5. Scripture also speaks of a visible Church, of visible congregations of Christians. A visible Church is the number of all those who call themselves Christians, who profess their faith in Christ and are gathered about God's Word. In these visible congregations there are not only true believers, but also hypocrites, who indeed confess the Christian faith, but do not believe in their Savior. Among the visible churches there are many false churches and one true visible Church. The true visible Church teaches and confesses the Word of God in all its purity, without false doctrines. This true visible Church is the Evangelical Lutheran Church. To this Church we ought to belong, and to no other; for our Lord says: "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth; and the truth shall make you free." John 8, 31.32. "Beware of false prophets!" Matt. 7,15.
REMEMBER:—
1. Let it be your earnest concern to be and remain a member of the invisible Church of Christ; remain steadfast in the true faith. He that believes, and He only, shall be saved.
2. Let it also be your earnest concern to belong to the true visible Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In this Church the pure Word is preached, the Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation. Avoid all false churches. "Beware of false prophets!"
3. Pray and work with all diligence for your Church that it may be maintained and extended. Matt. 28,19.
MEMORIZE:—
The Lord knoweth them that are His. 2 Tim. 2,19.
Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matt. 16,18.
Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 3,11.
If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth; and the truth shall make you free. John 8,31.32.