How would you explain the church? Would that explanation differ from how Jesus would explain the church — His people? This lesson considers how starting with Christ and His words is essential for revealing the church to the world. If our explanation of the church does not begin with Christ and His words, would we describe another church: our family’s church, a television church, and a dream church? There are people skilled in making churches for the masses. However, Jesus did not always please the masses. The Christian plea to the world should be that everyone follow Christ to His church, and not to follow a church to their version of Christ. What are some qualities that Jesus described about His church? This lesson will simply turn to Jesus and His words to see the church of Christ.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-19 (read by Ken Adams)

Lesson by Scott Shifferd

Recorded June 26, 2016 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL