Does it matter what church you attend? Are there Christians in all churches?

1. Are there Christians
in all churches?
The answer is in the
meaning of the words.

2. Introduction

Issue stated many ways
− We are all headed the same place
− Attend the church of your choice
− We are a “Christian” nation
− You go your way, I'll go mine.
− We have different beliefs but we all worship
the same Lord and God.

The answer is a problem of terminology.

3. What do they mean
by “Christian?”

Most have a very broad view
− Christian = anyone who believes in Jesus
− Most churches teach salvation is at the point
that we believe in Jesus
− Problem – James 2:19 You believe that
there is one God. You do well. Even the
demons believe--and tremble!
− Is Satan a Christian?
− Many who claim to believe – don't tremble

4. What do they mean
by “Christian?”

There are conditions to being a Christian

Matthew 7:13-14 13 "Enter by the narrow
gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way
that leads to destruction, and there are many
who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate
and difficult is the way which leads to life, and
there are few who find it.

John 15:14 You are My friends if you do
whatever I command you.

5. What do they mean
by “Christian?”

Some religious groups - - -

Accept homosexuality
− In its membership
− Among their ministers and leadership
− NEW – Queen James Bible

Approve other moral issues:
− Abortion
− Divorce and remarriage for any cause

6. What do they mean
by “Christian?”

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 9 Do you not know that
the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of
God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators,
nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor
homosexuals, nor sodomites,
10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards,
nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the
kingdom of God.

7. What do they mean
by “Christian?”

Galatians 3:26-27 26 For you are all sons of
God through faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as were baptized into
Christ have put on Christ

There are conditions to being a Christian
− Faith in Jesus
− Repentance (turn away from sin)
− Baptism
− Life in harmony with Jesus' teaching

8. What do they mean
by “Church?”

Many churches claim to be part of Christ's
church
− They use the word church in a broad (all-
inclusive) sense
− Denominational view is that each “church” is
a slice (section) of the whole pie.

9. The “pie” of churches in USA

10. What do they mean
by “Church?”

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from
where you have fallen; repent and do the first
works, or else I will come to you quickly and
remove your lampstand from its place--unless
you repent.

Jesus can remove them from His church

Can one attend a church that does not obey
Christ and still be a Christian?

11. What do they mean
by “Church?”

2 John 1:9-11 9 Whoever transgresses and
does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does
not have God. He who abides in the doctrine
of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10
If anyone comes to you and does not bring
this doctrine, do not receive him into your
house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him
shares in his evil deeds.

12. What do they mean
by “Church?”

How many churches did Christ establish?

Ephesians 1:22-23 22 And He put all things
under His feet, and gave Him to be head over
all things to the church, 23 which is His body,
the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one
Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of
your calling;

13. What do they mean
by “Church?”

How many churches did Christ establish?

1 Corinthians 12:20 But now indeed there
are many members, yet one body.

Here are the facts:
− There is only one body – the church
− That body is the church
− Jesus built ONE church, not hundreds

14. Conclusion

Apply God's definition of a Christian
− One who believes in Jesus
− One who obeys the commands of Jesus
− One who has been baptized into Jesus

Apply God's definition of His church
− The church is the body of Christ
− There is only one body – not 100's

There are not as many Christians as we think

15. Conclusion

Some other questions to ask:

Do all these churches teach the truth?

If they all teach the truth – Why do they
disagree with each other?

Can a Christian participate and fellowship in a
church that is not teaching the truth?

Are all people who claim to be Christians –
truly Christians?