STUDY 50   3rd Sunday in Advent

THEME:   COVENANT WITH THE LIVING GOD
SUB THEME:   The Church and covenant with the living God
TOPIC:   The Church of Christ-What it is
TEXT:   Rom 12:1-5; Rev 7:9-15

AIMS:
To define the Church of Christ and its composition.

INTRODUCTION:
The Church of Christ is the body of all true believers bound by the core beliefs of the virgin birth, suffering, death, ressurection, ascension and the coming back in glory of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the world (Saints alive). it is the assembly of redeemed people in all the ages who confessed Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Saints Triumphant). The true body of Christ is not just a grooup of individuals that worship under one roof, registered as members of a particular local assembly or denomination that meet with common and sustained financial obligations. It is only God who knows those whow are believers and qualified for God's eternal kingdom. (2 Tim. 2:19).

STUDY GUIDE:
1. Using the following Biblical references give a charateristics description of what the Church of Christ is: 1Cor 12:13; Col. 1:23-24: Rev 7:9-15.
2. How do simple folks conceive the Church of Christ in our age? 1Cor. 1:10-13.
3. What was Jesus' wish for His Church? John 17: 20-23; Rom. 12:4-8.
4. From your experience, discuss how denominationalism affects the Church of God today?.

CONCLUSION:
The Church of Christ is made up of saints here on earth and the saints triumplant in heaven. Let is all continue to strive to be among the saints here on earth so as to be numebered among the saints in heaven..

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Physical buildings and denominationalism may divide the Church, but faith and holiness will unite her.

MEMORY VERSE:
1COR.12:13 "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Spirit."