Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 12:13–14

Introduction

A. If the church was so important to the Lord that He built it Himself and personally insured its endurance, isn’t it reasonable to suppose He would have left some means of identifying and accessing it?

B. As God designated a place for David’s children and promised its perseverance, surely we can find God’s designated place today.

Discussion

I. In OT times, God designated certain places for certain purposes.

A. He designated places for healing (Numbers 21:8; 2 Kings 5:10).

B. He designated places of safety (Genesis 7:23; 19:21; Exodus 12:22; Numbers 35:9–15; Joshua 2:18–19).

C. He designated places of worship (Genesis 22:2; Exodus 3:12; Leviticus 17:8–9; Deuteronomy 12:5; 1 Kings 9:3).

II. Where are these designated places today?

A. One finds healing at the same moment he enters the kingdom, that is, when he is baptized (Acts 2:38–47; 1 Peter 3:21; 1 Corinthians 12:13).

B. One finds security in the eternal house of God (Ephesians 5:23; John 10:28–29).

C. We offer our worship to God in His church (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:20; Hebrews 10:25).

Conclusion

A. Of all the churches in existence today, there is only one which matches the description of the church that Jesus built (Ephesians 4:4).

B. To become a member of that church, you must be added by the Lord after the prescribed manner (Acts 2:47).

C. In so doing, you can be a citizen in the kingdom that will stand forever (Hebrews 12:25–28).