Whose Church Is This, Anyway?

Whose Church Is This, Anyway?

April 6, 2008 Evening Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: This is the Church of Jesus Christ; it isn’t OUR church!

Focus Passage: Matthew 16:13-19

Supplemental Passage: "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." Psalm 118:22

Introduction:

Michelle’s “memory” of my spilling the steak in my lap.

I. This is Jesus’ Church; He is building it.

a. We get confused and think it is our church.

i. We gave the money to build it

ii. We give the money to support it; we pay the bills

iii. We picked out the colors of the carpet, pew cushions and hymnal colors.

iv. We decide when to have service, how long to have service, and when to cancel service

v. The building ISN’T THE CHURCH!

vi. We are the church.

II. The Beautiful Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32)

a. Christ is the head of the church

b. The Church is subject to Christ

c. Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her

d. He sanctified the church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word

e. He will present to Himself a perfect, holy church, without spot or wrinkle; holy and blameless

f. Christ nourishes the church

III. Gates of Hell:

a. Defensive Structure

b. In old time, judges sat at the gates and gave out counsel; Hell’s counsel is discouragement, depression, condemnation, despair and hopelessness.

c. The counsel of the church is “Jesus Saves!”