02-21-2021 – Live Stream – The Uniqueness of the Church (sermon)

In Live Streams, Sermons by Aaron Cozort

Automated Transcript:

<inaudible><inaudible> Appreciate everyone’s patience. We are running a few minutes behind, but that’s all right. So we are going to be doing a review where we’re in between sections. We’re about to, as we’ve been studying the life of Christ, we’re about to move from that to the early church in the book of acts. So our review we’ll cover some of the classes,

some of the lessons that we went through in the life of Jesus, but then also the first few chapters of the book of acts, part of what we were getting this, where those at home could be able to see the questions on the video. So we’ve got those, we’ll go through as many as we, as we get through and hopefully everything will,

will work. You know, sometimes it does sometimes it doesn’t, but let’s begin with a word of prayer, our gracious father in heaven, we bow before you grateful for the day that you’ve given to us grateful for this life that we have and the opportunities we have in it. Most especially grateful for the opportunity to worship you, to praise your name,

to glorify you and all that you have created to recognize your majesty and your power in the very existence that we have and the life that we have, but also in the things that you have created us to be able to do. We pray for our nation and for its leaders, that they make choices that will lead our country on pals of righteousness that will provoke and promote that,

which is good and brings unity. As long as that unity is based in righteousness, we pray that we might make choices in our own lives that will promote righteousness and unity and faith and love in our own homes and in our own communities. And among those who we come in contact every day, we pray for missionaries and nations around the world that they be able to spread the gospel,

that they have opened doors of opportunity to teach the truth and to bring law souls to you. We pray that you will forgive us when we sin and fall short of your glory. All this, we pray in Jesus name. Amen. So we’re going to begin in John chapter 11 with lesson 86, John chapter 11, we’ll read the passage and then we’ll ask and answer the question.

John chapter 11, verse 57. Now both the chief priests and Pharisees had come had given a command that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it, that they might seize him at the Passover before Jesus, his death. What was the order given by the chief priests and Pharisees in Jerusalem? And I’m going to allow the folks who, who are in the room.

If they want to answer to answer what was the order that was given. All right. They were too. If anyone knew where he was, they should report it. Okay. Chapter 12, verse one, then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he had raised from the dead.

Where did Jesus go? Six days before the last Passover Bethany. Okay. Chapter 12 verses two through four and verse nine of John there. They made him a supper and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spike, Nard, anointed, the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair.

And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil, but one of his disciples, Judas, Iscariot Simon’s son who would betray him said, and then let’s go down to verse nine. Now a great many of the Jews knew that he was there and they came not only for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead in Bethany before the last Passover with whom did Jesus eat supper who was present?

Lazarus? Who else? Martha, Mary Judas, the disciples, and one other person, Simon, Who as we’ve discussed, I believe to be Judas as father. Okay. John chapter 12, verse three. I’m going to kind of reverse this. I’m going to read. I’m going to give the reference, read the questions, then read the passage.

What special treatment did Mary show Jesus at the supper in Bethany before the last Passover, then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spike, Nard, anointed, the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of oil. So what did Mary do to Jesus? All right, knowing it, his feet with oil and a wipe them with her hair.

What was Jesus’s response verses seven and eight, but Jesus said, let her alone, she has kept this for the day of my burial for the poor you have with you always, but me. You do not have always, why did, why did she do this? According to verse seven in preparation for what? Alright. For his preparation, for his burial,

and then who was opposed to Mary using the costly ointment to anoint Jesus’s feet Judas was why was he opposed to it? We, we actually, we didn’t read that yet. That’s verse six. Then he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and had the money box and he used to take what was put in it.

So why did Judas object to this? Okay. If the money had been given to the disciples to Jesus or to, to, to them to give to the poor, then it would have gone in his money box. And he was a fif what was Jesus’ response to Judas. All right. So we’re going to correct that. We’re going to get,

we’re going to get on it. As soon as we get done with this question, we’re going to get on a lesson that matches the slides. I pulled number 89 out and it was supposed to be 86. So what was Jesus’ response to leave her alone? All right. That she, that the poor they have with them always, but Christ. They don’t always have with them.

Okay. So we’re going to skip to lesson. Oh, no minor out of order. Now tell you what we’re going to do this skip to less than 92. Do you see 92 in my list? 92, Mark chapter 12, verse 41 through 44. And John chapter 12 verses 20 through 50. And to Eric Halvorson. Thank you for texting me and letting me know that we weren’t on the same thing since I couldn’t see it since it was behind me.

I had no idea. Mark. Chapter 12, verses 41 through 44 as Terry, I saw you looking up there and you were rating it. How? Like, I don’t know why he’s confused by this. He’s got the page right in front of him. He’s got it up on the screen. Now. I know I was confused. You know,

sometimes, like I said, Sometimes, yeah, You think, you know what you did and you don’t always know what you did, Mark. Chapter 12, verse 41, question one. From what location in the temple did Jesus watch the people giving their money? Okay. Chapter 12, verse 41 says now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury.

And many who were rich put in much. So where was Jesus? Okay. Opposite the treasury. Okay. So he’s, he’s opposite of watching all of this take place. Verse 42. How much money did the poor widow give verse 42 says then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrant. How much money did she give to Mike?

Some translations say to pennies, Mark chapter 12 verses 43 and 44. Why did Jesus say the poor widow had given more than the rich people? Notice what we read? Verse 43. So he called his disciples to himself and said to them, assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury for,

they all put in out of their abundance. But she out of her poverty put in all that. She had her whole livelihood. So why did Jesus say this woman gave more than everyone else? Because she gave everything she had. Okay. So we’re going to skip over to John chapter 12. Again, John chapter 12, verse 24, Verse 24,

question four. How did Jesus compare a grain of wheat to his own death? Verse 24. I’m going to read verse 23 as well. Jesus answered them saying the hour has come. That the son of man should be glorified. Most assuredly. I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies. It remains alone. But if it dies,

it produces much grain. Why or how did Jesus compare a grain of wheat to his own death? Okay. When you plant a seed, the seed has to die for the plant to grow. And so Jesus is saying that by going to his death, he going to produce the fruit of the very reason why he came here to begin with he was going to accomplish his goal.

Chapter 12, verse 37. Why had Jesus performed so many signs for the People? Verse 37 says, but although he had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in him. So why is it? Jesus had performed the song Signs that they might believe. Okay. Chapter 12, verse 42. Why did many of the rulers who believed in Jesus not confess him?

Verse 42 says nevertheless, even among the rulers, many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess him less. They should be put out of the synagogue. So why did many of the rulers who believed in Jesus not confess him. Okay. For fear, The Jewish leadership that they might be put out of the synagogue, by what individuals,

excuse me, by what will individuals be judged on the last day, verse 48. He who rejects me and does not receive my words has that, which judges him. The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. So by what will individuals be judged on the last day? The word of God, the word of Christ. Okay.

So now we’re actually going to transition over into the book of acts. So Michael, if you will pull up number Less than 112, Less than 112 acts chapter one verses one through eight and verses 13 through 26. So as I mentioned where we’re headed back into the book of acts in our normal studies. And so starting on Wednesday will be, I believe in acts chapter nine.

So the next few review lessons that we go through in the remainder of the time that we have will come from the book of acts, starting in chapter one, going through chapter eight, chapter one, verse three of the book of acts, how did Jesus, excuse me? How had Jesus proved to the apostles that he was alive? Chapter one, verse three.

He says to whom he also presented himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs being seen by them during 40 days. And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. So how did Jesus to the apostles that he was alive? He showed himself to them. He was present with them chapter one, verse three, again, over how many days did Jesus appear to the apostles between his resurrection and Ascension 40 Chapter one verse eight before Jesus ascended to the father.

He promised the apostles that the Holy spirit would give them blank. And then also, where were the apostles to be witnesses? Verse eight says, but you shall receive power when the Holy spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. So what is it? Jesus promised they would receive the Holy spirit also power.

Okay. And they would be witnesses in what locations. Alright. Jerusalem, Judea Samaria. And to the end of the earth verses 13 through 15 of acts, chapter one name the 11 apostles gathered in the upper room after Jesus’ Ascension. And when they had entered verse 13, they went up into the upper room where they were staying Peter James, John, and Andrew Philip and Thomas Bartholomew and Matthew James,

the son of Alpheus Simon, the zealot and Judas, the son of James. So the names of the apostles, we’ll just go through this for the sake of time are Peter James, John, Andrew Philip and Thomas Bartholomew and Matthew James, the son of Alpheus Simon, the zealot and Judas, the son of James. This is the other Judas, not Judas Iscariot.

Okay. Which of the apostles repeated the old Testament? Prophecy that another would take Judases place, acts chapter one, verse 20, which of the apostles repeated the old Testament? Prophecy that another would take Judases place. Verse 20 says for it is written in the book of Psalms, let his dwelling place be desolate and let no one live in it. And let another take his office.

Who was speaking at the time. According to verse 15, Peter was okay verses 21 through 26 of acts, chapter one verses 21 through 26. What were the qualifications given for the person who was to take Judases place? Verse 21 says therefore of these men who have accompanied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us beginning from the baptism of John to the day that he was taken up from us.

One of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection. And they proposed two Joseph called Barsabbas, whose name was justice and Mathias. And they prayed and said, you will Lord who know the hearts of all show, which of these two, you have chosen to take part in this ministry. And apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

And they cast their lots and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the 11 apostles. All right. What were the qualifications given for the person who would take Judases place? He had to have been present with the Lord, from what point? To what point? All right. From his baptism to his, to his Ascension and had to be a witness of the resurrection,

but then also what was the method used to choose the man to take Judases place? They cast lots. And what was the name of the chosen man Mathias? All right. Acts chapter two, acts chapter two beginning in verses one through four. I’m going to read all three of these questions all at one time. And then we’ll read the verses. When did the Holy spirit,

which Jesus had promised to the apostles come in, what visible form did the Holy spirit appear? And what were the audible results of the appearance of the Holy spirit? Chapter two verses one through four. When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing,

mighty wind. And it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them, divided tongues as a fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy spirit and began to speak with other tongues. As the spirit gave them utterance. When did the Holy spirit, which Jesus had promised to the apostles come on the day of Pentecost and what visible form did the Holy spirit appear?

All right, like cloven tongues of fire on their head. What were the audible result of the appearance of the Holy spirit sound of a re mushing? Righty. Let me try that again. The sound of a rushing mighty wind. And what else? What did they speak? All right. They spoke each in a or a, they spoke with other tongues,

other languages, chapter two, verses five through 11. What nations of people were gathered at Jerusalem on Pentecost. We’re just going to read these and leave it at that beginning in verse nine, we read Parthians and Medes. Elamites those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Kapha, dosha punches, and Asia Phrygia and Pamphylia Egypt, and the parts of Libya adjoining siren visitors from Rome,

both Jews and proselytes Christians and Arabs. We hear them speaking in our own tongues. The wonderful works of God speaking, many other languages. Why could the people understand the apostles there? According to verse 11? All right. They heard, if you go through and count, there’s more locations than there are even apostles. And so the apostle spoke, but they heard each one in their own tongue acts chapter two verses 13 through 15 acts,

chapter two verses 13 through 15, yes or no on Pentecost were the men who spoke in the many languages drunk as accused verse 13. Others mocking said these are full of new wine. But Peter standing up with the 11, raised his voice and said to them, men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you. And he,

my words for these are not drunk as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. So yes or no. Were the men who spoke in many languages drunk as accused? No. All right. Acts chapter two, verse 23, acts chapter two, verse 23 in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, who did Peter say,

put Jesus to death? Verse 23 says him. That is Christ being delivered by the determined purpose. And for knowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified and put to death. So in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, who did Peter say, put Jesus to death, the Jews at those who were standing there right then,

okay. Did Jesus’ body decay after death acts chapter two, verse 31. He foreseeing this beacon concerning David spoke concerning the resurrection of Christ that his soul was not left in Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. Did Jesus’s body decay after death? No. Where did Peter say Jesus is now verse 33, therefore being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the father,

the promise of the Holy spirit. He poured out this, which you now see and hear. So where did Peter say Jesus is now at the right hand of God, acts chapter two, verse 37 and 38 and 41. We’re going to read all the questions and then go through and answer. Describe Peter’s replying to the people on the day of Pentecost.

When they asked what they should do to get forgiveness of sins. At what point did the people on the day of Pentecost received the gift of the Holy spirit and how many obeyed that day let’s go to verse 37 of acts chapter two. Now, when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles,

men and brethren, what shall we do then Peter said to them, repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Holy spirit for the promise is to you and to your children. And to all who are afar off. As many as the Lord, our God will call.

And with many other words, he testified and exhorted them saying, be saved from this perverse generation. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. And that day about 3000 souls were added to them. So describe Peter’s reply to the people on the day of Pentecost, when they asked what they should do to get forgiveness of sins, all right, repent,

and be baptized for the remission of sins. At what point did the people on the day of Pentecost received the gift of the Holy spirit After they did what? All right after they were baptized after they obeyed what Peter said, how many obeyed that day? About 3000 souls. All right. Acts chapter two, verse 47. Last question. In this lesson who added others to the original group of obedient persons,

we read verse 47, praising God and having with all the people and the Lord added to the church daily, those who were being saved, who added others to the original group of obedient persons. The Lord did all right. Lesson one 14, acts chapter three, question one from acts chapter three, verse two. How long had the beggar at the beautiful gate been crippled?

We read in acts chapter three, verse two, and a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple, which is called beautiful to ask owns from those who entered the temple. How long had the beggar at the beautiful gate? Ben crippled his entire life from his mother’s womb acts chapter three, verses six through eight.

What did Peter give the crippled beggar at the beautiful gate verses six through eight says, then Peter said silver and gold. I do not have, but what I do have, I give you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

So he leaping up stood and walked and entered the temple with them walking leaping and praising OD what did Peter give the crippled beggar at the beautiful gate? All right. The ability to walk acts chapter three, there that’s a typo. There acts chapter three, verse 12 and verse 16, which of the following did Peter say healed the cripple by the beautiful gate,

a Peter’s power B Peter’s godliness. See a medical doctor or D faith in Jesus, faith in Jesus. I’m going to go with that. I don’t even think we even have to read that passage. All right. According to Peter, question four, where, or excuse me, were the Jews responsible for Jesus’ death? Let’s go to verse 13 of acts,

chapter three, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers glorified his servant, Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of pilot when he was determined to let him go. But you denied the Holy one and the just and asked for a murderer to be granted to you and killed the Prince of life whom gone,

raised from the dead of which we are witnesses. According to Peter we’re Jews responsible for Jesus’ death. Yes. All right. Acts chapter three, verse 17. Did Peter say that the Jews were knowledgeable or ignorant of their violent sentence of death on God’s son? Verse 17 says yet. Now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance as did also your rulers.

Did Peter say that the Jews were knowledgeable or ignorant of their violent sentence of death on God’s son, Ignorant Acts chapter three verses 18 through 19, according to Peter, why did God allow Jesus to suffer and die? And how did Peter challenge the listeners verse 18? But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all his prophets, that the Christ would suffer.

He has thus fulfilled, repent, therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out. So that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. So according to Peter, why did God allow Jesus to suffer Die? Okay. Right. It was told by the profits and fulfilled by Christ. How did Peter challenge the list? All right,

Right. And he challenged them to repent and be converted. Chapter three, verse 24 through the descendant of what man did God say, all nations of the earth would be blessed. Verse 24 says yes. And all the profits from Samuel and those who follow as many of us have spoken, have also foretold. These days, you are sons of the prophets of the,

and of the covenant, which God made with our fathers saying to Abraham in your seed, all the families of the earth shall be blessed through the descendant of what man did God say, all nations of the earth would be blessed. Abraham. That should be Verse 25 in that reference, not verse 24. All right. Acts chapter four, Few minutes,

Flipped acts chapter four, beginning in verse one going through verse two. Why did the Jewish leaders have Peter and John put in prison verse one. Now, as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captains of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in, preached in Jesus, the resurrection from the dead.

Why did the Jewish leaders have Peter and John put in prison? Okay. Right. Because they were preaching of Jesus’ resurrection verse 14 of acts chapter did the Jewish leaders believe that the crippled man had been healed verse 14 and seeing the man who had been healed, standing with them, they could not, or they could say nothing against it. Did they believe that he had been healed?

Yes. That’s why they couldn’t argue with it. Chapter four, verse seven and verse 10. By what power did be, did Peter tell the Jewish leaders that the crippled man had been healed? Verse seven says, and when they sent or when they set them in the midst, they asked by what power or by what name have you done this verse 10 says,

let it be known to you all. And to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus, Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead by him, this man stands here before you whole his name did Peter say, or I’m reading the wrong question. By what power did Peter tell the Jewish leaders that the crippled man had been healed?

Jesus Christ of Nazareth. All right. Verse 12. In whose name did Peter say that salvation is found? Verse 12 says now, is there salvation in any other for, there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved in whose name did Peter say that salvation is found? Oh, Jesus. In the name of Jesus.

Okay. After let’s acts chapter four verses 19 through 20, after the Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John, not to talk about Jesus and immor Peter and John, a stopped preaching in public B said that they had to obey God rather than men or C lost their temper and screamed at the Sanhedrin. The, they said they had to obey God rather than men.

All right. The crippled man, chapter four, verse 22, the crippled man by the beautiful gate whom Peter healed was over blank years old verse 22 for the man was over 40 years old on whom the miracle of healing had been performed. He was over Age 40. All right, Acts chapter four, verses 32 through 35. How did the followers of Jesus help those among their group?

Her who were poor in physical necessities, chapter four, verses 32 through 35. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul, neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common and great power. The apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord. Jesus and great grace was upon them all,

nor was there any one among them who lacked for all who were possessors of land or houses sold them and brought the throw seeds of the things that were sold and laid them at the Apostle’s feet. And they distributed to each as anyone had need. And that’s the end of the passage. How did the followers of Jesus help those among their group who were poor in physical necessity?

All right. They gave of what they have. They sold their, of their property and their houses and gave it to those who were in need. Okay. For the sake of time, we are going to end there, there are handouts available for those who might like to come by and pick them up just by way of review to go through the remaining chapters,

we will pick up with acts chapter nine on Wednesday night. Thank you for your attention. And we’ll be back to start worship services in a few weeks.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> good morning. Appreciate everyone who is here in person. There are a few of us and we appreciate everyone’s presence. We also appreciate everyone who is joining us remotely. Few announcements as we get started.

Remember our sick ed Richardson specifically also remember Barbara Dillard, Joan Springer, Donnie Flanagan, and Rodel Wilson, and update on Dorothy. She is back at home, recovering from a heart attack and a stint surgery. She is week from surgery. So definitely keep Dorothy in your prayers. Janie Marlin, her doctor canceled her appointment this week. So she will try and see a doctor this week for her aphid issues.

Potter’s children’s home will be here Thursday morning to pick up our collection of commodities. If you have coined cans, please bring those Wednesday night and have those here before Thursday. And also if you have any additional commodities, make sure those are here before Thursday. One last announcement Michael’s dad. James Dale will be speaking on the saved are in the church Tuesday night on the nationwide gospel call.

So a good opportunity to get a chance to hear him unless you’re planning on making any trips to Arizona anytime soon, it might be your only opportunity to hear Michael’s dad. So tune into that call into that Tuesday night at nine o’clock. If there are not any other announcements, Michael will lead us in our opening prayer. At the appropriate time, Noah will lead our singing and have our closing prayer.

And then Michael will also take care of the Lord’s supper. And I will present the sermon, I suppose. All right. No. All right. Good morning. Number 634, six three four. For you’re going to be using a song book. We’ll work till Jesus comes, sing the first and last verses of six, three, four. All right,

let us sing. Oh, land<inaudible>. When will the mom, man, When I found lame, I armor by and well and he side, Oh man.<inaudible> till Jesus comes well till Jesus comes and will be a guy. I saw that once my save your side, no more, my stab shall wrong with am brave ass, chilling tide and reach my Handley.

Oh man.<inaudible> till Jesus comes and will be guy<inaudible> Next song is going to be number 609, six zero nine. I’m not ashamed to own my Lord six zero nine. After which we have a prayer brother, Michael Dale, six zero nine. I’m not a shame to my Lord.<inaudible> main chain, neon, nurs of his word, the glory of his cross.

Jesus, my God, I know his name. His name is on my<inaudible> no more. Will he bud? My soul to shame no lead, my whole being lost for mass. His throne is promise. And then he can, well,<inaudible> what I’ve come it into his hands.<inaudible> then. Well, he on my worthless name before his father’s face and then a news porn for me,

my please bear with me Our awesome father in heaven. How Holy your name is? We thank you so much for this time that we have to come together, whether in person or online to be able to sing songs of praise to you and lift our voices in prayer and know that we are heard and hear a portion of your word. We thank you Lord for the technology that we are provided today,

to make sure that we are all able to come together, whether in the building or just in spirit. We thank you Lord so much for your son who, who died on the cross for us. And it is in his name. We pray amen. As long before the Lord’s supper to help us prepare our minds is not in a song, but that will be on the slides to set the face.

Divine set the fees to Bible in the first and last first, let us see<inaudible> Steve align, no bread and a fruit of the upline and say<inaudible> beef for the shrine and up the little may we<inaudible> his dad<inaudible> we thing Stan<inaudible> is<inaudible> and<inaudible> He’s got with me as we remember our Lord sacrifice our Lord in heaven. We humbly bow before your throne.

And we thank you Lord, for the sacrifice of your son and for this bread, which represents his body. When he asked that we do this in a pleasing manner in his name, amen. Please dealt with me, Our father in heaven. We come before you again, and we thank you so much for this fruit of the vine that represents your son,

shed blood for the covering. It gives us and the washing and regeneration that we gained from it. We asked that we never forget this and that we keep it in our minds and our hearts throughout the entire week and not just on Sunday. And thank you Lord for his sacrifice. Amen. Now this time we have set aside a time for offering, please bow with me,

Lord, in heaven, we thank you for the many blessings that you put upon us and that we receive in this world that you’ve created for us. We ask that as we give we so bound to flee so we can rebound to flee in the service of you. We ask that we give with a cheerful heart in your son’s name. Amen for the lesson will be number 647,

six four seven. If you are using a song book, do you want to go ahead and Mark 909, nine zero nine. Okay. A song of invitation, six 47, soldiers of Christ arise. We’ll sing all five verses. Let us soldiers of Christ.<inaudible> strong in the strength which gone up.<inaudible> strong in this rain, which God supplies through his being love is strong in the Lord of us.

That is my team who in the strength, jeez truck, who in this range of genies us trust is more than conch or Stan. Then in his grade,<inaudible> with all his strength and my tank to arm you for the fall, but take to arm you for the fight up.<inaudible> God leave no one garden.<inaudible> no weakness of the muscle.

Take every Birch you and every gray take every virtue. You, every grace and fortify the home, not that having all things done and know your conflicts pass, you may or come through Christ alone, alone. You may your come through Christ alone and stand in Tyra<inaudible>. And in the process of that, we have observed one of the amazing attributes of creation.

And that attribute is the nature of a snowflake. Those who have looked at these things under magnifying glasses will tell us there’s no two snowflakes alike. They are unique. They’re unique of how God Created them. And as I was thinking about that this week, one of the things that I fought about was the church, because the church is unique among all organizations,

among all bodies, among all assemblies, among all history, the church stands unique. Now there are some attributes of the church that are not unique. So, so let’s, let’s notice those just, just to get that idea out of the way, there are some things about the church that are not unique. For instance, it is not the only church that claims to be a church.

There’s a church in many cities on every corner that you drive by. It’s not the only one that claims to be a church or even a church associated or recognizing God. It is not the oldest religion in the sense of the church began when Jesus ascended back into heaven and the apostles had the power of the Holy spirit come upon them. As we talked about in Bible class,

and that as a form of religion, changing from the old law and the patriarch and Mosaical law to the new law is only about 2000 years old. And yet there are religions that history will tell us like those among Chinese cultures that are 5,000 years old. So somebody said, well, it’s not the oldest religion. It is not the only group that claims you can reach heaven by being a member.

Now it’s significant to know that there’s a difference as with many things in this world, there’s a difference between what people claim and what is actually true. But if we turn over to Galatians chapter one, verses six through nine, Paul will write to those in the churches of Galicia, that he was marveling, that they were so soon removed from the grays,

which called them by the gospel to another gospel, which he said is not another gospel, but some have perverted you and brought you away from God. So even in Paul’s day, just mere decades after Jesus ascended into heaven, after the church was established just mere decades. After this point, there were already those claiming you could get to heaven by a way,

other than the gospel of Jesus Christ, but notice as well, it is not unique in that it is not free from controversy internally and externally among organizations and even among religious organizations, controversy inside and out is not abnormal. And if you Are a part of a local congregation or a part of the church, universally in view of both aspects of the church,

you will recognize that controversy exists, but it existed even in the first century, turn to acts chapter 20 and acts chapter 20. As Paul is meeting with the elders from the church at Ephesus, he is meeting them there in the aisle or they’re on the Island and He is going to Speak with them because he knows that there are things that he needs to tell them before they don’t ever see him again.

So he meets there with those elders and he says to them and acts chapter 20 and in verse 29, therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which the Holy spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. For. I know this that After my departure, Savage wolves will come in among you not sparing the flock also from among yourselves,

men will rise up speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after themselves, therefore watch. And remember that for three years, I did not cease to warn everyone night and day With tears. Yeah. Notice Paul said that there was going to be controversy. There was going to be division. There was going to be struggling. The first attribute that he says,

or the first direction from which he said, that’s going to come, is those coming from the outside? He said, there’s going to be grievous wolves, perverse individuals who come in from the outside seeking to draw away men after themselves. But he said, it’s not just going to be those on the outside that are going to cause the problems he said.

There will also be those from among you. Now he’s talking to elders, he’s talking to the leaders of the church. He’s talking to the shepherds of the flock of God And he points it, them and stuff As there’s going to be those from among you who rise up seeking to draw away disciples after your selves. That moment As Paul is there with those elders,

I imagine To be very much like When Jesus was with the 12 apostles there at the table, in the upper room on the night of his betrayal. And he said, one of you sitting here will betray me. And they said, Lord has an eye. Lord, is it? I Lord has an eye at imagine the elders were looking at Paul going,

Well, I mean, it’s not going to be me. He must be talking about one of these other guys. But the reality Quality is the church is not free from controversy internally and externally. And in that way, it is not unique, But also it is made up of imperfect beings like Every other organization on planet earth. There are Some senses in which the church of Christ is not unique.

And I’m sure there’s more that can be added to the list. As I know, there are more attributes that can be added to the unique list than what I’ve prepared for this morning. But in these way, the church is not unique, but that doesn’t mean the church is not unique. The church is unique as it stands today, among all religions in existence today,

and every religion that has ever exist and every assembly, body or group of individuals or organization that has ever existed in history, the church stands unique and it is unique for these among many more reasons. Number one, the church is unique because it was founded by deity who took on humanity, turn to John chapter one, John chapter one, John is he is writing and giving these things that he writes.

So that those who read the things that Jesus did might believe and through their belief, their faith in Christ might have life through his name. John begins with this in the beginning was the word. And the word was with God. And the word was, God, the word was fails. The word was deity. The one who was in the beginning with God,

the one who was God. But then he says he was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. And without him, nothing was made that was made the word that was with God. The word that was deity, the word was the one who created everything that exists the world and all that is there in. But if you skip down to verse 14,

we read and the word became flesh. Now you can go back to the old Testament and you can go back to the days of Moses. When God from Mount Sinai spoke to Moses and said to Moses, this is the law. This is what I’m giving to you. Now you go and give it to the children of Israel. And you can remember that occasion where God told Moses that he was going to pass by before him,

because Moses desired to see the Lord. And God said, you’re not going to see me to my face, but you’re going to see my, my hind parts as it were. You’re going to see the back of me, but you’re not gonna see the front of me because you would die if you did. And God manifested himself to Moses there in that form.

But God did not take on flesh. So even among the worship and the, the accurate and correct worship of God, there was never a time before the church where there was a religion founded by God who took on flesh. And yet the church is, but notice verse 15, John bore, witness of him and crying out saying this was he of whom.

I said that this was, excuse me. If I can read this. This was he of whom. I said, he who comes after me is preferred before me for, he was before me and of his fullness. We have all received. And grace for grace for the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time.

The only begotten son who was in, who was in the bosom of the father, he declared him. John points out that the word became flesh, but he doesn’t leave us guessing about who he’s talking about. He says the word that became flesh was the same one. John, the Baptist testified of saying, this is the son of God. And that word that became flesh was Jesus Christ.

The church is unique because it was founded by deity who took on flesh and no other organization in all of history has ever been able to claim that because no other organization in all of history of that, has it been true? But notice, secondly, it was founded by one who died, was resurrected and never died. Again. John chapter 20 in John chapter 20 and in verse 26,

as John is preparing to close his record of the life of Christ. We read in John chapter 20 and in verse 26 and after eight days, his disciples were again inside the inside where they were gathered together, inside and separated from everyone else. So after eight days, his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came the doors being shut and stood in the midst and said peace to you.

They’re in a room. The door is shut by all indications. It’s like it was the week before the door was shut and locked. And yet, instead of Jesus opening the lock, instead of knocking on the door, Jesus just shows up in the room and he says to them, peace to you. Then he said to Thomas, reach your finger here and look at my hands and reach your hand here and put it into my side.

Do not be unbelieving, but believing. And Thomas answered and said to him, my Lord and my God, Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book.

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God and the believing you might have life in his name. Jesus died. Jesus was hung on a cross. Jesus was nailed to a cross, a sign placed above his head, said the King of the Jews. And it was written in three different languages. He was scourged.

He was beaten. He was mocked. He was ridiculed And he was killed. And as he hung on the cross and was all ready at the point where he had given up his spirit, the Centurion came along and was going by and breaking the legs of those two other individuals who were on their crosses because it was time for the repairing of, of the feast.

And there, they couldn’t have dead bodies hanging around during FaceTime. And so he breaks the knees of the other two, but he comes to Jesus and he’s all Ready, dead end, Thrust that spear up into his side and outcomes, blood And water Syngenta Recognizes that the death process has already begun to take place. The church was founded by a man who died,

but he didn’t stay dead. He was resurrected for, he appeared to the apostles on the Sunday, after his resurrection, he appeared to them again on the next Sunday, after his resurrection and appeared to Thomas as Well. But This additional fact is he did not just rise from the dead. He did not just come back to life, but he ascended to the father,

acts chapter one, acts chapter one. And in verse one, the former account I made oath. The awfulness of all the Jesus began both to do and to teach until the day in which he was taken up. After he, through the Holy spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom he had chosen to whom he also presented himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs,

being seen by them during 40 days. And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God and being assembled together with them, he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the father, which he said, you have heard from me for John, truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy spirit.

Not many days from now. Therefore, when you come together, they asked, they asked him saying, Lord, will you, at this time restore the kingdom to Israel. And he said to them, it is not for you to know times or seasons, which the father has put into his own authority, but you shall receive power. When the Holy spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses of me in Jerusalem and in Judea and Sumeria to the end of the earth.

Now, when he had spoken these things, while they watched, he was taken up and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they stood steadfastly looking toward heaven, as he went up behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, men of Galilee, why do you stay in gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will.

So come in like manner. As you saw him go in to heaven, the one who was deity, the one who took on flesh, the one who died, the one who was resurrected and showed him siloed by many infallible proofs, that he was alive. That one ascended back to the father, which is why in Hebrews chapter 12 in Hebrews chapter 12.

And in verses one and two, the Hebrew writer tells these Christian TRIBE these Christians. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great, a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin, which so easily besets us. And let us run with endurance. The racists set before us looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,

the originator, the creator of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross. He was the founder, the creator of all things that exist. And yet he took on flesh and for joy went to the cross who, for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

One thing that makes the church unique against every other organization, every other religion, every other aspect, and the thought of mankind, every other government, every other assembly of people is it was founded by one who died, was resurrected and never died again. Now, why is that last piece so critical? Because if you say, you know what, this was,

this was, it was founded by a man who died and was resurrected. Well, what if Lazarus, after he was resurrected by the Lord, decided he’d ought to preach his own glory, his own majesty and get his own disciples and draw them away after Lazarus. Well, then that would be a religion started by a man who died and was resurrected.

But what happened to Lazarus? He died again. Jesus Christ among all humanity among all who have ever lived is the only one who has ever died to be resurrected, never again, to taste death, which is why he is called the first born from the dead. And the church was founded by the one who died was resurrected and never died again. But thirdly,

the church is unique because it was in doweled by its creator with a unique mission message and might turn back to acts chapter one and acts chapter one. We just read this, we’ll read it again just briefly for the sake of drawing these thoughts together, but in acts chapter one, we are presented with this reality, the former account I made. Okay.

The off list of all the Jesus began both to do and to teach. It’s significant that Luke, as he is riding to the office says, I want you to understand the teaching and the actions of Jesus Christ until the day in which he was taken up. After, after he, through the Holy spirit had given commandments to the apostles who may have chosen.

Now, wait a minute, Jesus rise who died was resurrected and never died. Again. Not only did things while he was here, not only taught things while he was here, but he left commandments for those who were amazed when he left notice also whom also he presented himself alive after his sufferings, by many infallible proofs being seen by them during 40 days.

And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, even during the time where Jesus was alive and on the earth, after he was resurrected from the dead, he was still teaching them about the kingdom of God and being assembled together with them. He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the father there, which he said,

you have heard from me for John, truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy spirit. Not many days from now. Now we know in John chapter 16, as he was speaking with the apostles in the upper room, that Jesus told them that the Holy spirit, the comforter would be given to them to guide them in. And to all truth,

air four, he says, verse six, when they had come together, they asked him saying, Lord, will you, at this time restore the kingdom to Israel. And he said to them, it is not for you to know times or seasons, which the father has put in his own, but you shall receive power. When the Holy spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses,

they were going to speak on Christ’s behalf. We’re going to be witnesses concerning him in all or in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Sumeria and to the end of the earth. So notice that the church is unique because it has a unique mission. If you turn back over to what Luke had just concluded in his former writings in Luke chapter 24, Luke concludes his previous letter to the office with this font in Luke chapter 24,

beginning in verse 46. And he, then he said to them, thus, it is written and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the promise of my father upon you,

but Terry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are dude with power from on high. Now Luke gives this account of what Jesus tells the apostles. He also gives the account in acts chapter one, you might say, well, which one’s accurate. The answer is both of them are. And Luke is putting together the fact that repentance and remission of sins was what they were to be witnesses about.

They were to preach the gospel and Jesus had to die. So the gospel could be preached because Jesus died. And he was unlike anyone who had ever died. And because he was resurrected and he was unlike anyone who was ever resurrected and because he never died, again, the message they preached was unlike any other message that’s ever been preached. It was unique because it was Jesus Christ.

And as Paul says in first Corinthians chapter one, it was Jesus Christ and him crucified the message that they preached was part of the mission they were sent to fulfill. And that was repentance and remission of sins being preached to the entire world. Turn to Romans chapter one has Paul writes to the church at Rome. He tells these brethren beginning in verse 14,

I am a debtor, both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise. So as much as in me as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also for, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes for the Jew first and also for the Greek,

for in it. The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, the just shall live by faith for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. God says, as he writes this through Paul, that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. The message of the gospel is unique for it is the only thing that will save mankind from their sins.

They were sent a mission To preach the gospel to the entire world Or debtors as Paul describes himself to preach the gospel to the entire world, the message that they preach was the only message that would save mankind. And yet It was the church is unique. Not only Because of its mission, not only because of its message, but because of It’s Mike,

there are two The senses in which the church is powerful and it is powerful In a way, unlike any other organization in all humanity’s history. First Then foremost, it is the might that we read about in acts After one in acts chapter one Beginning in verse six, the apostles asked Jesus, will you restore the kingdom to Israel? Jesus tells them it is not for you to know the times and the seasons which the father has put in his own hand.

He says, verse eight, you shall receive power. When the Holy The spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses. Now, you and I here in the assembly of the body of Christ today, do not have the gifts of the Holy spirit. But in the first century, when the church was founded, they did and they were there for a purpose.

They were there to confirm the message that was preached, that the message came from God, that the message was true and that the message could not be denied. And it was unique against every other message that had ever been proclaimed. The might of the church, big gain in the miraculous gifts of the Holy spirit and the revelation of God through those gifts.

But the might of the church didn’t end there when those gifts went away, because Those gifts were passed on only by the laying on of the Apostle’s hands. And when the apostles were dead and gone from this life, no one else had that ability to pass on those gifts. So with the apostles and all those who had met them in their lifetimes, the gifts went away.

We read about that in Ephesians Chapter four, and yet Paul and Ephesians chapter four says that these things were for a time while the church was in its infancy while it was growing to maturity until the gospel had been praised until the message amendment preach until those who were elders and teachers and deacons and ministers could come to a fullness of faith and a fullness of understanding.

So they wouldn’t be swayed about by every wind Doctrine. But Paul makes it clear. There was coming a time where these miraculous gifts were no longer going to be necessary. These miraculous gifts were not going to be needed. And yet it did not change The might of the church. And Matthew chapter 16, we read Beginning in verse 13, when Jesus came into the region of seven,

Three of Philippi, he asked his disciples saying, who do men say that I, the son of man am? So they said some of some say, John, the Baptist, some Elijah, others, Jeremiah, and One of the prophets he said to them, but who do you say that I am Simon, Peter, Or answered and said, you are the Christ,

the son of the living, God, Jesus answered and said to him, blessed, are you Simon? Barjona for flesh. And blood has not revealed this to you, but my father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter and on this Rock, not the rock that was Peter, but the rock that was the revelation of God,

I will build my church. But notice this statement, this, This statement about the church, the ekklesia, the called out of God, the church of Christ. This statement stands as you Nate, among all the organizations in history. He said, As upon this rock, I will build my church and the Gates of hell Eighties shall not prevail against it,

Of what organization in all of history. Can it be said that the Gates of hell Death did not overcome it, Of what organization can it be said in all of history that this organization stood and was able to withstand the power of Satan and the power of sin and the power of death. First Corinthians chapter one verses 50 through 58, Which organization can it be said in all of history was w was able to withstand the Gates of Hades.

And there’s only one. It is the church that Jesus built versus 19. And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. And whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Then he commanded his disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus, Jesus, the Christ Jesus had a mission to fulfill.

And in doing that, he left Half the church with a unique mission, a unique message and a Unique might in all history, but then consider as well. Number four, the church Is unique because it was purchased with a unique asset. Go back to acts chapter For 20, as Paul is there with the elders, as he Is speaking with those elders from the church at Ephesus,

he says to them in acts chapter 20 beginning in verse 25, He says, and indeed, now I know that you all among whom I have Gone preaching the kingdom of God will see my face no more. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men for, I have not shown to declare to you the whole counsel of God,

therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which the Holy spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God, which he Purchased with his own blood. Now, if nothing else was true, if not Nothing else that we’ve said in this lesson was applicable. This one thing would make the church unique because Paul, as he is, as he is speaking to these elders is he leaves this to us.

As Luke records, this in the book of acts tells us that the church was purchased with the one asset, nothing else in all of history Purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. The church stands unique because it was purchased with a unique asset fifthly. It is completely And entirely unified. Now Someone’s going to raise Their hand and say, Oh wait, wait,

wait. As you said up there in that point about what is not unique about the church, that it is not free from controversy. How is it now you turn around and say it is completely and entirely Unified. And the answer is in John chapter 17 On chapter 17, as Jesus is praying among the apostles, as he is preparing to go out into the garden,

preparing to be betrayed. He says in his prayer to God, beginning in verse 20, Actually, let’s go back To verse 18. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. Speaking of the disciples, the apostles, and for their sakes, I sanctify myself that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not pray for these alone,

but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they all may be one as you father are in me and I in you, that they may be one in us. And that the world may believe that you Sent me Jesus Prayed for a unity and a unification to exist in the body of Christ. That was unlike anything else in all history,

in all mankind, because it was unity with Christ in the same unity he had with the father. And some One might say, well, yes, Aaron, I understand that, but that’s what Jesus had wanted. But that doesn’t mean that’s. What is He is? And I beg to differ turn first, John chapter one in first John chapter one,

we read about this unity. We, I read about the reality of the unity that exists in the body of Christ and nowhere else. John writes beginning in verse four. And these things I wrote, we write To you that your joy may be full. This is the message which we have heard From him and declare to you that God is light. And in him is no darkness at all.

If we say we have fellowship with him, we walk in darkness and walk in darkness. We lie and do not practice the truth. You say, Erin, I’ve looked in the body of Christ and I’ve looked among congregations. And there are people doing ungodly things. There are people at war with one another there’s people in controversy. There’s people doing things that are not right.

They are not living the way Jesus wanted them to live. And therefore there is not Unity in the church. And I beg to differ because God’s is that though Those who walk with him in light have fellowship with him and those who are in Darkness do not. It doesn’t matter who sits in a Pew on a Sunday morning. It matters who is in fellowship with God and then consider this.

He says, if we say we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ, his son cleanses us from all sin. What is it that could stop the true unity of the body of Christ?

And the answer is sin, but what is it that the blood of Christ continually cleanses those Christians who were part of the church of Christ from all sin. And so there is unity in the body of Christ, unlike any other place in all of humanity, but then sixthly, the church is unique because it is perfect. There are not many things. Matter of fact,

I don’t believe there are any things in this life in our day and time of which you can say this thing is truly perfect, but that’s not accurate. When it comes to the church in Ephesians chapter five, Paul writes concerning the church and says, beginning in verse 25, husbands love your wives. As Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her,

that he might sanctify and cleanse Her with the washing of water By the word that he might Present her to himself, a Glorious church, and notice his description, not having spot or wrinkle or, Or any such thing, but that she should be Holy Add without blemish. What is that is Wholly sanctified, set apart cleanse and without blemish, not without any major blemish,

not without any minor blemish without blemish. It is perfect. All of the things that we have that are made up of precious metals or precious elements are gauged quite often in their value, their strength, their uniqueness on their perfection rating, but the finest cut diamond in all of human history, compares nothing with the unique perfection of the church. Number seven,

it is unique in that it can be created or generated perfectly anywhere in the universe under any conditions. If generated from the proper seed. Something that is interesting about seeds is seeds contain the potential for life. And if you were to take a seed from one location on the earth and it might even be, and this has been done before a sea, that was thousands of years old,

and you play of that seed in the right conditions, that seed will produce whatever it is a seed of, but in human history, there’s never been a seed that could generate anywhere under any conditions. If planted, except the seed of the church of Christ in Matthew chapter 13, Jesus is he is speaking concerning his kingdom. His church says in Matthew chapter 13,

beginning in verse 18, therefore hear the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away. What was sown in his heart? This is he who received the seed by the wayside, but he who received the seed on Stony places. This is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy.

Yet he has no rooted himself, but endures only for a while for when tribulation or persecution arises. But because of the word immediately, he stumbles. Now he who receives seed among the thorns is he who hears the word and cares for cares and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word. And he becomes unfruitful, but he who receives the seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understand it,

understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces some a hundred fold, some 60 and some 30. If you were to take the word of God and you were to extract it out of humanity and extracted out Of this world, and you were to carry it off into a S on a spaceship to Mars, as long as you had a human being who could hear it,

it could produce the church. Again, it is the only thing in all history that if jet that can be generated perfectly, anywhere in the universe, under any conditions, if generated from the proper seed, but eighth, and finally, the church is unique because it can has, and will be imitated, but never be replaced from the very beginning of the church.

There were those who sought to duplicate it. There were those who sought to change it. There were those who sought to model after it. There were those who saw to create one, just like it, but there’s never been another one. Just like four. It stands alone. It has never gone away nor will it ever. It has never been replaced nor could it be for,

for it to be replaced. DD would have to come back and flesh the would have to come back and walk this earth again. They would have deity would have to die again. Deity would have to be resurrected again. Dad would have to return to the throne of God again, and that’s never going to happen. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 16, verse 18,

upon this rock, I will build my singular unique one church. And the Gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. So while the church of Christ might be imitated, the church of Christ might be duplicated. The church of Christ might be manipulated to go away from him and be deceived by others. The church of Christ will never be replaced. The church of Christ stands unique in all history,

and it stands unique for the mission, the message and the might of God and the power of God to save mankind from their sins. If you’re outside the body of Christ and the church you are outside of salvation, Paul writes in Ephesians chapter two, that you are an alien from God and enemy of God. And without hope. Why? Because if you’re outside the body of Christ,

you are inside of sin and you have no hope, but you have hope in Christ. And if you are one who’s willing to do as the first century church did, when they were sinners, when they heard the word of God, they believed it. The seed was planted in their hearts and it began to grow and it took root and it produced fruit by them hearing the word of God and believing it,

but not just hearing it by them doing something about what they heard. They heard, they believed. And they repented because Jesus said repentance and remission of sins had to be preached in all the world because he went to the cross. They heard, they believe they repented. They confessed Christ as Lord and savior because they recognized he was the one true living.

God who took on flesh and walked this earth. But ascended back into heaven, never to die again, and having confessed the name of Christ. They were immersed in water for the remission of sins and they died. And then they Rose to walk in newness of life. Romans chapter six, verses three and four. The church is unique because it’s made up of people who were once dead,

but they’re not anymore. They’re alive in Christ. You’re outside of the body of Christ. You can change that today by entering into the church, which Jesus Christ died to purchase with his own blood. And the only place in which salvation is found. If you have need of the invitation of God, it is available now as we stand. And as we said For you and me,

let us say so a two and spring, and is the founder of, from the us or something and bids, Saul free. The dreaming well, you to the fountain three. Well, you can TIS for you and me thirsty. So here, the welcome call TIS a fountain, Oh, up and four. There’s a living stream with a crest,

all gleam from the throne of life. Now it flows while the water’s role let we are priests all hear the call. That four, three, the<inaudible> will you to the fountain free. You TIS for you and me thirsty. So here, the welcome call is fountain. Oh, and for all of them, there’s a rock that’s glass. And so is let that man,<inaudible> water.<inaudible> tears for you and me and his stream.

I seen let us, Hey son, Joel<inaudible> will you to the fountain and free will you come TIS for you and me thirsty. So here the welcome call, tos founder, and Oh, and for Raul. Well, thanks Aaron for that great lesson this morning, we’re going to have a closing song and it’s going to be number 957. This world is not my home.

We’ll sing the first verse only. And then we’ll have our closing prayer. Nine 57. This world is not my home. Let us sing. This world is not my home. I’m just passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue, the angels back on me from Evans opened, or, and I can feel at home in this world any more.

Oh Lord. You know, I have no friends like you. If heaven’s not in my home, then Lord, when will I do the angels back on me from Evans opened or, and I can feel at home in this world, any<inaudible> Let us pray our heavenly father. We thank you for another beautiful Lord today. Thank you for the privilege Lord,

to come into your house and worship you, Lord, we thank you for the message that Aaron brought us today. Lord, just to apply it to our hearts and let us use it in our everyday life. Lord, Lord, be with the sick, healed him as you see fit Lord, and just they with us as we leave and just keep us safe and bring us back at the next appointed time.

These things we ask in your precious name. Amen.