THE CHURCH--THE FAMILY OF GOD
                          EPHESIANS 3:15

I.  INTRODUCTION:
     A.  Eph. 2:19-22 (I Cor. 3:16; I Tim. 3:15; I Pet. 2:5)
     B.  The word "temple" speaks of the house or abiding place of deity.
     1.  Such places were common among the pagans.
     2.  Under the Old Law, God's presence was associated with the temple.
     3.  Physical structures are not the dwelling place of deity now.  Acts 17:24,25.
     C.  The text declares that the church is the temple of God, the members are the stones.
           (A figure of speech showing us the nature of the church.)

II.  DISCUSSION: The reasons the Church of Christ can be called the family of God.
     A.  Because it was built by a divine pattern.  Mt. 16:18; Eph. 3:10.  A pattern is a model
           or plan.  This was given by inspiration.  Jn. 16:7-13; I Cor. 2:13,16.
     B.  Because it was built after a period of preparation.  Mk. 1:2,3.  David gathered
           material, but he did not build the temple.  John the Baptist did not start the church.
     C.  Because it was built after adversaries had been conquered.  Heb. 2:14; Col. 2:15.
     D.  Because it was built after the son was on the throne.  Acts 2:30-36; I Pet. 3:22.
     E.  Because it was built with material that came from another kingdom.  Col. 1:13;
           Eph. 2:19.
     F.  Because it was built from material prepared while still yet in another kingdom.  Acts
           16:31.
     G.  Because it was paid for while yet in another kingdom.  I Pet. 1:18.
     H.  Because it was built with material which came first across water.  Jn. 3:5; Gal. 
           3:26,27.
     I.  Because it was the only place where God's name was recorded and where acceptable 
           service could be rendered unto the Lord.  Eph. 3:21; I Pet. 2:5.  This takes care of the
           idea that the church has nothing to do with salvation, and also speaks concerning the
          dedication required of the members.  Rom. 12:1,2.
     J.  Because it came under the attack of Satan and had to be restored.  II Tim. 4:1-3; II
           Thess. 2:3,4 (there was the old pattern to go by)

III.  CONCLUSION.
     A.  Some today would defame the church with hypocrisy and "make it a den of carnality"
     B.  Some want another mountain like the ten tribes of old and be unfaithful, try to
           Substitute something else or just totally reject the church.
     C.  If you would worship and serve the Lord acceptably, this is the place.  Jn. 4:24
           (The nature of the service is spiritual.)