WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THE CHURCH?
Matthew 16:13-18

(Eph 5:25)  "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"

Introduction:     There seems to be a decline in loyalty to the church today. The church seems to be loosing it's influence on the world system. While the Body of Christ is battered and worn, there are still some great things about the church of the Lord Jesus Christ! The church is great because of:

 

I.          IT'S GREAT DESIGNER  (V.18)  ("I will build" How? Eph.1:1-13)

 

            A.        The Church Was Wrought By the Father. (vv.1-6)

 

            B.         The Church Was Bought By the Son. (vv.7-12)

 

            C.        The Church Is Taught By the Spirit (v.13)

 

II.         IT'S GREAT DUTY  (V.18)  ("my church")

 “My Church” - Greek word ecclesia = called out ones. Found 114 times in the N.T. 20 times it refers to the “ Universal Church .” 90 times it refers to the “local body of believers” (Acts 11:22 ; 1Cor.1:2; 1Thess.1:1; Rev.2:1). If the Church is built on a great foundation by a great designer, then we have a great duty to the Church regarding three things.

            A.        We Have The Duty Of  Faithfulness.

                        1.         In  Identification  ((Acts 2:41 )  "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - (Acts 2:47b)  "... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."  (1 in 4 church hop not identifying with any local church) Why do we have to beg Christians to come to church? (Athletes ; Doctors)

                        2.         In  Participation (Heb.10:23-25)

            B.         We Have The Duty Of Holiness (1 Pet.1:16; 2:5,9)

(Illus. Sons want to be like Daddy)

bulletForgotten message of the Church

Eph.- Bride without spot or blemish; 2Cor:11:2 - Presented as a chaste virgin; Jas.1:27 - Kept unspotted from the world.

What is the message of holiness?

bulletDo not conform to the world - (Rom 12:2)  "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." 
bulletDo not comply with the world’s system - (2 Cor 6:17) "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," 
bulletDo not carry out the deeds of the flesh - ( Col 3:5) "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" (1 John 2:15 )  "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

We ought to say “We’re not a CLUB, we’re the CHURCH. We’re not a BANK or a BUSINESS we’re a BLOOD WASHED BODY of BAPTIZED BELIEVERS and we ought to be HOLY!   

            C.        We Have The Duty Of Witness (Mat.28:18; Acts 1:8)

 

III.       IT'S GREAT DURATION (V.18) ("the gates of hell shall not prevail")

Gate = authority; Prevail = overcome. All the authority of hell shall not overcome the church.

            A.        Promised By Jesus (Mat.28:20)

            B.         Provided By Jesus (Eph.4:8-10)

He’s the keeper of the keys!

I’m not worried! Some say the church is on the way out. There is a remnant of those who are faithful to A.M., P.M., Wed., Revivals, Camp-meetings, etc. Why, because they love the “Ole time Religion”. We’re the Church and we’re not going to EXPIRE, we’re going to ENDURE. Not going to SINK, we’re going to STAND. Not going to FALL, we’re going to FLY (“some glad morning...”).

Conclusion:       Beloved, I'm sold on the church! Young people you ought to build your life in the Church. Adults you ought to raise your children in the Church. Senior Adults you ought to pray for your church. Lost friend, you ought to get saved and join a Church. NOW!