.

What are the Characteristics of a Christian?What are the Characteristics of a Christian?

There is a relationship based on the blood There is a relationship based on the blood of Christ.of Christ. (Acts 20:28) (Acts 20:28)


Acts 20:28 (NKJV)Acts 20:28 (NKJV) - Therefore take heed - Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.which He purchased with His own blood.


When that relationship has ended then one When that relationship has ended then one has turned their back on the blood of Christ.has turned their back on the blood of Christ. (Heb 6:6; 10:26, 29)(Heb 6:6; 10:26, 29)


Hebrews 6:6 (NKJV)Hebrews 6:6 (NKJV) - if they fall away, to - if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put God, and put HimHim to an open shame. to an open shame.


Hebrews 10:26 (NKJV)Hebrews 10:26 (NKJV) - For if we sin - For if we sin willfully after we have received the willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, remains a sacrifice for sins,


Hebrews 10:29 (NKJV) - Hebrews 10:29 (NKJV) - Of how much Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?grace?


There can be no forgiveness without a life There can be no forgiveness without a life of repentance.of repentance.


A Christian will then have a tender heart, A Christian will then have a tender heart, willing to be taught and corrected.willing to be taught and corrected. (Heb 3:12-15)(Heb 3:12-15)


Hebrews 3:12-15 (NKJV)Hebrews 3:12-15 (NKJV) - - Beware, brethren, lest Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called another daily, while it is called “Today,”“Today,” lest any of lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said: 15 while it is said: “Today, if you will hear His “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”rebellion.”


It is a difficult thing to maintain this kind of It is a difficult thing to maintain this kind of faith over generations.faith over generations.



There is a love based on the blood of Christ.There is a love based on the blood of Christ.



There is a love based on the blood of Christ.There is a love based on the blood of Christ. How does Jesus tell us to find His people?How does Jesus tell us to find His people?

(Jn 13:34-35; 1 Jn 4:20-21)(Jn 13:34-35; 1 Jn 4:20-21)


John 13:34-35 (NKJV)John 13:34-35 (NKJV) - - A new A new commandment I give to you, that you love commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35By this all will also love one another. 35By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”love for one another.”


1 John 4:20-21 (NKJV)1 John 4:20-21 (NKJV) - - If someone says, If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21And this whom he has not seen? 21And this commandment we have from Him: that he commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God who loves God mustmust love his brother also. love his brother also.


I no longer value people by their I no longer value people by their relationship to me but by their relationship relationship to me but by their relationship to the blood of Christ.to the blood of Christ. (Rom 14:15; 1 Cor 8:11)(Rom 14:15; 1 Cor 8:11)


Romans 14:15 (NKJV)Romans 14:15 (NKJV) - - Yet if your Yet if your brother is grieved because of brother is grieved because of youryour food, you food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Christ died.


1 Corinthians 8:11 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 8:11 (NKJV) - - And because And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?perish, for whom Christ died?

What is a local church?What is a local church?

While there is but one church, the Bible While there is but one church, the Bible also describes "churchesalso describes "churches" " (Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:1)(Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:1). .


While there is but one church, the Bible While there is but one church, the Bible also describes "churchesalso describes "churches" " (Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:1)(Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:1). .

Is this a contradiction? Is this a contradiction?


Romans 16:16 (NKJV)Romans 16:16 (NKJV) - Greet one another - Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.greet you.


1 Corinthians 16:1 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 16:1 (NKJV) - Now - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:Galatia, so you must do also:


The one church is the relationship of all The one church is the relationship of all Christians to Christ. Local churches are Christians to Christ. Local churches are God's people in an organized body at a God's people in an organized body at a particular location.particular location.


The one church is the relationship of all The one church is the relationship of all Christians to Christ. Local churches are Christians to Christ. Local churches are God's people in an organized body at a God's people in an organized body at a particular location.particular location.

What local church was the eunuch a What local church was the eunuch a member of? member of? (Acts 8:36-39)(Acts 8:36-39)


You can be a member of one without being You can be a member of one without being a member of another.a member of another.


You can be a member of one without being You can be a member of one without being a member of another.a member of another.

In time every Christian will be a part of a In time every Christian will be a part of a local church. This is not optional. local church. This is not optional. (1 Cor 16:1; 1 Cor 10:25-29)(1 Cor 16:1; 1 Cor 10:25-29)


1 Corinthians 10:25-29 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 10:25-29 (NKJV) - Eat - Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; 26for no questions for conscience’ sake; 26for “the earth“the earth isis the Lord’s, and all its the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” fullness.” 27 If any of those who do not 27 If any of those who do not believe invites you believe invites you to dinner,to dinner, and you and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. asking no question for conscience’ sake.


28 But if anyone says to you, “This was 28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for conscience’ sake; for “the earth“the earth isis the the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”Lord’s, and all its fullness.” 29 29 “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another by another man’sman’s conscience? conscience?


These local churches are to be subject to These local churches are to be subject to Christ as their head. Christ as their head. (2 Cor 2:9; Rev 2:1, 5)(2 Cor 2:9; Rev 2:1, 5)


2 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV) - For to this end - For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. whether you are obedient in all things.


Revelation 2:1 (NKJV)Revelation 2:1 (NKJV) - “To the angel of - “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: seven golden lampstands:


Revelation 2:5 (NKJV)Revelation 2:5 (NKJV) - Remember - Remember therefore from where you have fallen; therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you lampstand from its place—unless you repent.repent.


A local church can cease having Christ as A local church can cease having Christ as their head!their head!


A local church can cease having Christ as A local church can cease having Christ as their head!their head!

If you base your attendance only by what If you base your attendance only by what the church calls itself, then you will may the church calls itself, then you will may remove yourself from Christ. remove yourself from Christ.

Consequences of human concepts of the Consequences of human concepts of the Lord’s ChurchLord’s Church

You allow human attitudes and actions to You allow human attitudes and actions to be attributed to God. be attributed to God. (Rom 3:4)(Rom 3:4)


Romans 3:4 (NKJV)Romans 3:4 (NKJV) - Certainly not! - Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: As it is written: “That You may be justified “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”You are judged.”


There is a new (old) breed of “holy There is a new (old) breed of “holy warriors” that try to take any negative warriors” that try to take any negative example and attribute it to the “legalism example and attribute it to the “legalism among the church of Christ.”among the church of Christ.”



Do bad examples mean that there is no Do bad examples mean that there is no “church of Christ?”“church of Christ?”



Do bad examples mean that there is no Do bad examples mean that there is no “church of Christ?”“church of Christ?”

You begin to defend a human denomination You begin to defend a human denomination rather than the Lord and His way.rather than the Lord and His way.


Some people are like the Pharisees and the Some people are like the Pharisees and the Sadducees; they will defend anything found Sadducees; they will defend anything found under the party name.under the party name.



This approach will create a closed minded This approach will create a closed minded people, afraid to open and study God’s people, afraid to open and study God’s word. Creeds, written, and unwritten will word. Creeds, written, and unwritten will then prevail.then prevail.



This approach will create a closed minded This approach will create a closed minded people, afraid to open and study God’s word. people, afraid to open and study God’s word. Creeds, written, and unwritten will then prevail.Creeds, written, and unwritten will then prevail.

God’s people will not shy away from applying God’s people will not shy away from applying the word. the word. (1 Jn 4:1, 6; 2 Jn 9)(1 Jn 4:1, 6; 2 Jn 9)


1 John 4:1 (NKJV)1 John 4:1 (NKJV) - Beloved, do not - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.false prophets have gone out into the world.


1 John 4:6 (NKJV)1 John 4:6 (NKJV) - We are of God. He - We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.spirit of truth and the spirit of error.


2 John 9 (NKJV)2 John 9 (NKJV) - Whoever transgresses - Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.the Son.


False standards will be used to determine False standards will be used to determine who the Lord’s people are.who the Lord’s people are.


False standards will be used to determine False standards will be used to determine who the Lord’s people are.who the Lord’s people are.

What we practice will either show Jesus as What we practice will either show Jesus as our head or a desire to please men and their our head or a desire to please men and their traditions. traditions. (Mt 15:8-9; Jn 12:48)(Mt 15:8-9; Jn 12:48)


Matthew 15:8-9 (NKJV)Matthew 15:8-9 (NKJV) - - ‘These‘These peoplepeople draw near to Me with their mouth, And draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me withhonor Me with their lips, their lips, But their heart But their heart is far from Me. is far from Me. 9 9 And in vain they worship And in vain they worship Me, TeachingMe, Teaching as doctrines the as doctrines the commandments of men.’”commandments of men.’”


John 12:48 (NKJV)John 12:48 (NKJV) - He who rejects Me, - He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.spoken will judge him in the last day.


The names we use tell much about whom The names we use tell much about whom we serve. we serve. (1 Cor 1:10-13)(1 Cor 1:10-13)


1 Corinthians 1:10-13 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 1:10-13 (NKJV) - Now I - Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and same thing, and thatthat there be no divisions there be no divisions among you, but among you, but thatthat you be perfectly joined you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same together in the same mind and in the same judgment. judgment.


1 1For it has been declared to me concerning 1 1For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household,household, that there are contentions among that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?you baptized in the name of Paul?


Our willingness to rebuke and correct sin Our willingness to rebuke and correct sin also shows where our hearts are. also shows where our hearts are. (2 Tim 4:1-4; 2 Thess 3:14-15)(2 Tim 4:1-4; 2 Thess 3:14-15)


2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NKJV)2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NKJV) - I charge - I charge youyou therefore before God and the Lord Jesus therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2Preach the word! Be ready in season 2Preach the word! Be ready in season andand out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. with all longsuffering and teaching.


3 For the time will come when they will not 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, their own desires, becausebecause they have itching they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn teachers; 4 and they will turn theirtheir ears ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. fables.


2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (NKJV)2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (NKJV) - And if - And if anyone does not obey our word in this anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count ashamed. 15 Yet do not count himhim as an as an enemy, but admonish enemy, but admonish himhim as a brother. as a brother.


How do they worship? How do they worship? (1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7)(1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7)


1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV) - Now - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first dayday of the week let each one of you lay of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I prosper, that there be no collections when I come. come.


Acts 20:7 (NKJV)Acts 20:7 (NKJV) - Now on the first - Now on the first dayday of of the week, when the disciples came together the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.message until midnight.


You refuse to examine your lives.You refuse to examine your lives.


You refuse to examine your lives.You refuse to examine your lives. It is possible to have the collective practices It is possible to have the collective practices

right while there are individuals who are right while there are individuals who are separated from God within a local church. separated from God within a local church. (Rev 3:4)(Rev 3:4)


Revelation 3:4 (NKJV)Revelation 3:4 (NKJV) - You have a few - You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.in white, for they are worthy.


Jesus pointed out there are two kinds of Jesus pointed out there are two kinds of people! people! (Jn 3:19-21)(Jn 3:19-21)


John 3:19-21 (NKJV)John 3:19-21 (NKJV) - And this is the - And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”have been done in God.”


Philippians 3:8 (NKJV)Philippians 3:8 (NKJV) - Yet indeed I also - Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain and count them as rubbish, that I may gain ChristChrist


Men may stir your emotions and talk a good Men may stir your emotions and talk a good fight, but in the end they may destroy you. fight, but in the end they may destroy you. (2 Pt 2:18-19)(2 Pt 2:18-19)


2 Peter 2:18-19 (NKJV)2 Peter 2:18-19 (NKJV) - For when they - For when they speak great swelling speak great swelling wordswords of emptiness, they of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19While they from those who live in error. 19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.bondage.


Are you part of the people of God? Are you part of the people of God?


2 Peter 2:18 through 2 Peter 2:19 (NKJV)2 Peter 2:18 through 2 Peter 2:19 (NKJV) 18For when they speak great swelling 18For when they speak great swelling wordswords of of

emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19While they escaped from those who live in error. 19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.him also he is brought into bondage.

Conclusion:Conclusion: Are you part of the people of God? Are you part of the people of God?

The Lord’s Supper was observed on the first The Lord’s Supper was observed on the first day of the week.day of the week.

There is great spiritual significance attached There is great spiritual significance attached to this feast! to this feast! (1 Cor 5:8)(1 Cor 5:8)


1 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV) - Therefore let - Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened but with the unleavened breadbread of sincerity of sincerity and truth.and truth.


There are some verses where the “breaking There are some verses where the “breaking of bread” describes a common meal. of bread” describes a common meal. (Acts 2:46; Acts 20:11) (Acts 2:46; Acts 20:11)


Acts 2:46 (NKJV)Acts 2:46 (NKJV) - So continuing daily - So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, food with gladness and simplicity of heart,


Acts 20:11 (NKJV)Acts 20:11 (NKJV) - Now when he had - Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.departed.


When this is done in homes rather than the When this is done in homes rather than the assembly.assembly.


When only one individual is described When only one individual is described rather than an assembly.rather than an assembly.


When only one individual is described When only one individual is described rather than an assembly.rather than an assembly.

The early Christians partook of the Lord’s The early Christians partook of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week. Supper on the first day of the week. (Acts 20:6-7)(Acts 20:6-7)


Acts 20:6-7 (NKJV)Acts 20:6-7 (NKJV) - But we sailed away - But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days. 7Now Troas, where we stayed seven days. 7Now on the first on the first dayday of the week, when the of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.and continued his message until midnight.


This was something the whole church was This was something the whole church was to do!to do!



While they heard Paul preach we find great While they heard Paul preach we find great emphasis on this feast!emphasis on this feast!




What do the churches around us emphasize What do the churches around us emphasize on this day?on this day?


This was something the whole church was to This was something the whole church was to do!do!


What do the churches around us emphasize What do the churches around us emphasize on this day?on this day?

What have we in our hearts emphasized on What have we in our hearts emphasized on this day?this day?


We also in this act look to another day. We also in this act look to another day. (1 Cor 11:26)(1 Cor 11:26)


1 Corinthians 11:26 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 11:26 (NKJV) 26For as 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink this often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.comes.


Do you see the need to remember?Do you see the need to remember?


Do you see the need to remember?Do you see the need to remember? On the first day of the week we observe a On the first day of the week we observe a

feast and not a day.feast and not a day.


Are your actions on this day preparing you Are your actions on this day preparing you to meet God? to meet God? (1 Cor 11:27-32)(1 Cor 11:27-32)


1 Corinthians 11:27-32 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 11:27-32 (NKJV) - Therefore - Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks whoever eats this bread or drinks thisthis cup of cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. Lord’s body.


30 For this reason many 30 For this reason many areare weak and sick weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.condemned with the world.

What church do you attend? n How would you answer?

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