AM Sermon 3/6/11: Church Misconceptions

Published July 24, 2012 by admin in Sermon Outlines

AM Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3.8-12

Brent T. Willey

CHURCH MISCONCEPTIONS

Introduction:

Paul stated that the church was a manifestation of God’s manifold wisdom (Eph. 3.10-11). How can that be? Only because it was designed and built by Christ (Matt. 16.18)!
Yet, misconceptions about the church sadly abound…

The Church Is Not:	The Church Is:
A. Composed of perfect people.	Made up of people who follow a perfect Savior!
* 2 Cor. 5.21; Heb. 4.15; 7.26; 1 Pet. 2.22
B. Composed of people claiming to better than others.	Made up of people who wish to better themselves!
* Phil. 3.12-14; James 1.21-27
C. Composed of sinless people.	Made up of people who acknowledge their faults!
* Prov. 28.13; 1 John 1.8-10; James 5.16
D. Composed of people who want to be isolated from others.	Made up of people seeking fellowship with God!
* 1 John 1.5-7; Eph. 5.11
E. Composed of people trying to impose man-made rules	Made up of people who want to emphasize sound doctrine!
* Titus 2.1; 2 Tim. 4.2-4; Matt. 7.21-23
F. Composed of people wishing take joy away from others.	Made up of people who are trying to instill holiness!
* 1 Pet. 1.13-16; Rom. 12.1-2; Phil. 4.4
G. Composed of people trying to separate you from your money.	Made up of people who realize money can separate one from God!
* Matt. 6.19-21; 1 Tim. 6.6-10
H. Composed of people trying to rob you of your precious time.	Made up of people who wish to establish proper priorities!
* 1 Sam. 2.30; Matt. 6.33; John 6.27

Conclusion: To be a Christian is to be a faithful member of Christ’s church. One cannot be a Christian outside Christ’s body, His church!