Our Church
Matthew 16:13-18
Intro.
The church was God’s idea, not man’s.
He said HE would build it.
- It is the Lord that builds the church
Psa. 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it:
- A church built by programs and schemes will not last.
- A church built around a Pastor will ultimately faithfully.
He adds to the church.
Acts 2:47b And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
We must do our part…notice they were praying and preaching.
This is GOD’S church.
- This is not MY church.
- I used to hear people say Oh, that’s so and so’s
church.
- Do not let the phrase “Pastor Payne’s Church”
come out of your mouth.
As we come to the end of the summer and the start of
school, in a way I see it as the beginning of the church
year.
- Many return to church after the summer
- We begin looking toward the holiday season.
(130 days till Christmas)
I believe God has a work for us to do,
2Cor. 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all
sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
So here are some things I’ve been praying about and thinking about in regard to our church.
I. I want to see us grow.
A. See us grow spiritually.
1. In our private devotions.
2. In our public Bible study.
a. Wednesday nights
b. You should be there.
3. Young people grow and mature in the Lord.
a. They will be leading this church one day.
b. I’m asking God to raise up some men in our church that can take over.
B. See us grow in numbers
1. I’m not looking to build the world’s largest church.
2. I’m looking to see us go into the church God want’s us to be.
3. I believe God has blessed in so many ways.
4. But, people need the Lord and we MUST reach them for the Savior.
Matt. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matt. 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
a) Win them
b) Baptize them
c) Disciple them
5. How?
a. Pray for souls
b. Talk about your church, say good things.
c. Bring them in.
Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and
compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
d. Make a commitment to be here every time the church doors are open.
1. Church is what you do on Sunday
2. Don’t let the devil give you a distraction
Heb. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
II. I want to see us give.
A. This is a giving church, and I’m thankful for it.
B. Our missionary giving is amazing.
C. If you're not giving, it’s time to step up and do your part.
1. I give a tithe
2. I give to the missionary offering
D. Give
1. Because it helps the church.
a) Bills
b) Maintenance
2. Because it helps missionaries.
a. 14 currently
b. Wouldn’t it be something if we could support
20 missionaries
3. Because we can help people.
a) Those in need.
1) When missionaries call
2) Disasters
3) Genuine needs of people
b) Hikers.
James 2:14 ¶ What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not
works? can faith save him?James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily
food,James
2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye
give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
III. I want to see us glow.
A. “The light that shines the farthest, shines the brightest at home”. Dr. Verle Ackerman
B. We ought to be a lighthouse in this commuting.
1. A lighthouse where help can be found
2. A Lighthouse that points people to Jesus.
Matt. 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.Matt. 5:15 Neither do
men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in
the house.Matt. 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven.
IV. I want to see us Glorify the Lord.
1Chr. 16:10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
1Chr. 16:28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Psa. 115:1 ¶ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s
sake.
Conclusion
How?
Commit
To being here
To Giving
To shining
To Giving God the Glory.
Pray
