The Universal and Local Church: Membership Differences

I. Introduction: We sometimes hear the terms universal and local church. Yet we may have some misunderstanding about what they mean or why it is important.

II. Text: Matthew 22:1-14

III. The terms

IV. We do not find the designations “universal church” and “local church” in the scriptures but the concept exists in the New Testament.

V. Definition

VI. The local church is a church that meets in a particular locality.

VII. The church in Jerusalem (Acts 11:22), the seven churches of Asia from Revelation 2 and 3 are biblical examples of this use.

VIII. The Northwood church would be an example of a local church.

IX. The universal church comprises all believers in Christ.

X. Hebrews 12:22-23 – The assembly of the firstborn

XI. Ephesians 5:25-27 – Jesus died for the church to purify it

XII. The universal church is not made up of churches but people.

XIII. In the Catholic system, the Roman Catholic Church is one church made up of many local churches.

XIV. 1 Corinthians 12:20-27 – Members individually of the body

XV. There are only saved people in the universal church.

XVI. As Hebrews 12 said, the universal church consists of those whose names are registered in heaven.

XVII. 1 John 3:18-24 – Abiding in Jesus in obedience

XVIII. The local church can have members who are unfaithful

XIX. Churches

XX. Revelation 2:12-16 – Some hold idolatrous doctrines

XXI. Revelation 2:18-23 – Some follow a “Jezebel”

XXII. Revelation 3:1-5 – Some dead will be punished while the faithful will be rewarded.

XXIII. Marriage Feast

XXIV. Matthew 22:1-14

XXV. Some who were invited would be cast out if not prepared

XXVI. 1 Corinthians 3:9-17 – Build carefully

XXVII. The materials are people who are taught

XXVIII. When persecutions and trials come (or the Day of Judgment) some will become stronger some will perish.

XXIX. The person who does the teaching will keep his reward though some he taught might fall away.

XXX. This should remind us the Parable of the Sower that some would receive the word but soon fall away.

XXXI. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 – But if they are saved it is joy for the teacher

XXXII. The individuals make up the temple of God.

XXXIII. There are only saved people in the universal church but there can be unfaithful people in the local church (Chart)

XXXIV. Do not think that because the local church recognizes you as a member that you will automatically be in heaven.

XXXV. Some may come on a regular basis and share fellowship with us but not share fellowship with God.

XXXVI. The churches in Revelation and the marriage feast

XXXVII. The church in Corinth recognized the man who had his father’s wife as a member but he was lost.

XXXVIII. Acts 20:28-30 – False teaching would arise from within the church

XXXIX. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 – Some will depart from the faith

XXXX. We can know by judging our lives

XXXXI. 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 – Prove yourselves

XXXXII. James 1:21-25 – Examine your life with the word of God

XXXXIII. 1 John 3 (already read) – Know whether we are keeping the commandments of God and if our heart approves or condemns us

XXXXIV. Do not let your faith be destroyed by the unfaithfulness of local church members

XXXXV. Some become discouraged when they see hypocrisy in members.

XXXXVI. Some see carnally minded petty bickering and become dissatisfied.

XXXXVII. The Bible teaches us that there will be such people in the church.

XXXXVIII. James 3:13-4:4 – We become enemies of God when we become carnal

XXXXIX. 1 Timothy 1:18-20 – Hymaneus and Alexander are examples

XXXXX. 3 John 9-11 – Diotrophes is an example of this

XXXXXI. Our faith must not rest in the members of the church but in Christ who built it.

XXXXXII. 2 Timothy 4:16-18 – Though all forsake us, God will not forsake us

XXXXXIII. Jude 14-25 – Keep faith in God amid the mockers and complainers

XXXXXIV. As brethren, we can edify or destroy one another; it is our decision and what we choose depends on our relationship to God.

XXXXXV. Conclusion: Do not put your trust in your membership in the local church. Do not put your trust in being a member of a church of Christ. If you are not a member of Christ then local church membership will profit you nothing. If you are not a member of Christ, you can become one by putting on Christ, Galatians 3:26-27.