The Importance of the Church
Matthew 16:13-18; Acts 2:41-47, I Peter 2:1-5 
 
 Lesson Aim: To show that Jesus established the local church to carry out not only His great commission, but also for the spiritual health of the believer. To show from the Bible, the importance of faithful attendance to the house of God on the Lord’s Day. To show the benefits provided the believer through attachment to a local church. 
 
I. The Three Biblical Types (symbols) of the church 
A. It is called a body I Cor. 12:12, 27
The symbolism- A body that’s dead serves no purpose- Rev. 3, the church in Sardis is called “dead”- The key to having a living faith and a lively church is found in Rev. 3:3.  The body has organization and structure- The members are properly placed- The Lord put the body together ((I Cor. 12:18)- Every member serves a purpose- Christ is the head (Col. 1:18)  There is unity, care and cooperation among the members of the body (I Cor. 12:20-21, 25)            
B. The church is a building    Eph. 2:19-22
It must have a good foundation- The Word of God- It builds strength into the body- It is the foundation for doctrine, preaching, and planningThe building must have builders (I Cor. 3:9-10)Every building has a purpose (Eph. 3:21)
C. It is called the bride  Eph. 5:30-32
There is a marriage day (salvation). 
A bride is submissive (Eph. 5:24) 
The groom seeks the best for his bride  A bride seeks to live pure and faithful (Eph. 5:26-27) 
 
 II. The Seven Marks of a Spiritual Church 
          A. In a spiritual church there will be prayer 
Acts 1:14—church at Jerusalem begun after prayer
Acts 4:31—Power in prayer.  Weak praying leads to weak churches

                B. In a spiritual church, there will be unity

Acts 2:1Eph. 4:3Eph. 4:27  
C. In a spiritual church, there will be giving
Acts 2:44-45----Giving is a matter of the heart  
D. In a spiritual church, there will be Bible preaching and Bible teaching
I Peter 2:2----This is a must for spiritual growth of members  
E. In a spiritual church, there will be fellowship
Fellowship - “To share interest, feelings and companionship with others.” Acts. 2:42, Amos 3:3  
F. In a spiritual church there will be joy and a good testimony
Acts 2:46 - joy Acts 2:47 - “having favor”, testimony  
G. In a spiritual church, there will be evangelism

Acts 2:47 Word of God by word of mouth.

III. The Man Who Stayed Home From Church—
              Thomas (John 20:19-31)  

He missed out on the fellowship (v.24)

He missed the Lord’s blessing (v. 19)

He missed the Lord’s great commission (v.21)

He missed the filling of the Holy Spirit (v.22)

He was ashamed when the Lord returned (v. 27-29