I. Introduction
I Cor. 3:11, Eph. 2:20, 5:23 The goal of Samuel Stone (Lyricist
1839-1900) was to make the local church what it was meant to be-a
spiritual hospital for hurting humanity, never an exclusive club
for self righteous Christians. We are called out from the world
by God for Himself. The Church consists of people who meet regularly
for worship, inspiration, instruction and fellowship.
II. Verse 1-Read
A. "The Church's one foundation...........Lord." I Cor. 3:11-14, Eph. 2:18-22. When Christ is the foundation of the church-we become fellow citizens, we grow unto a holy temple in the Lord, a habitation of God through the spirit, and we receive a reward for our work.
B. "She is His new............word." Eph. 5:25-27.
The purpose of the water and the word is to sanctify and cleanse.
Baptism (in water) washes away sin through the Blood of Christ.
The Word shows God's way as opposed to unrighteousness.
C. "From Heav'n..........holy bride." John 3:13, 28-29 The Church was purposed to be his bride from the beginning. It is the instrument through which we worship him, encourage each other, help each other. And most importantly we show our love for Christ by our love for the brethren.
D. "with His own blood........died." Acts 20:28,
Rev. 5:9-10, Col.1:18-20
III. Verse 2-Read
A. "Elect..........birth." II Tim. 2:9-13, Acts 10:35, Eph. 4:4-5 All are able to become one in Christ. But the important thing to remember is that this true unity can only come through the following of one standard of authority-His Word!
B. "One holy name she blesses.........word." Acts 10:46-48, Matt. 21:9, See Eph. 5:25-27 again.
C. "And to one hope.....endued." I Cor. 15:19-26,
Col. 1:4-5, 23-24, II Thess. 5:8- 10.
IV. Verse 3-Read
A. "Tho' with.......distressed." Gal. 1:8, Acts 20:29-30, Rom. 16:16. II Thess. 2:14.
B. "Yet saints.........song." Rev. 6:10, Mark 9:19,
Psalms 30:5, 59:16.
V. Is the church as we see it in the New Testament, the
church that we should be today, and are the instructions to that
church, those that we should embrace today? Christ died with an
eternal purpose in his mind and in the mind of God.
A.Gen. 12:3, Eph. 3:9-12. Christ's plan for the church was not a stop gap measure. It has had and continues to be part of the eternal purpose for us.
B. Christ is our eternal High Priest and King. Acts 2:30, I Cor. 15:24-25, Heb. 6:20, 8:1-13. He is our mediator, High priest, and King forever. His church (which is his bride) is also forever. The blessing that come to us in being a part of his church are part of the eternal covenant that God has made. Heb.8:6. Christ made one sacrifice for all. To say that the church that he established is not to be the church of today is to cheapen the all-encompassing sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice is from the time that he made it until his enemies become his footstool. I Peter 1:23 tells us that the word of God abides forever. Jesus is the word -his redemption of us abides forever. We aare added to the church when we obey. If our goal in life is to obey Christ then we are automatically added to his church-which he left instructions for through his words and the words of his Apostles!
C. Jesus redeemed us once and for all. John 1:17, Eph. 1:1-14, 2:7. the riches that WE (ages to come) receive are through Jesus Christ. Again, the church is his plan for all. Who are we to try to change his plan?
D. Is Christ married to more than one Bride? To say that membership in Christ's church is for some but not for others, is to cheapen his sacrifice, contradict the idea that he is our mediator , High Priest and King forever, and to make him an adulterer!!!