The Lord’s Church

I am excited about a new sermon series we begin this morning on the Lord’s church. I have
been working on this for some time, and praying that it will be especially helpful and encouraging
to those interested in learning what God has to say on this vital matter. Our plan is to look at the
church from various scriptural vantage points, including its uniqueness in a world of religious
division. By taking an organized, systematic look at what the Bible says about its various aspects,
we will hopefully gain a greater insight into and appreciation for the church described in the Bible.
May I suggest that you be thinking with me about the church of Jesus Christ? Be thinking
about its beginning, its founding, its structure and organization. Search the Scriptures concerning
the work and worship of the church. And consider its unique and profound beauty, especially at a
time when many in our land are in doubt and confusion about Christianity in general, and the
church in particular.
The church of Christ was not invented or founded by men. It was promised, predicted and
described in God’s word many years before it’s founding by our Lord. Its features are distinct and
impressive, far more so than any man-made organization. Its mission is so vitally important that it
trumps all the endeavors and activities of people everywhere. It demands that we take a closer look
and become actively engaged in its furtherance.
Many years ago I discovered that I love to preach on the church. I have learned that it is
impossible to “preach Christ” without preaching that for which He lived and died, and shed his
precious blood. Although some will claim to “preach Christ, but not the church,” a person cannot
truly preach Christ without preaching the church. Jesus evidently loved the church dearly, just as
a godly husband loves his wife, and sacrifices himself for her.
Among some other things, we want to take a closer look at the establishment of the church.
Exactly when did this occur? If you ask that question in the religious community in general, you
will be greeted with answers all over the board. Some claim the church has been in existence since
creation. Others insist it came about during the days of Abraham. Still others claim it began during
the earthly ministry of Jesus, or in the days of John the Baptist. But each of these positions is
problematic when viewed in light of the Scriptures. We will see that the Day of Pentecost
immediately following Christ’s resurrection was the foreordained, promised time for the beginning
of the Lord’s church, and that is exactly when it did begin. There are several lines of Scriptural
reasoning leading irresistibly to this conclusion, and it will be our intention to take a look at these
in sufficient detail.
Another matter we wish to consider is the identity of the church. Is the church of the Bible
still in existence today, and, if so, how do we identify it? Admittedly, there have been many
churches or denominations which have come lately – since the New Testament was written. But
none of these could be the church referred to in the Bible, because they began after the Bible was
written. How then do we identify and associate ourselves purely with the New Testament church?
This will be the thrust of our inquiry together.
Another matter deals with the work and worship of the church. Modern churches have
become entangled in many and various works, and have established a procedure for worship,
which is very far removed from the Bible pattern. But when we read about the Lord’s church in
the Bible, it seems her mission was simple and straightforward. Her work was not over-extended
into civil or governmental affairs, nor did her worship practices include the numerous imaginative
additions which have been devised in subsequent years.
Is there a way to go back to the pure and simple figure or plan Christ laid out for His church?
Can we lay aside our prejudices and biases in this regard, and humbly restore the faith and practice
“once delivered to the saints?” The advancement of that worthy endeavor will be our goal in this
series of sermons. I hope you will enter into it with me in a joyous and eager manner, as we explore
this vital theme together!