TITLE: THE KIND OF CHURCH GOD WANTS US TO BE (I)
TEXT: MATTHEW 16:18
Introduction: The church is the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 1:20, 2 l )
I One That Is Alive In Christ (Eph. 2: l-10)
a) The past sinfulness
b) Their present blessedness Are we alive in Christ? Filled with his word?
II One That Is Close To Him (Eph. 2:1 1-22)
a) Once without hope and God
b) Now made nigh by blood of Christ Are we fitly framed together with the Lord?
III One That Is At Peace With God (Eph. 2: 11-22)
a) Christ broke the wall of partition
b) The marriage illustration Are we at peace with God and one another?
IV One That Manifest God's Wisdom (Eph 3 :1-21 )
a) Preach the unsearchable riches of Christ
b) To help men see the wisdom of God Are we true to this reason of our existence?
Conclusion: The church of Christ is the bride of Christ ! If presented pure and without blemish, it will be taken to glory at his coming. Even the gates of hell cannot prevail against it.
TITLE: WHAT JESUS LOOKS FOR IN A CHURCH (I)
TEXT: REVELATION 1:14
Introduction: In Revelations 2 & 3, Jesus wrote 7 letters to 7 churches telling each what he required of them. It is our purpose in these lessons to discover their characteristics and claim them for our lives. This lesson is from Rev. 2.
1. Works (verses 2, 9, 13 & 19)
2. Labour (verses 2, 3, 9, 19)
3. Patience (verses 2, 3, 29)
4. Remember, Repent & Do according to your first love (v. 51)
5. Fearlessness (verses 10, 3)
6. Faithfulness (verses 10, 1 9)
7. Steadfastness (verses 1 3, 25 )
8. Purity in morals (verses 14)
9. Love (verse 19)
10. Purity in doctrines (verse 20)
Conclusion: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
TITLE: WHAT JESUS LOOKS FOR IN A CHURCH (II)
TEXT: REVELATIONS 1:14
Introduction: Revelation 3 goes on to conclude the rest of the 7 letters to the 7 churches by Jesus. Let us continue in our search for the things that Jesus looked for in His church.
1. Truthfulness to His name (verse 1 )
a) Be watchful
b) Strengthen the things that remain
c) Perfect yourworks by
i) Remembering
ii) Holding fast
iii) Repenting
2. Strength (verse 8)
3. Zeal (verse 13)
4. True values (verse 14)
a) Contrast this with Rev. 2:9
b) What to do:
i) Be tried
ii) Be clothed
iii) Be cleansed
5. Responsiveness (verse 20)
Conclusion: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
