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 will never find the time for Service you will make to take time.
II: Who Does the Church Belong To?
1. “The church of God, which he hath purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28.
a. “Which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” Timothy 1 3:15.
b. “Upon this rock I will build my church.” Matthew 16:18.
III: Who Started the Church?
1. Every organization known by its founder, (John Hopkins, Washington, & Lee).
2. The church belongs to Jesus by conception, constitution, and government.
3. “Jesus laid the foundation of the church while here on earth.” Matthew 18:17.
4. “He is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first born from the dead.” Colossians 1:18.
a. He is still Her head.
b. We recognize no individual, or groups of individuals, that are the head of the church, (Local).
IV: What is the Church Like?
1. “The church is like a healthy body.” Corinthians 1 12:12.
2. Like a building: “Built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ, himself being the chief corner stone.” Ephesians 2:20.
3. “Like a bride.” Ephesians 5:25.
4. “The Church is like a fruitful vine.” John 15.
5. None like it ever made by man.
V: What is the Church’s Message?
1. The church has no meaning, no message, no mission apart from Christ.
2. Her message is god news for every human being.
3. Her message has been the Truth, popular or unpopular.
4. “Every member should know and tell the truth of sin and redemption.” Timothy 2 2:2.
5. “Jesus was not finding a cozy club when he began His church. Only the foolish think so.”
VI: Her Glorious Past:
1. The first members.
2. The line of martyrs.
3. Her past written in blood and poverty.
4. Her light flickered but never died.
05/12/1963: Perris Valley, Baptist
06/30/1968: Perris Valley, Baptist