THE CHURCH AS A BUILDING

                                                         1 Corinthians 3:9 (842)

   Introduction

        A.  The New Testament, of course, doesn’t teach that the church is a building, but uses

              the term “building” as a metaphor representing the stability of the church.

              1.  The church is composed of the saved people.  Acts 2:47b (802)

        B.  I trust that our study will provide us a better understanding and appreciation of the

              Lord’s church.

   I.  The church has a strong and immovable foundation.

       A.  Matthew 16:13-19 (717): 

             1.  Jesus promised to build His church (v18).

             2.  He promised to build the church on this rock (v18), which is the confession that

                  Peter made in v 16.  See Matthew 28:18-19 (730), in which Jesus based the Great

                  Commission on His authority.

             3.  The foundation is Christ.  Matthew 16:16,18; 1 Corinthians 3:11

       B.  This foundation will not fall.  Matthew 7:21-27 (708).  The Middle East had rocks and

             sand.  Rock is a metaphor for Christ just as in Matthew 16:18.

  II.  The church is built on Christ.  Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:10-12

       A.  Care must be given to erect the proper building on the foundation. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

    

       B.  The building must fit together.  Ephesians 2:19-22 (864)

       C.  The building must be built according to the Apostles’ teaching.  Matthew 16:19; 18:18;

             Acts 2:42 (802)

       D.  As a church we must not add to or take from God’s instruction regarding the church.

III.  The church is a spiritual house.  1 Peter 2:5-6 (895)

IV.  The church is the building in which God dwells.  Ephesians 2:22

Conclusion:  This building is eternal.