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Biblical
references in Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ's nondenominational sermon
outlines are linked directly to text of the King James version of the Bible.
Bible quotes you hear in the streaming audio may be from the New King James
version of the Bible.
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Introduction.
1. The last time Ralph was here he spoke on the topic, “If I were the Devil”,
and took note of several attacks the Devil might use against this congregation.
2. Today, I would like to look at the flip side, and ask the question, “If I
were the Lord, what would I want to see in this church?”
Body.
I. I Would Want The Church To Stand For The Truth.
A. (John 8:32) Truth sets us free.
B. (Proverbs 23:23) Buy the truth and do not sell it.
C. (John 12:48) The words of Christ will some day judge us.
D. (1 Timothy 3:15) Church is the pillar and ground of the truth.
E. Truth is often unpopular, unrecognized, and unappreciated, so it often
requires that we stand alone.
II. I Would Want The Church To Major In Love.
A. (John 13:35) Love is an identifying characteristic of a Christian.
D. (Matthew 22:37-40) Two greatest commandments involve love.
E. If we love God and love our fellow man, what specific action which we’re
required to do, will we not do?
III. I Would Want The Church To Be Humble And Softhearted.
A. (James 4:10) Humble yourself and God will lift you up.
B. (James 4:6) God gives grace to the humble.
C. (Hebrews 3:7-15) Warning against a hard heart.
D. (Luke 24:46-47) Part of the gospel is preaching repentance.
E. (1 John 1:9) If we confess our faults, God will forgive us.
F. A church that is devastated by her shortcomings and humbly confesses them is
much stronger than a church that rationalizes, denies, and excuses her
shortcomings.
Conclusion.
1. There’s a war going on between the forces of good and evil.
2. Whether we like it or not, we’re in the middle of the battlefield and are
left with no choice but to pick up a weapon and fight.
3. The only choice we have is to decide at which side are we on.
4. What about you? Have you been fighting for or against the Lord?
-- Don Treadway,
January
2003 -- |
