Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
December 2, 2018

What Did Christ Build?
by Robert Turner (Plain Talk, October 1970)
What did Christ build when He built the church? (Matthew 16:18). The figure is that of constructing a temple (1 Corinthians 3:10-17) where “lively stones” (1 Peter 2:5) are put together upon the “foundation”—the truth that Jesus is the Christ. (When messengers of Christ are considered the “builders” (1 Corinthians 3) or even the “foundation” (Ephesians 2:20-22), the essential truth is maintained—Christ is building His church; i.e., He is bringing together people who heed His call; and it is these people, when considered as a whole, He likens to a building.
What did Christ buy when he bought the church? (Acts 20:28). The figure is that of manumission—paying the price for a slave in order that he may be freed (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:22-23; Galatians 5:1). We were slaves of sin until we “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine,” freedom made possible by Christ's death on our behalf (Romans 6:1-18). So Christ “paid the price” for your sins, and mine. By His death He “acquired” (footnote, ASV) people, one by one, saving each from his sins as each one humbly submits to His will. The figure of buying the freedom of a slave may have been taken from the common practice of the first century, records of which are preserved to this day. Just remember, Christ bought people who, considered collectively, are called “the church.”
What did Christ cleanse when He cleansed the church? (Ephesians 5:25-27). He made clean those people who submit to “the washing of water with the word.” This figure is a common one— removal of sins likened to filth, washed from one’s clothes or body (Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). Since the application of “the water with the word” is obviously made to individuals, as each hears and learns the truth, and obeys it; we are again faced with the fact that Christ's cleansing of “the church” is the remission of sins which He makes possible for people, one by one, who are called “the church” when considered collectively.
See what Christ has done? He built the church, bought the church, cleansed the church. The foundation has been firmly laid, the purchase price paid, and the cleansing blood shed. His sacrifice of Himself was “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10), never to be repeated. But there is a sense in which the construction work continues as “lively stones” continue to be placed upon that foundation. The “price” for freedom from sin is still amply provided for all who will avail themselves of this marvelous opportunity. The cleansing power of the blood of Christ is yours and mine for the using—in coming to Him, and as we falter in His service. (See 1 John 1:7-2:3).
Christ did not build, buy, and cleanse some sort of vehicle into which you come, be seated, and ride home to heaven. He will build YOU into His building, buy YOU from your slavery to sin, and cleanse YOU from your spiritual filth; and then you will be a part of that body of people who have been saved by His grace, and have thus become the church of Christ.
If you’re reading this bulletin online:
2109 is fast approaching, and perhaps learning more about the Bible is one of your new year's resolutions. If you live in the Prattville, Alabama area and would be interested in a personal Bible study, please send us a message (prattmont@gmail.com). We would be happy to do this at your convenience—you can choose the time, the frequency and the place.
“Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship……….10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.