---------------------------- Sermon Outline--------------------------------

Introduction: I Love the Church

I. The Nature of the Church

"The church is the community of all true believers for all time." [Wayne Grudem]                

    A. Words translated church

    B. Different Ways to Describe the Church

    C. The Local Church

        1. What makes a church a church?

II. The Necessity of the Church    

    A. The Church is Essential to Christ's Mission

        1. He died for the church

        2. He lives for the church

        3. He builds the church

        4. He will return for the church

    B. The Church is Essential to our Discipleship 

        1. The N.T. centers on the church

        2. Ephesians 4:11–12  

        3. 1 Corinthians chapter 12 

    C. The Church is Essential to Our Suffering and Rejoicing

    D. The Church is Essential to our Great Commission 

    E. The Church is Essential to our Worship

        1. 1 Peter 2:5 "A Royal Priesthood"

    F. The Church is Essential Not Optional

Conclusion: Do You Love the Church?