CHRIST AND THE CHURCH
Roger Rush

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25).

It is impossible to separate Christ from his church. Without Christ the church would not be, and without the church Christ's mission would have been incomplete. It must be clearly understood that one cannot accept Christ and reject his church or accept the church and reject Jesus. The two are inseparable.

His relationship to the church is set forth clearly in scripture. The purpose of his coming was to build the church (Matthew 16:18). His love for the church moved him to give himself for her (Acts 20:28). And, he is her head today (Colossions 1: 18).

What is the church? It is not a building, a social club, or a political action committee. It is God's spiritual family (1 Timothy 3:15). In relationship to it's government, it is called a kingdom. In regard to its organization, it is called a body. In respect to its relationship to the world, it is called the church. The church consists of people who have been saved by the blood of Christ The saved are added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2:47).

How does one become a member of God's spiritual family? Citizenship in the kingdom comes through the new birth (John 3:3,5,7). Membership in the body comes by baptism into it (I Corinthian 12:13). One is added to the church by the Lord upon the basis of faith, repentance, confession, and baptism (Acts 2:37-47).

Is it possible to accept Jesus, but reject the church? No! Can one be saved outside the church? No! All of the saved are in Christ's church today (Acts 2:47; 4:12). Read God's word, believe it, and obey it. The Lord will add you to his church and you'll be a Christian, nothing more, nothing less (Acts 11:26). Nothing is more important. ❦

STARTING SUN. SEPT. 29 THROUGH WED. OCT. 2

with Guest Speaker
Jimmy Clark
from Athens, Alabama

speaking on:
“The Fundamentals”
including:
Salvation, the Church and Worship

Make your plans NOW to attend each and every service Invite your family, friends and neighbors.
INVITATION CARDS AVAILABLE IN THE FOYER

Personal Work Meeting
The leaders of the Personal Work program ask that all group members as well as all who are interested in participating in the work – meet in the annex this morning (8^th) after the morning services. After the meeting there will be a covered dish dinner for those who wish to stay and eat.

Ladies Devo Luncheon
The Ladies’ Group will meet in the annex at 11:30am Monday (the 9th) and plan to eat at 12 noon. Scriptures for consideration are: Mark 10:45; Proverbs 8:13; Isaiah 13:11; Matthew 11:28-29; and Philippians 2:3.

Out of Town
Bob and Shirley Bauer are away at a preacher’s retreat in Pigeon Forge, TN. Keep them in your prayers that they might have an enjoyable stay and safe return.

Can we get the world to listen to God for a moment? The fears and phobias of a tottering world can be resolved only by love. "There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear"
(1 John 4:18)

UPCOMING AREA EVENTS:

• Sept 29 – Oct 2 - Gospel Meeting
Orange Street church of Christ
Guest Speaker - Jimmy Clark
Start Making Plans Now

• Oct 6 – 70th Anniversary Homecoming
Mount Dora church of Christ
Speakers will be various former preachers & teachers
See Bulletin Board for Schedule