I gave a ride to a stranger the other night and he asked me where I went to church...without thinking I said I am the church....he said yes, I know what you are saying.
yes but the church has the keys or authority from Christ
matt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The authority of the church founded by Christ on Peter and the apostles and their successors!
Jesus Christ continues HIS ministry in His new covenant church thru Peter, the apostles, and their successors with the same mission, power, and authority!
Mt 16:18 Mt 28:19 Acts 1:17 acts 8:31 & 35 Lk 10:16 Jn 8:32 Jn 13:20 Jn 15:5 Jn 16:13 Jn 20:21-22 acts 9 eph 2:20
Lk 10:16
He who hears you hears me...
John 13:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Jesus Christ does not abandon His holy bride! Matt 28:19-20
Moral authority:
(Teaching)
Necessity of being taught by Christ:
Two edge sword:
Jurisdictional authority:
(Governing / administering)
Spiritual authority:
(Life of Grace)
Sacraments
1 Timothy 3:15
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.