(Isa 45:19) "I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right."

Introduction:   There seems to be a decline in loyalty to the church today. The church seems to be losing its influence on the world system. While the Body of Christ is battered and worn, there are still some things that are right about the church of the Lord Jesus Christ! What’s Right with the Church? Well, The Church has…

I.          THE RIGHT FOUNDATION (V.18) ("I will build" How? Eph.1:1-13)

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

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

            C.        The Church Is Protected By The Spirit (v.13)

II.        THE RIGHT FUNCTION (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 the right foundation by the right designer, then we have a great duty to the Church regarding three things.

            A.        A Function Of Faithfulness.

We are to be faithful…

·         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)

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

            B.        A Function Of Fervor (Holiness - 1 Pet.1:16; 2:5, 9)

·         The Forgotten 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?

(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."  (Do not conform to the world)

(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,"  (not in complicity with sinfulness)

(Col 3:5) "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" (Do not practice the deeds of the flesh)

(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.        A Function Of Unction (Mat.28:18; Acts 1:8)

The fruit of a Christian is another Christian.

III.       THE RIGHT FUTURE (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. 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!