The Church Christ Built

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. A church which is Unique

2. A church which is Unconquerable

3. A church which is Undenominational

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing a theme, which is very important, and that is, the church Christ promised to build. This lesson is important because the Holy Bible, as well as history, has taught us what Christ promised to build is completely, and totally different, to the ideas conceived and taught by religious leaders today. Christ never promised to build another church, but his Church. He never mentioned some churches, but one church. He never promised a denomination, but his church. One denomination may be as good as another--but one church cannot be good as another--seeing He only built one!

2. First, what Christ promised to build was a unique church. Unique in every sense of word and purpose. As there is only one Son of God, one only begotten Son of God, than there can only be one unique church - the church Christ built. It stands alone as the hope of man, the cure for sin, and the means of salvation. Peter declared him to be the Son of God, and on that confession - the truth of it, Christ promised to build his church. Paul declared His Sonship when he says: "He was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead," Romans 1:4.

3. Secondly, what Christ-promised to build was his church, which is unconquerable. He stated, "death and hell shall not prevail against it." Just as the prophet of old said, "it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever." Dan 2:44. Unconquerable also because it has stood the test of time. From a small beginning, it has grown to encompass the whole world. Even through the "darkest of times," there was always a ray of Son shine. During times when bibles were burnt, hidden, and chain to pulpits, there abided a flame, which flickered in the darkness to provide hope and inspiration to a determined people. The Lord has built his church as he promised and it includes all, and excludes none!

4. Lastly, what Christ promised, would be undenominational in its construction and purpose. It has no earthly head; no roots, but the bible; no voice other than "thus saith the Lord;" and it endeavors to "speak where the bible speaks and commands silence where it is silent." Undenominational, because it is neither Catholic, Protestant, nor Jew. Undenominational because we are "of Christ" and not of men. We are just Christians, nothing more or nothing less. I ask today, "can one be just a Christian?" The answer is, yes. But, only if you want to be a member in what Christ promised to build!

BODY OF LESSON

I A CHURCH WHICH IS UNIQUE

A. Unique because it stand alone as the promise of Christ, the hope of mankind, for the cure of the illnesses of sin. "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to 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. Illustrate: UN and Red Cross. He built the church upon himself. What Christ promised to build stands alone in its pledge for the hope and salvation of all mankind. It is the only cure for sin and uncleanliness. Also, John 1:29 "Behold the Lamb of God...." Remember the angel’s words to Mary: "For he shall save his people from their sins," Matthew 1:21.

B. Unique because of His position of Sonship. 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! “Thou art the Christ…” 16:16. Martha said of Jesus: “…Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world,” John 11:27. Peter on Pentecost, 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. He is the Son of God. Thus God himself, John 5:18, Hebrews 1:8-14.

3. He is the Son over his own house. "For every house is builded 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! “They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us,” Matthew 1:23.

C. Unique because it alone was the subject of prophesy. In Prophecy.