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The Church of Christ

Introduction:

1. Today's world lends many and varied views with regard to the Church of our dear Lord!
   1. Some view it as a kind of "take it or leave it" institution.
   2. Some view it as being non-associated with man and his salvation whatsoever!
   3. Many in the religious world see the church as a "mere after thought" in God's mind; a substitute for the kingdom when Christ was rejected by the Jews!
2. To maintain these and such like views is not of GOD; but is of the Devil Himself!

1. GOD PURPOSED THE CHURCH BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN
   1. Ephesians 3:10-11; Church was no "after-thought" or "mere substitute", rather was purposefully planned!
      1. Before Pentecost ... all things spoken of it were "future"!
      2. After Pentecost (Acts 2) ... all things spoken concerning the church indicated it in "reality"!
   2. Church as the world has reacted!
      1. Jesus promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18-19)!
      2. World (generally speaking) has scoffed at the Church and ridiculed it and often made havoc of it (case of Paul, Acts 8:3).
   3. Kingdom and church.
      1. These terms are sometimes used interchangeable in so much as they both refer to the same institution!
      2. The Kingdom (Matthew 16:19), refers to the governing concept of the church:
         1. Christ is "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (I Tim. 6:15).
         2. Yet, His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).
      3. The church, or kingdom, we are speaking about constitutes a spiritual body (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23)!
2. WHEN AND WHERE ESTABLISHED
   1. Prophecy Relating To The Church
      1. Was to come to pass in the "last days" (Isaiah 2:2-3)!
         1. Joel also mentions the "last days" in relationship to the Holy Spirit being poured out (Joel 2:28-29).
         2. Peter, on Pentecost (Acts2:16,17), quotes Joel 2 and applies it as the "last days."
      2. Daniel Prophesied of this Kingdom (Dan 2).
         1. Image-Head of Gold: Nebuchadnezzar - Babylon!
         2. Image-Breast and Arms of Silver: Meedes/Persian!
         3. Image-Belly and Thighs of Brass: Kingdom of Alexander Great!
         4. Image-Legs of Iron; feet part iron and clay: Rome ruled by the Ceaser's
         5. It was in this time frame that The kingdom was to be set up by God, and would last forever (Dan. 2:44)!
      3. Daniel and the prophecy concerning the "Ancient of Days" who was Jesus: he also mentions his kingdom (Dan. 7:13-14).
      4. Isaiah and Micah (Isaiah 2:1-3 and Micah 4:1-3).
         1. Kingdom was to be established in the Mountain.
         2. Word of Lord was to Go forth from Jerusalem.
         3. All nations would flow unto it.
         4. We've already noticed that such was to be "in the last days."
   2. The Kingdom Said To Be At Hand:
      1. John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2), "...for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
      2. Jesus later preached it "at hand"; (Matthew 4:17).
      3. The limited commission; the disciples taught it "at hand" or "nigh unto you" (Luke 10:9).
   3. Disciples told to pray for it (Matthew 6:9ff).
   4. In 32 A.D., Jesus said the Mngdom would come in the lifetime of some who stood there and it would come with power (Mark9:1).
   5. Luke 22:18; 19:11 (A.D. 33, yet before Pentecost) the kindgom is spoken of as yet "future"!
   6. In A.D. 33, the disciples were told to wait for the kingdom (thus still future Mark 15:43; Acts 1:6)!
3. THE KINGDOM COMES (Event of Pentecost, Acts 2)
   1. Acts 1:1 identifies it as "Pentecost"!
   2. The place was at Jerusalem (Acts 1:4; 2:5).
   3. The time was the "last days" (Acts 2:16,17).
   4. Such was in the days of the Roman Kings according to Daniel's prophesy (Dan. 2:44- Some 633 years before hand)!
   5. Christ was exhalted as per Daniel's prophesy (Dan. 7:13-14; Acts 2:36).
   6. Such was during the lifetime of some that stood and heard Jesus say the Kingdom was to come in their lifetime (Mark 9:1).
   7. This was when the power came; the Holy Spirit came; thus the Kingdom came (Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4).
4. KINGDOM SPOKEN OF AS IN EXISTENCE AFTER PENTECOST (Acts 2).
   1. A.D. 33, the church is in existence (Acts 5:11; 2:47).
   2. A.D. 40, the church is persecuted (Acts 8:1).
   3. A.D. 45, Luke says the church was actively involved in the work of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:1-3).
   4. A.D. 65, Paul in writing to Timothy shows the church is in existence.
   5. A.D. 96, John was in the Kingdom with fellow saints (Rev. 1:9).
   6. Therefore, one sees the reality of the Kingdom and its being in existence at and after the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).

Conclusion:

1. The Church of Christ is a precious institution (none on earth can compare).
2. It was in the eternal mind, plan and purpose of God (Eph. 3).
3. It is in this institution that you and I (all men) are to bring Glory unto GOD by our lives (Eph. 3:21).
4. If you would seek to gain GOD'S favor and approval for your life, then you must 'enter into the kingdom'!
   1. This is accomplished by the "new birth" (John 3:3-5).
   2. Such involves your obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ (Heb. 5:8-9; Rom. 1:16; Gal. 3:26-27).
5. You can answer the Call of God and enter in, even now!