TITLE: There is One Body
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
PROPOSITION: The church is the only body of Christ.
QUESTION: Why?
KEY WORD: Reasons
SCRIPTURE READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Matthew 16:18 I will build my church
2. Acts 20:28 purchased with his blood
3. 1 Corinthians 12:20 many members, but one body
4. Ephesians 4:4 There is one body
5. There are five reasons to be considered.

Jesus and apostles taught there is one body

1. Romans 12:4
2. 1 Corinthians 12:13
3. Passages cited above.

Design of the church was to be only one

1. Ephesians 2:15-16 Reconciled Jew and gentile into one body
2. Galatians 3:28 Not Jew or Greek, male or female – all one
3. 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 single spiritual feast (LS) for the body

Metaphors used demand only one body

1. Door and sheepfold – John 10:7, 9
2. Vine and branches – John 15:1-8
3. Head and body – Ephesians 1:22-23
4. King and kingdom – John 18:37
5. Groom and bride – Ephesians 5:25-33
6. High priest and temple – Hebrews 3:1
7. Stones and building – 1 Peter 2:5-8

One can not teach differing doctrines

1. Matthew 15:7-9 teaching for doctrines the commandments of men
2. Mark 7:6-9 Make void the word of God to keep traditions
3. Only way to have any denomination exist = teach their doctrines, traditions

One body is practicable

1. It will work; designed by the Savior
2. Not until 1,000 years later – split by Orthodox over icons
3. Many congregations exist – not connected to any group.
   Just follow the Bible – Juan Monroy, Spain; House of Prayer, Russia;
   Nigeria, Africa; Many other examples around the world
4. Here in USA – B. W. Stone – KY; Campbells – WV; James O’Kelley, VT

Conclusion

1. There is only one body (church) of our Lord.
2. Read, obey the Bible = member of His church
3. Avoid all denominational doctrines – Obey Jesus.