Joy in Belongings
Acts 20:28, Isaiah 52: Isaiah 52: “How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings that publish peace; that bringeth good tidings of good that publish salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” I: An Exalted Opinion Necessary. 1. Americans are great joiners. 2. Different reasons for joining: a. Privileges it affords. b. Opportunities of service. c. Social contacts. d. The prestige it gives. e. The sheer joy of serving with that group. 3. One must appreciate the privileges of church membership to hold an exalted opinion of the church. 4. Ignorance of the Church character causes one to treat Her membership lightly. 5. To know the true character of the church, it will thrill our hearts and demand our loyalty. You...
Church
Ephesians 2:1-10, 5:25-27, Romans 5:1-9, & 6:1-16 Ecclesia translated “Church” occurs three times in Matthew, 23 times in Acts, 62 times in Paul’s letters, twice in Hebrews, once in James, three times in the third Epistle of John, and 20 times in Revelations. Jesus did not coin this word, it was in common use before he used it. Ecclesia occurs 114 times in New Testament. Only twice does it refer to the redeemed of all time. I: Jesus Never Built Anything After He Left the Carpenter Shop, but His Church. 1. Christ is the designer. He designed it for his kingdom purpose. 2. He is the architect. He tells us what kind of material to build with. 3. He is the builder. He fits every piece. 4. He is the foundation. The strong refused by Israel. 5. He...
Man Is A Standard
Corinthians 1 6:15-20, Ephesians 4:1-7, & Psalms 24:1-2 Man may strut across the pages of history like a peacock, & die like a buzzard. Man may put up his posted ‘keep out’ signs, but cold and lifeless hands hold nothing. No man can say his life is his own and he can do as he pleases with it. I: No Man Is Self-Made. 1. God made man. 2. Every breath belongs to God. 3. Every drop of blood is His. 4. When man thinks of himself as owner of time and things, he loses the touch of eternity on his mind and soul. 5. Man is a steward and that cannot be changed. II: God Has Attached Responsibility to Man’s Stewardship. 1. “The Earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof,” Psalms 24:1. 2. “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh...
The Church Body
Corinthians 1 12:1-27 Distinction had the Corinthian Church. I: Organization: 1. God’s first laws of the Universe is order. 2. Man accomplishes more by organization. 3. The Corinthians failed to see that the church was not a hit and miss organization. 4. The church had many functional parts, but one director. 5. The organization and placing of parts was the work of the Holy Spirit. 6. The correct function of every member was necessary for profitable existence. Every member contributing to the welfare of the church. II: Corporation: 1. Paul used the human body to illustrate. a. The body has many members. b. The body can operate without some members, but it will be handicapped. (Adel Blaylock, Homer Callahand) 2. No room for self-depreciation, Verses 15-16. ...
Baptist & the Real Church
“Christ Loved the Church.” Ephesians 5:25 Where and when did the Church begin? What constitutes a New Testament church? What is the mission of the church? Why was not the work of a church left to individuals? Has Christ other organizations set up to do what he left for the church to do? I: When was the Church Organized? New Testament is the last word! 1. Was it during the days of Christ on earth, or at the day of Pentecost? a. A New Testament church is identified by New Testament standards. b. “Baptist Churches would not be effected if every man made creed were wiped out.” Dr. E. C. Routh. 2. Jesus founded the Church while he was here in the flesh. a. They were baptized believers that made up the little band. Acts 1:21-22. b. They were...