Main Text: 1 Peter 2:4-10
Memory Verse: 1Peter. 2:9
Jesus in His lifetime made reference to two main aspects of the Church. These are the Church Universal and the Church Local.
The Church Universal
• The Church Universal comprise all people of God in generations past and present, and yet to come, who have accepted and will accept the Lord Jesus as their Lord and personal Saviour from nations, tribes, tongues and kindred. i.e. all over the world.
• These Christians could also be identified as:
Royal priesthood, holy nation and people belonging to God.
Christians all over the world are in one family which is the Church Universal with Christ as the Head. As members of one family we should therefore love one another.
The Church Local
• In the local setting, the word "Church" applies to a group of professing believers located and fellowshipping in a particular place (Rom.16:3-15).
• It is not enough to belong to the Church Universal hence the need to belong to the Church Local for meaningful and active fellowship.
• The Church Local has in place administrative structures for her effective functioning. These could be the District Pastor, Presiding Elder, other Elders and Officers who help in the administration of the Church.
Points for Discussion
1. What do you understand by the Church Universal?
2. How are we to relate to people in other Denominations and other Faiths?
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