A. Christs Promise: Matthew 16:13-19

B. Many have a "low view" (and wrong view) of the church (contributing to this is premillennialism, American culture, the spirit of rebellion and denominationalism itself).

C. The importance of the Lords church:

1. In Gods eternal purpose: Ephesians 3:8-11; Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:44-45; Mark 9:1

2. Composed of all the saved: Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23; 2:14-16; Colossians 3:15

3. The pillar and ground of truth: 1 Timothy 3:15

4. The place of all spiritual blessings: Ephesians 1:3; 1:21-23; Colossians 2:9; Ephesians 3:15; 1 Timothy 3:15

5. The place where God is glorified: Ephesians 3:20-21

A. Contrary to unity: Matthew 12:25

B. Contrary to the Lords prayer: John 17:20-21

C. Contrary to New Testament teaching: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 3:3-4; Philippians 3:16; Romans 15:5-6; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8

D. Contrary to the Nature of the Church: Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 20; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4:4-5

A. IN ORIGIN: Matthew 15:13; Psalm 127:1; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:22-23

B. IN NAME: Romans 16:16; Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17

C. IN DOCTRINE: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3; 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:2; Galatians 1:6-9; Proverbs 30:5-6; 1 Timothy 4:1ff; 2 John 9

D. IN PRACTICE: 2 Timothy 1:13; Proverbs 14:12; Matthew 7:21-23; 15:7-9

E. IN ORGANIZATION: Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5

CONCLUSION: The plea of churches of Christ for undenominational Christianity!

A. Restoration of New Testament Christianity, including Bible teaching about the church.

B. Removing all barriers of man-made doctrines, traditions and practices.

C. The church of Christ is NOT a denomination.

John M. Brown