But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
Matthew 7:16 ESV
You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
2.The Church - Local and Universal
1 Corinthians 16:19 ESV
The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.
Acts 9:31 ESV
So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.
1 Corinthians 12:28 ESV
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
3.The Church – Militant and Triumphant
2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
Ephesians 6:12 ESV
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Matthew 16:18 ESV
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
4.The Attributesof the Church
a.First, the Church is One
Ephesians 4:4 ESV
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—
John 17:23 ESV
I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Ephesians 4:3 ESV
eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
b.Second, the Church is Holy
c.Third, the Church is Catholic
d.Fourth, the Church is Apostolic
Ephesians 2:20 ESV
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
