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What does the church of Christ teach about the church?

On this page we have provided all the sermons, studies and Bible lessons that we have available on the church.  These lessons have been recorded and published here for the good of all.  Please feel free to use any of this material in sermon or lesson preparation.  Thank you for coming here and may God bless you in your efforts in His kingdom. 

Studies on the church of Christ

Church of Christ Sermons On the church
 

What Is The Church of Christ? (Click title to open the full lesson)

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What do we mean by the expression “church of Christ”?  The same thing Jesus meant in Matthew 16:18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter; and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” NKJV  But does His church exist today and how can I recognize it?

I.  It Was Planned from the Beginning. 

II.  It Was Established in the First Century. 

III.  It Was Purchased by the Blood of Christ. 

IV.  It Is Singular. 
V.  It Is Scriptural in Its Worship

VI.  It Has A Biblical Designation. 

VII.  It Is Essential to Salvation. 

Distinctive Marks of the True Church of Christ

Bobby Stafford


The Church Jesus Was Going To Build  (Click title to open the full lesson)
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Jesus made a great statement that is recorded in Matthew 16:18.  “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” NKJV  But what was this church Jesus was talking about that He was going to build?  How can we identify it today among all the different churches that we see?

I.  Its Origin

II.  Descriptions of the Church  (Ephesians 3:15) “from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,” NKJV

III.  Names of Its Members

IV.  Its Rule of Faith and Worship

Conclusion:

We have seen from Scripture itself what the church was that Jesus built and  of which He is the head.  Does this describe the church to which you belong? 

Bobby Stafford


The Nature of the Lord's Church   (Click title to open the full lesson)

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It can be a confusing endeavor if one is trying to choose a church to attend.  We are a society who is programmed to search for things which please us.  We shop for clothes that we like, we search for cars that we like, we shop for homes that we like and then we personalize them to our own taste to the best of our ability and our budget.  So if we take this mindset that we are going to choose a church that we like or that appeals to us, we might overlook some important things that we need to take in to consideration.  The purpose of this lesson is two-fold.   First, for anyone who may be searching for a church and is unsure what to look for, this lesson is aimed at providing some vital information that is necessary for one to make an informed decision.   Second, to help those who are in the Lord's church to have the necessary information to help others who may be searching for a church make an informed decision. 

I.  The Word 'Church' and what it means

II. There Is Only One Worldwide Church In The New Testament and it belongs to Jesus Christ

III.  The Worldwide Church is Ruled By Jesus Christ

IV.  The Worldwide Church was bought by Jesus Christ

V.  The Worldwide Church Strives for Unity

V.  How Do We Make Sure We Are In the One Universal Church, or Body of Christ?

So how do we get in the church?  We get in the church the same way they did when we do what they did to be added.  This is the way that must be right and cannot fail.  This is the way we can know we are part of the one body of Christ, the one church of Christ that we read of in the Bible.  If we use the Bible and only the Bible, and we do what they did, we will be what they were.  Christians only, in the church of the new testament, added to it by God Himself and living faithfully in accordance to God's will and saved beyond any shadow of doubt whatsoever. 

David Hersey


What Is The Church?   (Click title to open the full lesson)

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If you ask ten people on the street, you would probably get ten different answers.  People may attend church for different reasons:  to meet people,  to satisfy social needs, to help their business, to satisfy their spouse . . . Some people attend church to find the “best show in town!”  Many churches cater to this mindset.  They try to put on the best show in town.  They come up with new and novel ways to increase their attendance and offerings.  They believe the church with the most people wins!  The result is churches with coffee bars, professional worship teams, a large staff, and short sermons designed to make everyone feel good.  So what is the biblical view of the church?

I.  The Church Is the Body of Christ

II.  The Church Is the Bride of Christ

III.  The Church Is the Family of God

IV.   The Church Is the Temple of God

Conclusion:

From all we have seen today, the church is not someplace you go occasionally if you don’t have something better to do.  The church consists of those who believe in the gospel and are committed to following it.  The church is not about how fancy the building is, how much the weekly contribution is, or how much power the members have in the local community.  The church is devoted to the Lord Jesus and in carrying out His will on earth.

Bobby Stafford


Noah and the Ark of Safety   (Click title to open the full lesson)

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I love the story of Noah and the ark.  I probably first heard it right here in this very building.  Who could forget about the great size of the ark, or about all the animals, or about it raining forty days and forty nights?  Today I want us to first focus our attention on the parallels between Noah’s salvation and our salvation.  Then we will look at how the church is the ark of safety.

Text:  I Peter 3:20-21  “who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.  There is also an antitype which now saves us – baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” NKJV

I.                 Noah’s Salvation

II.               The Ark of Safety

While there are many similarities between the ark and the church, there is one major difference.  All those within the ark were saved from the flood, but not everyone in the church will be saved.  Matthew 13:47-50 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away.  So it will be at the end of the age.  The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire.  There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” NKJV  Faithfulness is needed.  Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.  Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” NKJV 

Bobby Stafford


Choosing The Right Church   (Click title to open the full lesson)

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When one goes looking for a car to buy, the choice may be based upon many factors:  cost, size, gas mileage, style, function. . .  When one goes looking for a church, how should the choice be made?  Upon what grounds should you choose?

I.             Wrong Grounds

II.           Right Grounds

While choosing a car is certainly an important decision, it pales in comparison to choosing a church.  Choose wisely because it will affect your eternal destiny.

 Bobby Stafford 


The True Church   (Click title to open the full lesson)

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I well remember a certain discussion which took place in my English class during my senior year in high school.  It centered around religion and in particular on different churches.  When it came my turn to speak, I said that there was only one right church.  (Words to that effect)  Probably no words create more turmoil.  Is it possible that there is only one right church?  This is one of the most important questions we can ask.  But before we can answer that, other questions must be answered. 

I.   Is There a Right and Wrong in Religion?

II.   Does the Bible State Any Exclusives in Religion?

III.   Is It Possible for People to Have Misconceptions about the Church? 

IV.   What Is the One Church?

Conclusion: 

It is not arrogant to claim that there is only one right church in God’s eyes for this is what the Word of God claims.

 Bobby Stafford


A Church is Planted   (Click title to open the full lesson)

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 It is always a great privilege to study one of the books of the Bible.  Today we begin a series of lessons from I Thessalonians which is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the young congregation at Thessalonica.  Our lesson today will focus on the beginning of that congregation sometime around 50 A.D. – only about twenty years after the church was started in Jerusalem. 

Text:

     Acts 17:1-9 

 I.  Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

II.  Paul Enters Thessalonica  Acts 17:1

 III.  Paul’s Approach Acts 17:3

The church was planted in Thessalonica when the seed, which is the Word of God, was sown.  Christians, the fruit, result when that seed comes into contact with good soil which is honest and receptive hearts.  The same can happen today.

Bobby Stafford


What Is A Strong Church?   (Click title to open the full lesson)

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What is a strong church?  Many people would answer the question by responding that it is one with large numbers of members, a large budget, a beautiful building, influential people and such like.  But how would God answer the question?  That’s what is truly important.

I.  Love for God

II.  Love for Each Other

III.  A Strong Bible Emphasis

IV.  Each Member Is to Live A Holy Life

V.  Willing to Work

Conclusion:

Notice that none of these qualities of a strong church depend upon having a large attendance or budget, a beautiful new building or lots of influential members.  Sometimes these can keep a church from being strong.

Bobby Stafford


You Can Be Sure Part 2  (About the church)   (Click title to open the full lesson)

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Recognizing the Church

What is the New Testament church?

How did the New Testament church Worship?

The new testament church met on the first day of every week

The new testament Christians prayed to God in their assemblies

The new testament Christians sang praises to God in their assemblies

The new testament Christians partook of the Lord's supper every first day of the week

The new testament Church had preaching in their assemblies

The new testament Christians gave of their means on the first day of every week

In conclusion, let's look at a verse we read earlier and let's make an application to it. 

1 Thessalonians 2:14, "For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus."  We can do the same thing and be sure that we are right with God.  That's how they did it in Thessalonica and we can do it today.  If we study the new testament church and believe what it believed, teach what it taught, practice what it practiced and be what it was, then we can be sure that we are part of the one body of Christ.  The one church that Jesus established, bled for, died for, rules and saves. 

We can be sure.  We must be sure.  And the Bible tells us exactly how to do it. 

David Hersey


The New Testament Church   (Click title to open the full lesson)

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Jesus, while on His missionary journey, asked His disciples a question as recorded in Matthew 16:13, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?”  Several of the disciples present answered that question.  And then Jesus asked them a different question in verse 15, “But whom say ye that I am?”  Simon Peter spoke up and told Jesus exactly who he thought Him to be.  His answer is recorded in verse 16, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”   In the original language, The term “Christ” comes from the Greek word, “Christos” which means ‘anointed one’.  It has a Hebrew equivalent which is ‘mashiyach’, which in our language has come to mean ‘Messiah’.  So Peter’s answer to Jesus’s question was, “you are the anointed one, the Son of the living God”   

Jesus responded to that declaration with approval and in so doing, made a very important statement which is of great significance to us today.  His response is recorded, starting in Matthew 16:17-18, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it…”

The church, or Ekklesia, that Jesus promised to build in the first century was made up of Christians and learners.

The new testament church Jesus built was a spiritual house and a holy priesthood.

The new testament church Jesus built was a chosen generation

The new testament church is the body of Christ

The new testament church is the kingdom of Heaven

The new testament church was expensive

How Can We Be Sure We are in the New Testament Church?

1 Thessalonians 2:13-14
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus
NKJV

The Thessalonian Christians became imitators of the churches of God in Judaea and they were saved.  It worked for them in the first century, why wouldn't it work for us today?   If we want to make absolutely sure we are in the new testament church that Jesus suffered for, bled for, died for and purchased with His blood, then we can do the same thing.  If we will do what they did, we will be what they were.  

Christians only and only Christians.  in the body of Christ, the kingdom of God, the church of Christ.

David Hersey


Why Am I A Member of the church of Christ?

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When we look out across the religious landscape, it is easy to see that there are a lot of choices one can make as to a religious preference.  There are many many churches who claim Jesus Christ as their saviour but there was only one in new testament times that Jesus built and endorsed.  When we look into scripture it is easy to see that there is only one body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4) and that this one body of Christ is the church (Colossians 1:18; 24, Ephesians 1:22-23.  Jesus promised to build only one church in Matthew 16:18.  Jesus only died for one church (Ephesians 5:25).  Jesus only shed His blood for one church (Acts 20:28).  Jesus is the head over only one church (Colossians 1:18). 

David Hersey


The Ark and the Church

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God, in His infinite wisdom, left information in the Old Testament which helps us gain a deeper understanding of the teachings in the New Testament that pertain to us.  One method He chose was the use of types and antitypes.  The Word of God reveals that there were people and things in the Old Testament that symbolized people and things in the New Testament.  The types were in the Old Testament and the antitypes in the New Testament.  For example, Adam was a type and Christ the antitype.  (Romans 6:14)  There were similarities.  Our text today, I Peter 3:20-21, says the water of the flood was the type and baptism is the antitype.  We will also see from this passage that the ark was a type and the church is the antitype.

Text:  I Peter 3:18-21

Bobby Stafford


 
 
 

Speaker

Sermon/Lesson Title

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Bobby Stafford The History of the Church Pt 1 Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\Image2.gif  Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\youtube.gif
Bobby Stafford The History of the Church Pt 2 Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\Image2.gif  Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\youtube.gif
Bobby Stafford The History of the Church Pt 3 Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\Image2.gif  Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\youtube.gif
Bobby Stafford The History of the Church Pt 4 Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\Image2.gif  Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\youtube.gif
Bobby Stafford The History of the Church Pt 5 Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\Image2.gif  Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\youtube.gif
Bobby Stafford The History of the Church Pt 6 Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\Image2.gif  Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\youtube.gif
Bobby Stafford The History of the Church Pt 7 Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\Image2.gif  Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\youtube.gif
Bobby Stafford The History of the Church Pt 8 Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\Image2.gif  Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\youtube.gif
Bobby Stafford The History of the Church Pt 9 Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\Image2.gif  Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\youtube.gif
Bobby Stafford The History of the Church Pt 10 Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\Image2.gif  Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\youtube.gif
David Hersey You Can Be Sure Part 1  (About Faith)       
David Hersey Choosing A Church     (Download Audio)  
David Hersey Remaining Faithful     (Download Audio)     
Bobby Stafford A Healthy Church    (Download Audio)  
Bobby Stafford Why is the church of Christ Different?  
Bobby Stafford The Unique Church
Bobby Stafford Renewing Respect For the Lord's Church
David Hersey Love The Church  
Bobby Stafford How Can We Know Which church is the church of Christ?
Bobby Stafford Acts 17 and the Word of God
Bobby Stafford What Church is It?
Bobby Stafford What is the Church of Christ? Lesson 1
Bobby Stafford What is the Church of Christ? Lesson 2

David Hersey

The Value of the Church

David Hersey

Just Another Denomination?

David Hersey

Why the church of Christ

David Hersey

How Do I Know?

Pat Cowden The Heart of a Great Congregation
Don Cope Pentecost Sunday and the Church
Bobby Stafford One True Church
Bobby Stafford Growing a Healthy Congregation
Bobby Stafford Church Growth 1
Bobby Stafford Church Growth 2
Bobby Stafford The Plea of the Church
Robert Moss The Success of the Church

 

 More Sermons & Studies


 

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

What Does the church of Christ Teach?

The church of Christ on Social Media

 

The Sermons, Bulletin Articles and Bible Studies published in this website are from sound members of the church of Christ and are free to everyone.  We feel the price was paid when Jesus died on the cross.   Please feel free to use any of the content found within this website for the spreading of the Gospel to all. 


Matt 11:28-29
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

The church of Christ in Granby Missouri

516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109