The Institutions of God(5) A Glorious Church I. Introduction. A. Over the centuries, men have founded and supported some fine institutions. 1. Such serve the needs of men--but often outlive their worth. 2. The relics of such efforts are buried in the sands of time. B. Whatever man founds/builds--must eventually be improved or updated.(y2k problem) 1. It becomes apparent that it does not fully satisfy the needs of humanity. 2. Hence: changes are inevitable. 3. Since men must improve their creations, they often take liberty with God's institutions and try to change them. C. The institutions of men often receive much praise from humans. 1. They will sacrifice in order to promote such--some may even die. 2. Such was built by men for man and are subject to failure. 3. The real needs of mankind cannot be met in human institutions and organizations. D. Only Jehovah can build anything that lasts: Psalm 127:1. 1. The Lord build it; the Lord can destroy it. 2. The earth and the Law of Moses prove this point. 3. All things exist by the grace of God. 4. The Lord can bring into existence creations that will last(Hell). II. Body. A. The Lord brought into existence: Ephesians 5:27. 1. The price? The death of His Son: Ephesians 5:25-26. 2. A perfect(complete) institution. 3. Meets the spiritual needs of mankind. 4. Designed and perfected by holy hands, 5. The church stands today as a marvelous manifestation of the power and might of God himself.(Discuss seed) 6. So created that she meets the spiritual needs of any race in any time. 7. No man has any right to change or alter anything about this divine institution. 8. When men put their hands on the Lord's church and change her to fit their ideas: it becomes unholy. B. The glorious church had a divine mission(assignment): Ephesians 4:11-12. 1. Restrictive in nature. a. Not like the world's idea. b. Most religious groups seek to please their own minds--not the mind of Christ. c. The social pursuits, the humanitarianism, etc. of modern churches demonstrate this ignoring of Christ's law. 2. The church of Christ was to be "built up." a. She was to see to the preaching of the gospel to aliens. b. The book of Acts is filled with examples of this work. c. Unless she sees that preaching and teaching follows the truth, she cannot grow in a scriptural manner. 3. The church of Christ was to see to the spiritual advancement of Christians(edification): "perfecting of the saints." a. Once converted: growth must take place. b. Teachers, preachers, elders, and all other disciples, were to see this accomplished. c. It takes far more teaching to keep a Christian than to make one. 4. The church of Christ was to relieve the needs of qualified needy: "work of ministering." a. The early church did such--even selling their possessions to accomplish: Acts 2:45. b. However--she was not a general relief society. c. There are responsibilities for individuals; there are obligations of churches: I Timothy 5:16. C. The glorious church has a divine organization. 1. Christ is her head: Colossians 1:18. a. The universal church is not activated in the work of the church. b. This speaks to the relationship of the saved body to Christ. 2. Each congregation is autonomous: a. Self-governing; no hierarchy; no organizations beyond the local church, etc. b. Elders to oversee, deacons to serve, members all-- c. Wisdom of this organizational structure. D. The glorious church has a divine worship. 1. Christ, as head, prescribed the contents/actions of worship. 2. Described: Acts 2:42. a. Studied, prayed, partook of Lord's Supper-- enjoyed the "fellowship" and were steadfast. b. The early church: Acts 20:7. c. The saints gathered and: I Corinthians 16:2. 3. How simple; how profound; how different--because it was commanded by God! E. The glorious church has a divine destiny: Ephesians 5:23. 1. Those who are faithful in His church will enjoy the blessings heaven. 2. Note: I Peter 1:4. 3. There is no promise for salvation outside of the body. 4. God planned her, sent His Son to die for her--why would she be essential to salvation? III. Conclusion. A. The glorious church is the body of Christ--He is the savior of that body. B. One can be saved only by being a part of this divine institution. C. The same commands followed to make one a Christian adds one to the church of Christ.-jy