WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
                                                 Col. 1:9-18

                          Thesis:     To set forth the characteristics of the church so
                                           one may examine his religious status and see if
                                           he is in the Lord's church.

                          Introduction:
                          1. Since the subject of the church appears over 100 times
                              in the New Testament we know that it is an important
                              New Testament subject.
                          2.  It is difficult for people to appreciate the identification of
                              the church today because:
                              A. Some of its attributes are relative. (For example:
                                  Members of the church are to grow in grace and
                                  knowledge.) (Col. 1:10).
                              B.  People bring to a study of the church the ideas of the
                                  world, viz. a denominational concept of the church.
                              C.  Many view the church as a *great invisible body made
                                  up of all people".
                              D.  Many people have been prejudiced against the New
                                  Testament church.

                          Body:
                          1. The Kingdom of Christ. (Col. 1:13).
                              A. 'in both Hebrew and Greek, the basic meaning of
                                  kingdom is power, sovereignty ... kingship, royal
                                  power, royal rule".
                              B.  Entrance into the kingdom is by means of a now
                                  birth. (John 3:3-5).
                              C.  Kingdom - Christ is [Cinci! (Col. 3:16,17).
                                  1. Obedience essential. (Luke 6:46; Mt. 7:21,22).
                                  2. What are manifestations of obedience.
                              D.  Contrast with Devil's domain -
                                  1. Subtle control: deceit.
                                  2. He is the "god of this world". (2 Cor. 4:3-5).
                              E.  Blessings.
                                  1. Inheritance.
                                  2. "Light".
                                  3. Redeemed: act of deliverance of a slave from
                                      captivity by paying ransom.
                                  4. Forgiveness: "sending away*. (Guilt removed).

                      11. The Body of Which Jesus     Is The Head. (Col. 1:18).
                          A. His right to control: agent of creation. (Col. 1:16-17).
                              1. He created.
                              2. He sustains.
                          B.  There is a 'new creations (2 Cor. 5:17) - Jesus is agent.
                              1. He built church. (Matt. 16:18).
                              2. He controls.
                          C.  How does Jesus control function as head of His
                              church?
                              1. Through Testament.
                              2. Same way one controls goods after leaving earth.
                              3. In matters of:
                                 a. Plan of salvation.
                                 b. Worship.
                                 c. Ethics.
                          D. Body .
                              1 - Life: Jesus is source.
                              2. Unity: Jesus is center.
                              3. Body - head, authority.

                      111.  The Church: The Called Out People.
                          A. Can these people be identified?
                              1. Name.
                                 a. Individually. (I Peter 4:16).
                                 b. Congregationally.
                              2. Practice.
                                 a. Baptism for redemption of sins.
                                 b. Worship.
                                 c. Life. (Col. 1:10).
                                    (1) Love for each other.
                                    (2) Purity.
                          B. Saved out of church?
                              I. If so, without being called out.
                              2. Without that which calls out. (11 Thess. 2:13,14).