A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the universal Church is the body of Christ and the bride of the Lamb, serving as the habitation of God through the Spirit. He describes the local church as a community of redeemed individuals, a minority group on earth, and a representation of the Invisible God. Tozer warns against viewing churches merely as projects or works, asserting that a true church is a supernatural entity that descends from the original church in Jerusalem. He highlights that the spiritual essence of a church is unique to a group of renewed believers, while its social aspects are secondary and can be imitated by any organization. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the church's divine nature and purpose.

John Nelson Darby explores the first epistle to the Corinthians, emphasizing the distinction between being 'sanctified in Christ Jesus' and merely calling on the name of the Lord. He highlights the importance of the local church in Corinth as a representation of the broader Christian community, addressing both their gifts and shortcomings. Darby notes that while the Corinthians were enriched with spiritual gifts, they lacked grace and were warned about their behavior. He underscores the faithfulness of God in confirming believers to the end, despite their current failings, and stresses the necessity of recognizing the true nature of wisdom and understanding in relation to God. Ultimately, he presents a comprehensive view of what it means to be a Christian, rooted in Christ's wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the Church as the cosmic expression of Christ, highlighting its spiritual nature and accountability to God. He discusses the essential elements of life, light, and love as manifestations of Christ within the Church, asserting that true expression comes from the resurrection life of Christ. The Church's role is not merely doctrinal but to embody the life of Christ, which is inherently reproductive and transformative. Sparks stresses that love, rooted in the understanding of the Cross, is fundamental to the Church's growth and unity, and that spiritual knowledge is a byproduct of love. Ultimately, the Church's testimony must reflect the life, light, and love of Christ to the world.

T. Austin-Sparks concludes his series on the Church by emphasizing the pivotal role of Stephen in the New Testament, highlighting how his martyrdom marked a significant turning point for Christianity. Stephen's vision of Jesus at the right hand of God signifies the shift from a Judaistic system to a universal, spiritual Church, emphasizing that the old order centered around the Temple is now obsolete. This moment not only serves as a shock to the early Church but also foreshadows the scattering of believers and the rise of a new, heavenly order. Sparks draws parallels between Stephen's insights and the Letter to the Hebrews, urging contemporary Christians to recognize the profound implications of this transition. He calls for a deeper understanding of the Church's identity and mission in light of these revelations.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound nature of the Church as depicted in Ephesians, portraying it as the mystical body of Christ, where He is the head and believers are the members. He illustrates that the Church is not merely a collection of congregations but a unified entity destined for glory, reflecting God's wisdom and purpose. Meyer highlights the Church's role as a building for God, constructed on the foundation of Christ, and stresses the importance of obedience to Christ's commands. He concludes by affirming the Church's ultimate purpose is to glorify God, united in love and purpose, akin to the relationship between Christ and His bride.

Harry Ironside addresses the debate surrounding the nature of the Church as depicted in the book of Acts, arguing against ultradispensationalist views that suggest a transitional period between the law and grace. He emphasizes that the Church, the Body of Christ, was formed at Pentecost through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and that the apostles were fully aware of their mission to spread the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. Ironside asserts that the Church is one and indivisible, and that the teachings of Paul and the other apostles were consistent throughout their ministries, without a significant break in the dispensation of grace. He concludes that the Church of God, purchased by Christ's blood, remains unified and is not divided by differing interpretations of Scripture. The sermon calls for a careful reading of Acts and the epistles to understand the continuity of the Church's mission.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the spiritual battleground between the old humanity and the new humanity as depicted in the letters to the Corinthians. He highlights the necessity of relying on God's power and grace, acknowledging that true spiritual growth comes from conforming to the image of Christ rather than adhering to worldly wisdom or practices. Sparks points out that the church's purpose is to express Jesus Christ, and warns against the dangers of allowing the old humanity to infiltrate the new life in Christ. He encourages believers to focus on the person of Jesus and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, leading to a greater measure of Christ in the church. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep reflection on how much of Christ is present in individual lives and the collective body of believers.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the House of God as depicted in Ezekiel, warning against reducing spiritual truths to mere technical systems that can stifle the life within the Church. He highlights that the House is not a system but a spiritual entity centered on Christ, where God's glory, government, and life flow freely. Sparks urges believers to recognize the vastness of Christ and His Church, cautioning against the tendency to confine them to human understanding. He stresses the importance of maintaining a spiritual perspective to ensure the Church remains vibrant and effective under God's governance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper appreciation of the life that emanates from the true House of God.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the ongoing battle against Satan's deception throughout the Bible, illustrating how humility and a genuine pursuit of Christ's revelation protect believers from such deceptions. He highlights that true knowledge of Christ comes not from human intellect but through divine revelation, as seen in Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah. Poonen warns against the dangers of seeking one's own interests, which he identifies as the root of sin, and stresses the importance of building a church centered on Christ rather than on human ambition or material gain. He encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of God’s character, which is rooted in love and kindness, rather than fear and self-interest. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a church that reflects the love of Christ, where members do not seek their own but rather serve one another in humility.

William MacDonald emphasizes that the Church is not merely an organization but a living organism, a body of believers united in Christ through the Holy Spirit. He defines the Church using various metaphors such as a flock, God's husbandry, and the body of Christ, illustrating its vital role in worship and community. MacDonald also discusses the mission of the Church, highlighting the importance of preaching the gospel and grounding believers in the truths of the Church. He argues that the Church began on the day of Pentecost, marking a significant moment in God's plan for humanity. Ultimately, he calls for Christians to devote themselves to the Church's expansion and spiritual welfare.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformation of Christianity from its original spiritual essence to a more formal and institutionalized structure by the end of the apostolic age. He highlights the Apostle Paul's letters to Timothy as a call to recover the true nature of the Church, which is a spiritual entity governed by the Holy Spirit, rather than a mere organization. Sparks argues that the Church exists to embody the testimony of Jesus, demonstrating His living presence and victory over death. He stresses the importance of viewing the Church from Heaven's perspective, where it is seen as a unified body of believers rather than divided sects. Ultimately, the Church's mission is to express the nature of Christ and maintain the testimony of Jesus in a world that seeks to undermine it.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Church is not a physical building or organization, but rather the living union of believers with Christ. He explains that God intentionally chooses the weak and foolish to demonstrate His power, transcending human limitations and abilities. This union with the risen Christ allows believers to access divine resources and capabilities that surpass worldly standards. Sparks warns against complacency in weakness, urging believers to actively engage in God's work through their union with Christ. Ultimately, the Church is a manifestation of Christ's power in and through His people.

John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound nature of the Church as Christ's representative on earth, highlighting its role as an 'epistle of Christ' that reveals God's grace and power. He distinguishes between the Church, the Kingdom, and the salvation of souls, asserting that while the Church is a body united with Christ, the Kingdom represents God's reign and power. Darby discusses the Church's current position, its hope in being united with Christ in heaven, and its calling to be a faithful witness on earth. He stresses the importance of the Church's dependence on Christ for power and guidance, and the necessity of maintaining a constant reference to Him in all its activities. Ultimately, the Church's occupation is to live in communion with Christ, reflecting His nature and purpose in the world.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the simplicity and beauty of the church as envisioned by Christ and depicted in the New Testament, contrasting it with the complex and unsymmetrical nature of modern churches. He argues that if an angel were to search for the true church today, it might struggle to recognize it amidst the current religious landscape. Tozer defines the church as a gathering of regenerate believers, called out from the world to worship Christ, embodying a moral contradiction to societal norms. This community is tasked with sharing the gospel and nurturing one another through worship, teaching, and the exercise of spiritual gifts.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the essence of the Church is Christ Himself, arguing that Christianity has strayed from its original simplicity and has become entangled in human systems and control. He highlights the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught, and warns against the dangers of man trying to impose his own understanding on divine matters. Sparks points out that the true Church is not defined by geography or human structures but is formed by the presence of Christ among believers. He calls for a return to the foundational principle that the Church is Christ corporate, and that the presence of the Lord is the ultimate measure of any church's validity. The sermon concludes with a reminder that in times of shaking, only what is rooted in the presence of the Lord will endure.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Church is the body of Christ, designed to fulfill God's eternal purpose by revealing His fullness through a chosen company of believers. He clarifies that this elect group is not merely about salvation but about being called to a divine purpose, transcending denominational boundaries to embody a spiritual unity. The Church is described as a living organism, where true membership is based on vital connection to Christ rather than mere understanding of doctrine. Sparks highlights the importance of recognizing the Church's role in spiritual growth, linking it to the revelation of Christ and the Apostle Paul's deeper insights into this truth.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the church is not merely a building but an assembly of individuals, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in the health of the church. He warns against the dangers of becoming stagnant, where the church falls into a cycle of rote, rut, and ultimately rot, due to self-righteousness, judgment, and complacency among its members. Tozer asserts that the character of the church reflects the individuals within it, and true improvement must start with personal introspection rather than pointing fingers at others. He calls for a return to recognizing the church as a community of real people, urging members to take ownership of their roles in fostering a vibrant church life.

Paul Washer emphasizes the urgent need for the church to return to the sufficiency of Scripture and the importance of deep theological understanding. He laments the current state of the church, which he believes has strayed from biblical truth and is filled with ignorance about God, the gospel, and the nature of true conversion. Washer calls for men of God to be grounded in prayer and the Word, warning against the distractions of modern culture and the superficiality of contemporary church practices. He stresses that true regeneration and understanding of the gospel are essential for a vibrant faith and a healthy church. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God and to uphold the truth of Scripture in all aspects of church life.

G.W. North emphasizes the unique nature of the Church as it transitions from its Jewish roots to a Gentile fullness, as illustrated by the writings of Luke and Paul. He argues that the Church must adhere to the inspired form of worship and order established in the New Testament, particularly in Paul's letters, to avoid misguided human interpretations. North asserts that the Church, like God, is incomparable and should not deviate from its divine institution. Any attempt to create a church that strays from this model is fundamentally flawed and cannot match the original intent of God. Ultimately, the true Church must strive to reflect the nature and order that God has ordained.