INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. To save any outside the church
Remarks.
1. This is lesson one, in the lesson-series entitled: "Things too impossible for God." Our scripture lesson declares: "With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible," Matthew 19:26. And Paul wrote: "That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, that we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us,” Hebrews 6:18. It would appear right out that we have a conflict in this lesson. Beloved, we are not arguing, what God can or cannot do: but we are discussing, the Supreme, Divine, and Sovereign will of God. We will not debate, what He has willed or chosen to do: to save, forgive, or impart His favor unto the believer.
2. In this lesson, we will consider how God can't save any outside of the church. Paul wrote: “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body...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 5:23-27. The ark was a type of church. All that were in the ark were saved from the flood. Eight (8) souls were saved by water, 1 Peter 3:20-21. Therefore, all in the church are in the place of safety and salvation. Christ added, “to the church daily those that were being saved,” Acts 2:47. Paul said: “Unto the centurions and to the soldiers: Except these abide in the ship, you cannot be saved,” Acts 27:31. There is safety in the church during the storms of life. Abide in the church! Your captain has navigated this Ship of Zion through many turbulent and violent storms, safely. With this brief introduction, let’s consider the first lesson: “God can't save any outside the church."
BODY OF LESSON
I TO SAVE ANY OUTSIDE THE CHURCH
A. The church of Christ. Paul wrote: “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 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 5:23-27. Summarizing Paul’s words--
1. The husband is the head of the wife like Christ is the head of the church. He is the savior of the body.
2. The saved, therefore, are in the body. The Lord adds the saved to the church, daily all those being saved, Acts 2:47.
3. The body is of Christ, Ephesians 1:22-23.
4. There is one body, the church, Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; 1 Corinthians 12:27-28.
5. Therefore, as the body is of Christ; so the church is of Christ, Romans 16:16.
NOTE: Illustrate My house, the house of Lydia, Acts 16:15; Acts 16:40.
B. The “ark” was a type of church. Peter’s discussion of Noah’s ark gives us an understanding that the “ark” was a type of church Observe--
1. Peter wrote: “Which sometime were disobedient when once the longsuffering of God waited in Noah's days, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him,” 1 Peter 3:20-22; Hebrews 1:1-3.
2. First, “God’s...longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing." The Lord allowed Noah 120 years to preach to those of his generation. During this time, he faithfully built an ark for the saving his entire house, Hebrews 11:7.
3. Further, "Wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water." Noah and his house went into the ark and were saved by water, Genesis 7:1; Genesis 7:7.
4. Finally, The ark's buoyancy allowed it to be raised above the floodwaters, Genesis 7:17. Noah and his house were saved from the floodwaters because they went into the ark, Genesis 7:12-13. We will revisit this later in the lesson.
C. Church Christ promised. The church Christ built is unique; it is unconquerable; and, it is undenominational. Let’s consider each of these ideas briefly. Observe—
1. The church is unique. It stands alone as the promise of Christ, the hope of humanity, for the cure of sin's illnesses. The prophet wrote: "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanliness," Zechariah 13:1. It is unique; it is exclusive - there is no other institution or religious body that can save. The church Christ promised to build stands alone in its pledge for all people's hope and salvation. It is the only cure for sin and uncleanliness. Remember the angel’s words to Mary: "For he shall save his people from their sins," Matthew 1:21.
a. Unique because of Jesus’ Sonship position. Notice Peter again: "Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God." No other builder can claim this position.
1) He is the Christ. Messiah! Peter said: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Matthew 16:15-16. This discussion is the Lord's first announcement of the church.
a) The men of Samaria: “And many more believed because of his word: And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world,” John 4:41-42.
b) Martha said to Jesus: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world,” John 11:27.
c. Peter on Pentecost again, acknowledged Him as the Messiah, Acts 2:36.
2) He is not a son; but, The Son of God. The "only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth," John 1:14. Thus, He is God himself, John 5:18, Hebrews 1:8-14.
3) He is the Son over his own house. "For every house is built by some man, but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant...But Christ as a son over his own house, whose house we are…if we hold fast unto the end," Hebrews 3:4-6.
4) He is God with us! The angel said: “You shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us,” Matthew 1:23.
b. Unique because it alone was the subject of prophecy.
1) When will it be built? "In the last days," Daniel 2:44.
2) Where shall it be built? "In the city of Jerusalem," Zechariah 1:16.
3) Who shall be its builder? "Except the Lord build," Psalms 127:1.
4) Who shall be its members? "All nations shall flow unto it," Isaiah 2:2-3.
5) What event shall announce its coming? "I will pour out my Spirit," Joel 2:28 29; Mark 9:1.
6) Fulfillment, Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-5; Acts 2:14-18; Hebrews 1:1-2.
NOTE: Illustrate the UN/Red Cross. Provide relief during times of human suffering.
c. Unique because it promotes the divine pattern. Hebrews 8:4.
1) In purpose, "Prepared before the world's foundation," Matthew 25:34, Ephesians 3:8-11.
2) In preparation, “The kingdom of God is at hand,” Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 4:17, Matthew 10:5-7; Luke 10:9.
3) In preaching, “That he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,” Ephesians 2:11-17.
4) In practice, His Wife, one wife, Ephesians 5:23-32.
NOTE: Illustrate, How many wives?
d. It stands alone as the prized possession of Christ. The church was purchased by His precious blood: "Take heed unto yourselves: and, to all the flock...which He purchased with His precious blood," Acts 20:28.
1) Notice, "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy of taking the book, and of opening the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth," Revelation 5:9-10.
2) The eternal Lamb of God: “He is the Lamb slain from the world's foundation," Revelation 13:8.
3) The lamb of Abraham’s promise: “And Isaac spake unto Abraham, his father, and said: My father: and he said: Here am I, my son. And he said: Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said: My son; God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together,” Genesis 22:7-8. There was a ram in the bush, Genesis 22:13.
4) The lamb of Isaiah’s prophecy: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep, before her shearers are dumb, so he openeth not his mouth: In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth,” Isaiah 53:7-8; Isaiah 53:10-11; Acts 8:32-33.
5) The lamb of John’s announcement: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the world's sin," John 1:29. The lamb has come! He has become the offering for our sins.
6) The lamb was offered. Peter wrote: "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by traditions from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot," 1 Peter 1:18-21.
a) Soldier with a spear: “Pierced his side, forthwith came there out, blood and water,” John 19:34.
b) “Without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission,” Hebrews 9:22.
c) Christ’s blood was shed “for the remission of sins,” Matthew 26:28.
d) “Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin,” Hebrews 10:18.
e) “And every priest standeth daily ministering and oftentimes offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies are made his footstool,” Hebrews 10:11-13.
2. The church is unconquerable. Jesus said: "Death and hell shall not prevail against it." What did he promise here? He says, "Death or the grave, hell or the Hadean world," the unseen world shall not prevent him from building the church. Right, I'm going to be crucified and die, but I will rise again. Jesus, in His resurrection, conquered death and hell. And in this victory, He built the church.
a. Peter preached his resurrection: "His soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption," Acts 2:29-36; Psalms 16:8-10.
b. Paul preached His resurrection: “God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised Jesus again; as it is written in the second Psalms. Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him from the dead,” Acts 13:33-34; Psalms 2:7; Acts 4:23-31.
c. The resurrection destroyed Satan: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage," Hebrews 2:14-15. He went down into the grave and the Hadean world; and after His resurrection, He destroyed the evil one's power over death, forever!
d. Jesus has the keys of death and hell. John wrote: "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead and, behold I am alive forever, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death," Revelations 1:17-18; Romans 8:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27.
1) Unconquerable in that, "it shall never be destroyed." It shall stand forever. The kingdom Jesus promises shall never be destroyed.
a) Daniel the prophet: "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever," Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13-14.
b) Isaiah's prophecy: "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of host will perform this,” Isaiah 9:7.
2) Unconquerable in that, “of His kingdom, there shall be no end.” Luke wrote: "And, behold, thou shall conceive in thy womb, bring forth a son, and call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there shall be no end," Luke 1:31-33; Acts 2:30-35.
NOTE: Illustrate Missionaries in Ethiopia. They found a primitive form of religion, Acts 8:26ff. It was formed undoubtedly by the Treasurer.
3) Unconquerable because it is "unmovable." Hear the Hebrew writer: “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,” Hebrews 12:28. It can be identified today, as it could be in the first century. Jesus promised: "death and hell shall not prevail against it." What should one expect to see? The Name, Place, Builder, Date, Worship, Terms of Entrance, (briefly discuss each).
4) Unconquerable because it is "heaven connected." To Peter Jesus said: "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven," Matthew 16:19. Peter used the keys - the terms of entrance into the kingdom on Pentecost, Acts 2, 8, 16, and 18. Membership is by gospel obedience.
NOTE: Illustrate Lydia’s House, Acts 16:15; Acts 16:40.
3. The church is undenominational. Christ never promised to build a denomination, but His church. He never promised to construct some churches, but the (one) church. Christ never promised to create a denomination, but His church, or "ekklesia," the "called out ones."
a. The word denomination. In Latin is "duminos." The name means a sect, parties, or parts of the whole. Illustrate: Dollars come in many denominations. On many occasions, the bank checker asked me when cashing my check: "in what denominations would you like this?"
1) But Jesus promised, "I will build my church." Gr: “oikodomeo mou ekklesia,” I will build my assembly, chosen people, or the "called out ones.” I will build my church: the entire body of Christ. It will need no additions, amendments, or modifications - it will be complete and whole once established.
2) Chosen generation. Peter wrote: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out “kalesantos” of darkness into his marvelous light," 1 Peter 2:9.
3) Peter the rock? Illustrate Petros, (masculine-stone) John 1:42. And, Petra (feminine- means cleft). He did not promise to build the church on Peter, but upon the truth of Peter’s confession - "thou art the Son of the living God." I - Will - Build - My - Church.
b. Undenominational in its construction. It is not "of men," but "of Christ," 1 Corinthians 1:10-12. All denominations are "of men," starting with the first one - the Roman Catholic faith. It was built by Boniface III, in 606 AD. History will attest to this, and the Catholics will not deny it. From this denomination came all the rest (Protestants - from the word protest). There are nearly 500 different religious bodies, with their own religious beliefs and doctrines from men. All these denominations claim to be part of the body of Christ. But, I ask which ones? NOTE: Illustrate, Ones built within the first ten years, or first 1000 years?
1) The church Christ built. He is its head, and elders are the overseers of the flock, Colossians 1:18; Acts 20:28-32. Elders - "shepherd the flock of God," 1 Peter 5:1-4.
2) And, "He (Christ) gave some, apostles, and some prophets; and some evangelist; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, …which is the head, even Christ," Ephesians 4:11-15.
c. Undenominational in its terms of membership. Remember, in our study of the conversions? Those that obeyed the gospel were added to the church. Observe--
1) Which denomination did the Pentecostals converts belong too?
2) The Jailer and his family?
3) The Samaritans? They belong to none of these denominations.
4) The early saints were merely Christians, Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16; Acts 26:27-28.
5) They were “Neither Catholic, Protestant, or Jew.” Why?
a) These denominations did not exist then, and should not exist today.
b) They are a “departure from the faith,” 1Timothy 4:1-5.
6) Obey the gospel with "a good and honest heart," and you can be saved. And then the Lord will add you to the church He built, Romans 6:17-18; Acts 2:47.
d. Undenominational in its teaching. Every seed will reproduce fruit after its kind, Genesis 1:11-12; Luke 8:4-15. The bible seed will not make a denomination: it can only make a Christian. I wish I had some help!
NOTE: Illustrate Boy Scout Manual. "Seed is the word of God," 1 Peter 1:23.
1) It has no human head; no roots, but the bible; no voice but "thus said the Lord" or "this is that," Acts 2:14-17; Philippians 3:16. Illustrate Alexander Campbell's Statement. It endeavors to: "speak where the bible speaks and commands silence where it is silent."
2) Paul wrote to Colossae: "Beware lest any man spoils you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the world's rudiments, and not after Christ," Colossians 2:8.
3) Paul wrote to Corinth: "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not: But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our Gospel is hidden, it is hidden to them that are lost," 2 Corinthians 4:1-7.
e. Undenominational in its worship. Luke wrote: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, breaking of bread, and in prayers," Acts 2:42. Worship must be in “spirit and truth,” John 4:24.
1) It practices the same acts of worship as the early church. True worship is singing, praying, preaching, communing, and giving unto God, Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
2) The "New Testament contains all the authority for the practice and worship of the New Testament church." If not part of the New Testament, then it is not a part of the New Testament Church!
3) To Baptist’s Manual, guide or human-made constitutions: are used to govern and directs denominations, in their worship, terms of pardon, and local government.
4) The word of God is our rule, authority, and guide in all its practices.
D. The church has been sanctified. Christ's love for the church, His bride, is shown as an example to Christian husbands. Observe--
1. Paul wrote: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 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. So ought men to love their wives as their bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself,” Ephesians 5:25-28. Paul outlines:
2. Christ gave himself for the church. The Lord’s entire goal was: “to sanctify and cleanse it with the water's washing through the word," Ephesians 5:26.
a. This phrase seems to cause denominational institutions to stumble. They interpret this to mean, “The washing of the Spirit through the word.” But a close investigation of this phrase in the Greek: does not bear such an interpretation.
b. The words “washing of water” in the Gr., is loutron or lü-tro'n, which means to a bath, i.e. (figuratively), baptism:—washing.
c. The washing through baptism, by the direction of the word. It is not the word that's washes, but the water: "through the word's direction." Paul means “baptism" in this verse and others, Acts 22:16; Titus 3:5.
d. Naaman the leper. Naaman was advised by the prophet to “go wash in the river Jordon to be cleansed” of his leprosy. David wrote: “Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean,” 2 Kings 5:14. The word “dipped” in Heb., is tabal or tä·val', which means to dip, to immerse:—dip, plunge. Observe--
1) Naaman dipped seven times in the river Jordan, and he would be clean.
2) Jehovah commanded: “And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary,” Leviticus 4:8; Leviticus 4:17.
3) The impotent man waited before the Pool of Bethesda: “To get into the water when it was being troubled,” John 5:7. He knew there was cleansing in the water.
4) In each of these examples, God performed healing and cleansing. It was done in the “bath” or “dipping” in the water.
3. B. W. Johnson wrote: “His object was to sanctify it, make it holy. To do this, it was needful to cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. All commentators of repute (standing or reputation) in all bodies refer this to baptism. All in the church pass through the waters of baptism. But the washing of the water would be of no avail without the word. The power is in the word of the Lord which offers the gospel and commands baptism,” Page 480-481.
4. Matthew Henry wrote: “That he might sanctify and cleanse it, with the washing of water by the word (v. 26)—that he might endue all his members with a principle of holiness, and deliver them from the guilt, the pollution, and the dominion of sin. The...means whereby this is affected are the instituted sacraments, particularly the washing of baptism and the preaching and reception of the gospel,” Page 1252.
E. That Christ might present it glorious. A church cleansed from sin; a bride without a spot or blemish. Observe--
1. To 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. Christ has done this to cleanse her from sin; and present unto Him a bride, holy and without blemish. Praise God for His great works!
2. So ought men to: “Love their wives as their bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself,” Ephesians 5:28.
3. Paul concludes, “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband,” Ephesians 5:32-33.
4. There is safety, comfort, and assurance:
a. Safety in her husband. The wife will find safety in her husband’s arms during times of trouble, difficulties, during sickness, and this terrible pandemic. He is her rock and shield during trying times. His love and trust in God will provide for the wife’s needs: spiritual, physical, and material. The husband should love his wife, just as Christ loves the church. The wife should reverence her husband and support him, in all the things he does to build-up and support their family.
b. Safety in the ship. There was safety for Paul and all those aboard the ship during a terrible storm, during their voyage to Rome. Paul warmed the centurions, and the soldiers: “Except ye abide in the ship, you cannot be saved,” Acts 27:31. Safety was in the ship; even, during this turbulent storm. God was with Paul and promised him and all the passengers would arrive safely to Rome.
c. Safety in Rahab’s house. There was safety for Rahab the harlot, and her entire family if they “remain in the house,” Joshua 2:17-21.
d. Safety in the church. There is safety for all believers in Christ, if they “abide in the church,” Ephesians 5:23. As I begin to conclude this lesson, recall I discussed--
it is impossible for God--
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. To save any outside the church
B. Summarize main points.
1. In this lesson, we considered how God couldn't save any outside of the church. Paul wrote: "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body...That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that and without blemish," Ephesians 5:23-27.
2. The ark was a type of church. All that were in the ark were saved from the flood. Eight souls were saved by water, 1 Peter 3:20-21. Therefore, all in the church are in the place of safety and salvation. The added “to the church daily those that were being saved,” Acts 2:47.
3. Paul said: “Unto the centurions and to the soldiers: Except these abide in the ship, you cannot be saved,” Acts 27:31. There is safety in the church during the storms of life. Abide in the church! Your captain has navigated this Ship of Zion through many turbulent and violent storms, safely.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
