Importance of the Church (Acts 2:41-47)
We further agree, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; and to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
THEME: “God has ordained the assembly of His people to be a primary means of growth for the Christian.”
I. The Constitution of the Church
A. The Totality of Believers (1 Corinthains 12:13)
B. The Local Assembly of Believers (Acts 20:28)
II. The Creation of the Church
A. By God (Matthew 16:18; Acts 1:1-2; Ephesians 5:23-25)
B. In This Age (Ephesians 2:11-13, 16, 19-20; Ephesians 3:3, 5)
III. The Commitment to the Church
A. The Reason
1. Because of God
2. Because of Growth (Ephesians 2:20-22, 4:15-16)
3. Because of Edification (1 Corinthians 14:12)
B. The Display
1. Through Membership
2. Through Doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16-4:4)
3. Through Obedience
4. Through Fellowship
-Through Breaking Bread
– Through Prayer (James 1:16; Acts 1:14, 2:1, 12:5, 12)