Seven Churches Of Asia Minor

SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA MINOR

4-29-12 New Liberty Christian Church, Veedersburg, IN with Rich McQuinn, Minister

TEXT: REVELATION 1:17-20

INTRODUCTION; Down deep inside you, is a yearning to go to Heaven when this life finally ends or Jesus comes and brings us home to His place. It is a deep sensation that has been with you every since you were created. Life begins at conception! You are one of Gods glorious creations. You are made in His image. Who IS YOUR DADDY?

With this yearning is the feeling that you want to stay close to the one who made you. You know you are on the right path when you follow in HIS steps.

So safely, I ask you this morning what in the world are you doing here? Did you come as they did in Jesus day to watch a little magic show, or because the crowds were going and you thought you would just follow? Are you here because someone took the time to invite you to this fellowship? Have you had a bad week and you need a weekly dose of Heavens medicine? Are you sick and need to be healed? Did you come to pray, seek your Fathers Will for your life. Or like so many are you here and do not know why, you just know you need some answers to some of your questions. You need forgiveness of your sins!

This is the second in a series of sermons on the book of Revelation. Last week we tore apart chapter one and especially Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near!

John was worshipping the Lord on Sunday Morning. He receives this vision of Revelation. He was told to write this message to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. Each church was to receive a special message of their own. It was a personal message from Jesus to them. At the same time the letter contained a broader message of warnings.

So here we are today in worship service and we are here to listen to the message God has in store for every one of us.

Exactly what is the Church? We are all confused by so many versions. Who is right? What is right? Who do we follow? What if we are wrong, or following the wrong sect or guru or denomination? How do I know what is the right church for me and my family.

I. THE CHURCH WAS BUILT BY CHRIST

Matthew 16:16 I believe that you are the Christ the Son of the Living God. Blessed are you Peter, upon your faith, I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

Jesus knew all along when He left Heaven what His true purpose was. That was to be born of a virgin, set a sinless example for the world to follow, shed His pure blood to cover the sins of the world, and offer a way of salvation to any and all who would accept it. He would begin building His church based on the confession of Peter’s belief—that being that Jesus IS THE CHRIST!

So many books throughout the New Testament show us what must take place to be a part of Christ’s church.

Can you become a Christian and not be a member of a local church? Of course.

Once you come to your decision time of accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, He becomes the King of Kings for your life, your personal Saviour. You are not then a member of any earthly church.

Accepting Christ and Church membership in reality are two separate acts not to be confused with the other. You accept Christ first, and then you accept a church to be an active member of. That is where the search begins. Which church is faithful? Who is praying, witnessing, promoting, and serving the needs of the community? Then you seek membership in a local church.

II. THE CHURCH WAS BORN ON PENTECOST

You know this very well. The city is Jerusalem. Christ has been crucified, buried and resurrected. He has several eye witnesses to prove it. Peter and the disciples were preaching about repentance. His sermon convinced the crowd of their wrong doings. They asked the question what must we do---to get rid of our sins?

Acts 2 gives us the answer. He simply tells them to turn away from their wicked ways, repent, wash away your sins though your obedience of baptism. There were added that day about 3000 plus souls. The church of Jesus Christ was born that day.

III. THE CHURCH IS BLUE PRINTED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT