THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO BE THE CHURCH
Matt. 19.21,22
Down through the years the spotlight of the world has been on the church. Given to represent the body of Christ the church was sent to be both an example and a light in the world.
Giving His blood for the assurance of deliverance, Jesus died and rose again that the church would have power and authority in this sinful world.
The church is an example by which the world could see Christ exemplified even though He has ascended to heaven sit on the right-hand of the Father. . . . .
The church is light by which men are able to acclaim life and approach God crying abba Father.
The church is deliverance, giving the saints of God the victory to overcome the enemy.
The church is power unbinding the saints of God from the vices of trials and tribulations
The church is authority through whom the gospel is preached and men’s hearts are turned to Jesus.
These only describe a small portion of the church --- and since Jesus has given His life,
I stopped by to ask the question --- In times like these – don’t you think this a good time to be the church.
How can we describe those -- having been exposed to the church – has tasted the goodness of the Lord --- but has become spiritual drop-outs.
In the church, there are:
1. Those that have their name on the church role – but are not fully committed to the cause of Christ.
2. Others whom treat the church and religion as a spiritual fire escape – only to be used in the event of an emergency.
3. Then the faithful few that are committed to the cause of Christ – maintaining, standing for and supporting the church.
In our text this hour – come examine a young man that missed the importance of the church.
First let us watch the church in operation. . . .
V-2 – the church is a healer
V-3 – the church is a teacher – giving instructions on the law of marriage.
V-11,12 – we see the church composed of those that are in the church but do not hear what the church is saying. He that has an ear --- listen to what the spirit is saying to the
V-13-15 – is an example of church growth – showing the importance of children in the church and the humility of the saints.
In V-16 we find one that is attracted by the work of the church and perhaps want to become a part of the church – but does not want to do what it takes to be the church.
Note his approach – he began by calling Jesus, “Good Master.”
Mark say he came running and kneeled --- but however his approach – this young man titled Jesus as Good master – here-- good does not describe the character of Jesus, but perhaps having seen Jesus ministering -- this young man recognize Jesus as a Most excellent religious teacher. . . . Watch here his salutation . . Good Master – what ggod thing must I do to inherit or have eternal life. . . . Having receiving his riches from inheritance . . . perhaps somewhere in teaching -- this man had heard that eternal life came by being an heir of God and an joint heir with Christ. . . So he ask --- what good thing -- must I do to inherit eternal life. . .
If you are to be the church – I need to inform you that heir-ship is something passed from God to the saints --- not that which is passed from member to member
Out of ignorance of the matter this young man wanted to place the teaching of Jesus above the revelation of God. .
In His reply – Jesus said – there is none good but one – that is, God – And if you are to be the church -- you must realize that only good things come from He that has made all things good. Is there anyone here this hour recognize that God is good. . . .
My brothers and sisters since you able to discern that which is good -- this is a good time to be the church --- let us note carefully Jesus’ answer to this man’s question. . . being good is not the secret to eternal life -- but thou must be obedient. . . . This young man had good manners – he had good intentions—he even asked a good question
One of the problems with the church today – is it’s pews are occupied by those that are good --- and not those that are obedient
Adam was good, but he wasn’t obedient
Abraham was good – but he wasn’t obedient
Moses was good – but at points in his life – he was not obedient
Saul was good – but he wasn’t obedient
Solomon was both wise and good – but he wasn’t obedient
The church just as in the bible are filled with good people but were not obedient
Jesus begins by telling this young man the goodness of the law requires obedience. . .
Well Good Master the young man replies --- all these I have kept from my youth up – If I am to inherit eternal life --- what else must I do?? Jesus says unto him – If you want to become the church and grow unto perfection – sell all that you have --- If you want eternal life – get rid of “sell” all those things that you worship more than me – and used the revenue to help the poor – then you will accumulate treasures in heaven. . . .
Since you told me earlier this is a good time to be the church – I believe the church need to have a rummage sale. . . . Sell -- attitudes. . . Sell – un- Christ-like character. . . Sell -- growth stunted ways. . . . Sell – vain talk and back-biting. . . .
Jesus told the young man when he sold all that kept his mind – from stayed on heaven and gave to the poor – to take up his cross and follow Him. . . .
Church after you have your rummage sale –
Go by Abraham’s tent and get some faith
Journey with Moses at Midian and get some preparation
Follow Elijah up to Mt. Carmel and get some fire
Stop by Job’s house and gather some patience
Visit Paul in prison and get some determination
Walk down the Jericho road – meet the Samaritan – and – he will teach you how to love your neighbor. . .
Stand under the cross of Jesus – and he will show how to give yourself for others
