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How are the Universal and Local Church Related?

How are the Universal and Local Church Related?. The New Testament Church (6). The difference between the Universal and Local Church Why is this important?. There is misunderstanding of the distinction in the religious world (e.g. denominations parts of the body)

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How are the Universal and Local Church Related?

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  1. How are the Universal and Local Church Related? The New Testament Church (6)

  2. The difference between the Universal and Local ChurchWhy is this important? • There is misunderstanding of the distinction in the religious world(e.g. denominations parts of the body) • Even some brethren misunderstand this (e.g. body is made of congregations) • Terminology sometimes betrays our misunderstanding (e.g. you don’t join the church…)

  3. How are the Universal and Local Churches related? • The Universal church is a relationship – fellowship with God. If you are saved, you are part of this. • A local church ought to be related in that it seeks to accept into membership those in the Universal church

  4. How are the Universal and Local Churches related? • Both have in common • Christ is the head – Ephesians 1:22-23 • Both glorify Him – Ephesians 3:21 • Both are designed by Him – Ephesians 3:10-11 • Both are based upon fellowship with Him • Both are governed by the same standard – God’s word!

  5. How are the Universal and Local Churches related? • Both have in common: • Each local church exists as if it were the only one on earth. We are independent and autonomous.We answer directly to our Lord based upon His word!

  6. How are the Universal and Local Church different? Its Beginning • Universal ChurchAD 33Pentecost in JerusalemActs 2 • Local ChurchHas its beginning whenever a group of saints join together to do the work of a local church

  7. How are the Universal and Local Church different? Number – How many? • Universal ChurchThere is only oneEphesians 1:22-23, 4:4Matthew 16:18 • Local ChurchThere are many1 Cor. 1:2Romans 16:16Galatians 1:2Rev. 1:4

  8. How are the Universal and Local Church different? Membership – who is in it? • Universal ChurchAll who are saved – in heaven and on earth • No mistakes in it • Local ChurchA group in a given locationOnly the living Phil. 1:1, 1 Cor. 1:2 • As humans we may admit those who should not belong

  9. How are the Universal and Local Church different? Membership – who is in it? NOTE: In the Bible, this is NOT the norm. All examples would be temporary circumstances! • Universal ChurchAdded by the LordActs 2:41, 47 • If saved, you are part of it! • Local ChurchWe join it Acts 9:26 • You can be saved and not a part of it – i.e. 3 John 9-11, Acts 8:4, 37-39, 9:26, etc.

  10. How are the Universal and Local Church different? Membership – Removal? • Universal ChurchThe Lord adds and removes according to His will • He NEVER makes mistakes! • Local ChurchWhen one passes, he no longer a member • We can err – by not removing when we should 1 Cor. 5, Rev. 2By removing who we should not – 3 John 9-11

  11. How are the Universal and Local Church different? Membership – Removal? • Universal ChurchThe Lord adds and removes according to His will • He NEVER makes mistakes! • Local ChurchWe must practice discipline – 1 Cor. 5:1-7, 2 Thess. 3:6, 14-15Romans 16:17Matthew 18:15-17

  12. How are the Universal and Local Church different? Organization • Universal Churchno earthly organization • Spiritual – John 18:36 • Christ our head – Ephesians 1:22-23 • Local Churchlocal organization – elders, deacons, saint – Philippians 1:1, Acts 20:28, 14:23 • Christ is our head

  13. How are the Universal and Local Church different? Organization • Universal ChurchSaints on earth do live to glorify her – Ephesians 5:3, 1 Peter 4:11 • Local ChurchLocation (Acts 20:7) • Work to do • Treasury –1 Corinthians 16:1-2

  14. How are the Universal and Local Church different? Its Purity Sometimes we become impure and in danger. We must repent and return!Cf. Rev. 2:5 • Universal Churchonly the pure within itRevelation 21:27Hebrews 12:14Ephesians 5:25-27 • Local Churchcommissioned to be pure! 1 Corinthians 5:4-6, Revelations 2:14-16, 2:20-21Eph. 5:25-27

  15. How are the Universal and Local Church different? Its Duration • Universal Churchhas continued since Pentecost, AD 33Romans 8:38-39Matthew 16:18Hebrews 12:28 • Local Churchthey come and go. Sadly, some die too soon, or fall away Revelation 2:51 Corinthians 1:10, 3:3-4

  16. Understanding what the church is affects our work and worship.

  17. Are you part of the church we read of in the Bible – both universally and locally?

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