WHAT CHURCH DOES GOD RECOMMEND?




1.  Text: Col 1:18; Eph 1:22,23; 5:27.

2.  The confusion brought into the world by denominationalism has caused

many to         grope in darkness and untold numbers to walk through life

without ever knowing           the truth.

3.  Our opinion is often sought when asked - "What church do you

recommend?"

      A.  Some sincerely ask because they are confused.

      B.  But if God has spoken on this subject there is nothing left for

man to say -                       Isa.55:8,9.

      C.  This is not a subject on which it is impossible to know the

truth, or to err.

4.  God recommends the church that follows the pattern laid down in the

New           Testament.

      A.  The blueprint is here--we need to follow it - 2 John 9.

      B.  Lay the pattern beside churches about us--accept the one that

follows the                     pattern.

5.  What Church Does God Recommend?




I.  THE CHURCH WITH THE GOD APPOINTED HEAD.




    A.  It is easy to determine "who" Col.1:18; Eph.1:22,23.

    B.  Christ alone meets the divine standard.

          1.  God in the flesh - Phil. 2:7-9.

          2.  Sinless and pure - Heb.4:15.

          3.  Ransom for the church - Acts 20:28.

          4.  Victory over death - Rev.1:18.

    C.  As the head of the Church He holds a God-appointed position.

          1.  Founder of the church - Matt.16:18.

          2.  Foundation of the church - 1 Cor.3:11.

          3.  Savior of the church - Eph.5:25.

          4.  Authority over the church - Matt.28:18.

          5.  Pre-emince in all things - Col.1:18.




II.  THE CHURCH WITH THE CHRIST EXALTING NAME.




      A.  "What is in a name?"

           1.  Ask a man in the penitentiary for forgery.

           2.  Value of a "good name" - Prov.22:1 (some not so good)

           3.  Only one name saves - Acts 4:12.

      B.  The body wears the name of the head.

            1.  True of Christ "physical" and "spiritual" body.

            2.  Wife takes the name of husband - not boy friends.

      C.  The Bible warns against human names - 1 Cor.1:10-13.




III.  THE CHURCH THAT FOLLOWS THE INSPIRED RULE OF FAITH AND PRACTICE.




      A.  The New Testament church did not require belief in the creeds

and doctrines of             men - Acts 2:42.

      B.  We have an all sufficient rule - 1 Tim.3:16,17 (no room for

anything else).

      C.  We are expected to follow God's Word - alone.  Gal.1:6-9.




CONCLUSION:  If you ignore the church God recommends you cannot be saved.

1.  God  is not the author of the religious division that exists today -

1 Cor.1:10

2.  And there would be no religious division if all were content to

follow the Bible only.

3.  Plan of Salvation.