AM Sermon 5/4/14: Why the “Lord’s” Church?
AM Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4. 1-6
This Morning’s Sermon:
Brent T. Willey
Why The “Lord’s” Church?
Introduction:
- We must be members of the church, but not just any church…
- Unfortunate Fact: There are many “churches” in the world, many which claim to be following biblical teachings.
- Is that possible in light of Eph. 4.1-6?
- This fact emphasizes our need to recognize the characteristics of the Lord’s church as seen in the New Testament.
IT TEACHES THE PURE GOSPEL
- There is only one true gospel! (Gal. 1.6-9)
- The “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20.27-32; 2 Tim. 3.16-17).
- The saving gospel! (Rom. 1.16-17; Mark 16.15-16)
IT WEARS CHRIST’S NAME
- After all, it is Christ’s church! (Matt. 16.18)
- Collectively, as the church. (Rom. 16.16)
- Individually, as Christians. (Acts 11.26; 1 Pet. 4.16)
- The danger of sectarianism. (1 Cor. 1.10-13; 3.1-4)
IT HONORS BIBLICAL PATTERNS
- God always used patterns. (Gen. 6; Exod. 25.9; Heb. 8.2-5)
- The New Testament contains within it the specific pattern for the Lord’s church! (Eph. 2.13-22)
- Worship – Work – Organization (John 4.23) (Eph. 4.10-11) (Phil. 1.1; 1 Pet. 5.2)
IT SEEKS AUTHORIZED WORSHIP
- Contextual biblical preaching. (Acts 2.42; 20.7)
- Weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper. (1 Cor. 11.23-26)
- Weekly financial collection. (1 Cor. 16.1-2)
- Singing “psalms, hymns & spiritual songs” (Col. 3.16-17).
- Spiritual fellowship & prayers. (Acts 2.42)
IT EMPHASIZES EVANGELISM
- The Great Commission! (Matt. 28.18-20; Mark 16.15-16)
- It cares about winning souls! (Prov. 11.30; 1 Thess. 1.8)
Conclusion: The Lord’s true church is “the pillar ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3.15)!
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