Introduction:      The Church as a Body – The Function of the Church -The Church as a Bride – The Focus of the Church - The Church as a Building – The Foundation of the Church. Verses 1-10 deal with the material for construction, 11-18 the method of construction, and 19-22 the meaning of construction.

I.          THERE MUST BE THE RIGHT FOUNDATIONAL WORK (19-20)

A.        Must Be Built On The Scriptures (20a) (Acts 2:22 -24; 37; 40, 41)

·         The Bible is inspired (2Tim.3:16)

·         The Bible is inerrant - The Bible contains NO errors! It can be trusted in every way!

·         The Bible is infallible (Mat 24:35)"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

            B.         Must Be Built On The Saints (19-20a)  

(2 Th 2:15) "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."

·         Preaching must be plain

·         Preaching must be passionate

·         Preaching must be powerful (1 Cor 2:4)"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:"

C.         Must Be Built On The Savior (20b)

The Book of Revelation pictures Jesus in the “midst” of the churches. He is the very center of our focus – not PROGRAMS, not ACTIVITIES!

(1 Cor 2:2)  "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."

II.         THERE MUST BE THE RIGHT FRAMING WORK (21)

A.        The Right Material (fitly framed together)

B.         The Right Maturity (growth)

C.         The Right Motive (holy temple)

III.       THERE MUST BE THE RIGHT FINISHING WORK

A.        Household Of God – Family church (19d)

B.         Holy Temple Of God – Faithfulness of the church (20)

C.         Habitation Of God – Function of the church (21)

Illus.  There is a legend about a herd of mules that was attacked one night by a pack of wolves. When the wolves came, the mules began to kick viciously in all directions. As a result, the mules crippled and injured one another. Finally, a wise old mule called the rest of the mules into a conference. He made known to the rest his plan. We need to have our hearts and heads together and kick against the forces of iniquity.

Conclusion:       Do your part to make this church what God wants it to be. Pray for her, speak well of her, give out the gospel that we believe. And we can build a great local church.