FAP Indoctrination Series #2: What is the True Church?

Lesson Objective

To explain the biblical definition of the true Church as the body of believers saved by grace through faith in Christ and to dismantle the false claim that any denomination (including the SDA Church) holds exclusive remnant status.

Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

I. The Church in the New Testament (10 min)

• The word “church” (Greek ekklesia) means “called-out ones.”
• It refers to all believers in Jesus Christ, not an institution.

Key Verse:

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." Matthew 16:18 (CSB)

II. Marks of the True Church (15 min)

Based on biblical teaching:

1.) Preaches the true Gospel (Galatians 1:8-9)

"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him!" Galatians 1:8-9 (CSB)

2.) Administers baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:41-42)

"So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer." Acts 2:41-42 (CSB)

3.) Practices church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17)

“If your brother sins against you, go tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he won’t listen, take one or two others with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. If he doesn’t pay attention to them, tell the church. If he doesn’t pay attention even to the church, let him be like a Gentile and a tax collector to you." Matthew 18:15-17 (CSB)

4.) Teaches the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27)

"Because I did not avoid declaring to you the whole plan of God." Acts 20:27 (CSB)

5.) Exists wherever believers gather in Jesus' name (Matthew 18:20)

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20 (CSB)

Illustration: A hospital isn’t a building—it’s wherever doctors and nurses treat patients. Similarly, the Church is where believers worship Christ together.

III. Debunking the “Remnant Church” Claim (10 min)

Key Points:

• The SDA Church claims to be the only true remnant.
• The Bible teaches that the remnant are those faithful to Christ across history, in any place.

Key Verse:

Revelation 12:17 (properly interpreted in its original context) refers to faithful believers in Christ across history, in any place. Not an institutionalized denomination

"So the dragon was furious with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep the commands of God and hold firmly to the testimony about Jesus." Revelation 12:17 (CSB)

IV. Decision Time (5 min)

Will you trust in Christ’s universal Church or an institution claiming exclusivity?

Closing Prayer (5 min)

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for revealing through Your Word the truth about Your Church, not as a denomination or earthly institution claiming exclusive authority, but as the body of believers called out by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you for reminding us today that the true Church is built upon the unshakable foundation of Christ alone and that it stretches across generations, nations, and congregations of those who trust in His finished work.

In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

For more inquiries, contact us:

• Email: formeradventist.ph@gmail.com
• Website: formeradventistph.blogspot.com
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• Phone: 09695143944