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The Kind of Church Jesus Desires Matthew 16.15-18 Introduction: Why does our sign read "Church of Christ"? Is it simply a branding decision? Our text reads: "I will build my church." A logical question is, "What kind of church did Jesus build?" And, are we that kind of a church? I) Some Facts About Jesus' Church A) It is His church (ownership) 1. He gave Himself for it, purchased it with His blood, Ephesians 5.25 2. He is the head of it, Colossians 1.18 a. Headship denotes leadership, authority. b. That is why the sign out front reads "Church of Christ" because it is His church; denotes ownership. B) The composition of His church 1. Composed of the saved, Acts 2.47 2. Who are the saved? Those who have been sanctified, the saints, 1 Corinthians 1.2 3. Composed of all of the saved. Those who have passed away are still members of His church; those who are living faithfully today are members of His church. C) It is a unified church 1. Everybody talks about unity and we admire true unity; unity in marriage, in sports, in work, etc. 2.The "what" of unity is in Ephesians 4.1-3 3. The "how" of unity is in Ephesians 4.4-6 a. There is one body meaning there is one church; one head. One fellowship. b. There is one Spirit or one source of inspiration. Not multiple Spirits c. There is one hope which is the hope of heaven. d. There is one Lord and Master of one source of authority e. There is One Faith, one doctrine delivered to the saints. f. One baptism, one method of contacting the blood of Christ. One way to have our sins forgiven. 4. Unity must be desire (considered important); and it must be worked at. Does not happen by accident. 5. People, visitors can tell when there is division and schism in the body and so can Jesus. D) It is to be an organized church 1. Every local congregation should be organized in the way the scriptures reveal, Acts 14.23 2. Capsule of the church can be seen in Philippians 1.1 3. As mentioned in earlier lessons the qualifications of these men are given in 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1. E) It is to be evangelistic 1. The church is a teaching institution. 2. The members who fled Jerusalem "went everywhere preaching the word" Acts 8.4 3. The Thessalonians were well known for their work in evangelism, 1 Thessalonians 1.8 F) It is to be a growing church 1. A congregation grows as its members grow individually. 2. A congregation grows collectively when its members are growing together 3. A congregation grows spiritually first and then numerically. The more spiritual growth the more numerical growth. Spiritual stagnation leads to numerical decline. 4. Numerical growth without spiritual growth creates problems. Zeal without knowledge leaves room for false doctrine, human traditions, internal problems. G) It is a praying church 1. The church came together to pray for Peter when he was imprisoned, Acts 12.12 2. The church was told to pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians5.17 3. Jesus' church should be a praying church. II) Some Qualities About Jesus' Church A) In Revelation 2 & 3 Jesus mentioned 7 churches. He knew the works of each congregation. He commended the good and condemned the bad. B) Let us look at some of the commended qualities of these 7 churches 1. Ephesus -- labor, patience, hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, Revelation 2.2-3,6 2. Smyrna -- endure tribulation to the end (don't give up), Revelation 2.9-10 3. Pergamos -- hold fast to my name, did not deny My faith, Revelation 2.13 4. Thyatira - as for your works, the last are more than the first, Revelation 2.19 5. Sardis -- a few who have not defiled their garments, Revelation 3.4 6. Philadelphia -- seized opportunities, Revelation 3.8 7. Laodicea -- Jesus rebuked and chastened with love (Revelation 3.19). C) Jesus desires every church, without exception, to do better. 1. No congregation is perfect and can just stop growing. Even mature, growing congregations, can do more in their service to God. 2. Improved on the good/eliminate the bad. 3. Take advantages of its opportunities. (Remember the lesson on SWOT. See our Strengths -- Our Weaknesses -- Our Opportunities -- Our Threats. 4. To live in the present and not in the past with an eye on the future. Conclusion: Are you a member of the Lord's church? If no, why not? If yes, good but we must keep on growing. (Original Sermon Outline came from Terry Sanders with some changes from me. D.T) |