1. In this verse: a. Jesus identified Himself as the builder of His church b. indicated that "the gates of Hades" would not prevent His church from being built. 2. We conclude from the Lord's statement that He considered the building of His church to be extremely important. 3. He wants us to feel the same way about the building of His church. 4. In our lesson we are covering passages that teach us "how Jesus built His church." 5. Keep in mind that the church is God's house (1 Timothy 3:15). Discussion: I. THE LORD'S CHURCH HAS A CORNER STONE
A. Peter identified Jesus as the corner stone (Acts 4:8-12). B. Jesus is also the head of His church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23; Colossians 1:18). C. We must submit to His will (Colossians 3:17). II. THE LORD'S CHURCH HAS A FOUNDATION
A. The foundation includes: 1. Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11) 2. the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:19-22). B. Jesus showed how important the right foundation is in Matthew 7:24-27. III. THE LORD'S CHURCH HAS A DOOR
A. Jesus is the door (John 10:9). B. He knocks, and He wants to come in (Revelation 3:20). IV. THE LORD'S CHURCH HAS KEYS
A. Jesus gave the keys of the kingdom to Peter (Matthew 16:19). B. Peter revealed the keys for entering the church in Acts 2:38.
V. THE LORD'S CHURCH IS COMPOSED OF A VARIETY OF MEMBERS
A. Christians are members of the Lord's church (Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 2:5). B. All members are important (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 18). VI. THE LORD'S CHURCH HAS SOMETHING SPECIAL THAT BINDS ITS MEMBERS TOGETHER -- "LOVE"
A. The hearts of Christians are to be "knit together in love" (Colossians 2:2). B. (Colossians 3:14) Christians are to put on love "which is the bond of perfectness." Conclusion:
1. Jesus built His church just as He said He would. 2. The passages we studied explain how the Lord built His church. 3. Let us apply the principles we covered as we endeavor to restore the church of the New Testament.
