The Church which Christ Builds

Overview of the book:

1-7 Characteristic of a holy man

8-10 Reminders and examples: good, warning, bad

11-??? The connection between Christ and a holy life

Sin, Sanctification, Holiness, The Fight, (out of order)Assurance, The Cost, Growth, Moses, Lot: A Beacon, A Woman to Be Remembered, Christ’s Greatest Trophy , The Ruler of the Waves, The Church Which Christ Builds, Visible Churches Warned

Intro:

(ESV) — 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots XIII. The Church Which Christ Builds

I. A Building: “My Church.”

II. A Builder: Christ says, “I will build my Church.”

III. A Foundation: “Upon this rock I will build my Church.”

IV. Perils Implied: “The gates of hell.”

V. Security Asserted: “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Ryles unfolds a critical topic for our consideration, what is the church? What is it like? What are its characteristics? Where is it found? Most importantly, how does scripture direct us in regards to the church by which Christ is the head?

A Building: My Church

There are many points in this section that a regular church goer recognizes as true:

this is not a building at all, but a group of people

made up of believers in Jesus Christ

includes God’s elect who have received His grace, washed in His blood and clothed in His righteousness, set apart for His service.

worship with one heart and led by one Spirit

It is this group of people that are the scaffolding behind which the building is erected.

Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots XIII. The Church Which Christ Builds

Small and despised as the true Church may be in this world, it is precious and honourable in the sight of God.

A Builder: I will build my Church