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THREE FIGURES OF THE CHURCH

Eph. 3:10

1. The subject of the church embraces more than we could discuss in any comfortable period of time...it began even before time and man...came from the heart of infinite wisdom...the mind of God.
2. We shall discuss three figures the New Testament uses to describe the church. There are many, each describing some nature or work...devote our time...to the temple...to the flock...to the body.
3. Those already in the church may look upon this subject as "elementary" - these figures given to those already in the church...even we need to deepen our knowledge and understanding of this subject.

1. THE CHURCH IS THE TEMPLE OF GOD.
   1. The background for this expression is found in the Old Testament.
      1. God gave a pattern for this temple - 1 Chron. 28:10-19.
      2. The material for this temple cam from another kingdom - 1 Kings 5:8,9.
      3. The material was paid for while it was still in another kingdom - 1 Kings 5:11.
      4. The stones were fitted and prepared in another kingdom - 1 Kings 5:18; 6:7.
      5. The material had to come from across the water - 1 Kings 5:8.
      6. It was the place where God ordained service was performed - Deut. 12:1-14. 1 Kings 9:1-3.
      7. Place of God's Symbolic Presence - 1 Chron. 17:12; 1 Kings 8:6-21.
   2. The Church is God's Temple today - 1 Cor.3:16; 1 Tim.3:15; Eph.2:19-22; 1 Pet 2:5.
      1. The church is built according to the divine pattern - Matt.16:18.
      2. Materials (members) came from another kingdom - Col.1:13; Eph.2:19.
      3. Material paid for while it was still in another kingdom - 1 Pet 1:18,19; Heb.2:9; Rom.5:8.
      4. Stones fitted and prepared in another kingdom. (Example of conversion, belief, repentance and baptism). Acts 2:47 (Some you have to beat to conform - not prepared).
      5. Stones had to come through water before made part of the temple. John 3:5; Acts 2:38; Gal.3:26,27; Acts 2:47.
      6. We are priest - church place for service to be preformed - 1 Peter 2:5 (Some want to do it in men's temples).
      7. Both destroyed by Babylonians; opposition when both restored.
2. THE CHURCH AS THE FLOCK OF GOD.
   1. Common thing - Brings common knowledge - Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2.
      1. Sheep need shepherding - so do men.
      2. Sheep need food - so do men.
      3. Sheep need protection against - so do men.
      4. Sheep get into danger and need to be rescued - so do men.
   2. Jesus The Good Shepherd Meets the needs we have - 1 John 10:11.
      1. Leads us unto green pastures - John 10:4,5,9.
      2. Charged eldres to feed us the word - 1 Peter 5:1-4.
      3. Warns about the wolves - Matt.7:15; Acts 20:29,30.
      4. Ready to help us - Luke 15:4; 19:10; John 10:11.
   3. There is just one flock - John 10:16; Eph.2:16.
3. THE CHURCH AS THE BODY OF CHRIST.
   1. This figure used often - Col.1:18,24; Eph.1:23.
   2. Individual Members contribute an important part to that body - 1 Cor.12:14-27.
   3. Direction for the body comes from the head - Col.1:18.
      1. The head is the source of authority - Matt 28:18; Eph.1:22,23.
      2. To be subject unto the head - Matt 17:5; Acts 3:22,23; Eph.5:23,24; 2 John 9.
      3. His will - Eph.3:10; Mark 16:16; Tim.3:15; Matt.5:13-16.
      4. Christ is using us - the members - Rom.10:10-17.
   4. There is just one body - Eph.4:4; 1 Cor.10:17; 12:20.

CONCLUSION:

1. These figures made the church of Christ distinctive from denominations which were built by men.
2. Our plea is for men and women to break with sin and error when whether doctrinally or morally and be a Christian in thought, word, and deed and a Christian only!
3. Should you desire to become a Christian - why not step out and come down the isle.