Only those who have eyes can see. Everyone can see and point at the sun, but not blind (s) because they do not have eyes. Even if you show them, they will only believe sun is there, but they cannot see it. One blind man begin to think of sun existed, and has the shape it is said to be having, but all of a sudden (because blind is a blind) he says NO! He may be blind forever or God may bless him and give him eyes to see the truth. We have it in us. ALHAMDU LILLAH.
I AM A MUSLIM
BORN AND TO DIE AS A MUSLIM.
'INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIR-RAJIUUUUUUUUUUN.
...and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
THE CHURCH ESTABLISHED...
1. It is evident that the church was not established at the time
Jesus spoke...
a. He said "I WILL build My church..." - Mt 16:18
b. He told His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the
Christ (a fact certainly related to the establishment of
His church!) - Mt 16:20
2. The church is mentioned after Jesus' resurrection...
a. The Lord was adding people to the church - Ac 2:47
b. From that time forward, the church is spoken of as being in
existence
3. It is fair to conclude that the church began on the day of
Pentecost...
a. When the Spirit was poured out on the apostles - Ac 2:1-21
b. When Peter preached the first gospel sermon - Ac 2:22-40
c. When thousands were saved, and the Lord added them to His
church - Ac 2:41,47
THE CHURCH CHARACTERIZED...
1. It is called "the body of Christ" - Ep 1:22-23
2. It is called "the household of God" - 1Ti 3:15
3. It is called "the temple of God" - Ep 2:19-22; 1Pe 2:5
4. It is called "the kingdom of Christ" - Col 1:13; cf. Re 1:9
5. It is called "the bride of Christ" - 2Co 11:2; cf. Re 19:
6-9; 21:2
THE CHURCH VISIBLE...
1. The church "universal" is a spiritual body of people
a. Known only by the Lord Himself - cf. Ac 2:47; 2Ti 2:19;
Jn 10:14
b. There is no earthly organization, headquarters, etc., for
the church universal
c. Any attempt to organize and activate the church "universal"
results only in denominationalism
2. The church "local" is the only visible sign of the church
a. Local churches are made up of Christians in geographical
areas who work and worship together as a unit - cf. Ac 8:1;
13:1; 14:21-23,27
b. With their frequent assembling, it is easy to identify a
local church - cf. 1Co 1:2; 11:17-18; 14:23
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