“The MODEL Church”
Thus far we have studies 6 churches with one remaining; all exhibiting various problems. This evening we will continue to look at what I call the MODEL church. Looking at the churches on the surface; we would have not seen what our Lord saw in each. It’s therefore safe to say at this point that we need the Lord to direct us when seeking a church home. Let’s take a closer look at the Philadelphian church.
What Our Lord didn’t emphasize:
Baptist
Methodist
Lutheran
Catholic
Cathedral
Life Centers
Seven Day Adventists
Mega
Multicultural
Full Gospel
Non-denominational
Multiple ministries
Multi-site
Only two of the churches received no condemnation: Smyrna and Philadelphia. Both faced strong opposition because of their both witness for Christ.
I. The Christ of the Church.
A. Holy
B. Honest
II. Holder of All Authority.
A. Key of Salvation
B. Key of service
III. He is Watchful.
A. Motives
B. Mission
C. Mistakes
IV. The Church of the Christ.
A. Privileged by His Authority and favor.
B. Powerful in the faith and the Holy Spirit.
C. Proof of genuineness…….1. Possessed right standard of faith…….2. Possessed the right statement of faith.
V. The Challenges of the Church.
A. Persecution
B. Perseverance
C. Protection
VI. The Comfort of the Church.
A. Stability in Christ.
B. Safe in His word.
C. Secure in His Hands
D. Strengthened by His promises
VII. The Blessings of the Church.
A. Open DOORS…
B. Pillars in His House…
C. Labeled by the Lord…..1. The name of God….2. The name of His eternal home…...3. The New name of Jesus…
Lastly and most significant all, He promises to deliver the Church from the hour of trial which will come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. This hints to a pre-tribulation Rapture.
Scriptures that teach a Pre-Tribulation Rapture:
I Thess 5:1-6
2 Thess. 3:5
Titus 2:13
Rev. 3:10
I Thess. 1:10
Lk. 19:13
Rev. 3:7-13
2 Thess. 2:1-8
2 Thess. 2:1
I Thess. 5:9
Rev. 4:4-10
Rev. 19:14
2 Thess. 2:3
Lk. 21:36
VIII. The purpose of the Rapture:
1. To resurrect deceased believers. (1 Thess.. 4:13-18
2. To protect the church from wrath. (1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9)
3. To judge Christians for rewards. (2 Cor. 5:10)
4. To give Christians a glorified body like Jesus. (Phil. 3:21; 1 Jhn. 3:2)
5. To present the church to Jesus for marriage. (Rev. 19:6-9) Eph. 5:27)
IX. The Divine Method of Retribution:
1. Wickedness
2. Waiting
3. Warning
4. Warring
5. Whisking
6. Wrath
7. Weeping
8. Worshipping
Conclusion: Wrath and mercy are always intermingled in God’s dealings with men.
