EXAMINING OUR CHURCH AFFIUATION
                                     Colossi-cins 1: 1 8

                    Thesis: to set forth the importance of the church.

                     Introduction:
                     1. There are more than 300 different kinds of churches in the
                          U.S.
                     2. There are various cults ranging from the church of Satan
                          to charismatic groups.
                     3. Importance of being the right church.
                        A. Jesus said He would build a church. (Matt. 18:18.)
                        B. Jesus is the Savior of the church. (Eph. 5:23; 1:22923.)
                        C. Salvation is in the church. (Eph. 2:11-16.)
                     4. What is necessary to be the church of Christ? The answer
                        is found in Colossians 1:18.

                      Body:
                     1. Jesus Christ Is Mv Head (CoL 1:18.)
                        A. He is identified in Colossians 1 as (Col. 1:2,3,10.)
                        B.  He is the "Son of His (God's) love", or, God's "dear
                            Son". (Col. 1: 1 3.)
                        C.  He is the one by whom the universe was made. (Col.
                            1:15,16.)
                        D.  He is the one by whom the universe is sustained. (Col.
                            1:17.)
                        E.  He is the head of the church. (Col. 1: 1 8.)

                     11. Jesus Christ Is In Heaven (Col. 3:1-Z)
                         A. The book of Hebrews declares this fact that Jesus is
                             in heaven nine times. (For example: Heb. 1: 1 -3; 12:1 -
                             2.)
                         B. How can the Head in heaven serve as head of the
                             church on earth? (Heb. 9:16,17.)

                     Ill.  Jesus Christ Is The Head If:
                          A. His word dwells in us! (Col. 3:16 note: His word must
                             be internalized!)
                          B. We have been risen with Him. (Col. 3:1-2; cf. 2:12.)
                          C. We aspire to be holy people. (Col. 3:5-12.)
                           D. We worship in spirit and truth. (Co.l. 3:16,17.)
                           E. We apply His word to Life! (Col. 3:18-4:6.)

                           Conclusion:
                           I - We can be the church of Christ.
                           2. If we let Jesus be our head wig will be His body, His
                               church.
                           3. The old song, "I Love They Kingdom, Lord", seems to be
                               an appropriate conclusion to this lesson.