Hello, Everyone!
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Jan. 24, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
——-
THE TENT’S MAKER
Scripture Reading: Ex. 26:1-11
Text: Ex. 26:11
Exodus 26:11 And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.
Introduction: In continuing this series of sermons on the building of a local church, based on the idea of comparing it to tent-making, I want us all to pay attention to the fact that the TRUE Maker of the tent, the TRUE builder of the church, is the Lord Himself.
I. HE HAS A PURPOSE
Acts 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
I gave you the Lord’s purpose for our church and every church in this morning’s message:
A. To exalt the savior
1. Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church
by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without
end. Amen.
B. To evangelize the sinner
1. John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that
ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
C. To edify the saint
1. Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God,
and to the word of his grace, which is able to
build you up, and to give you an inheritance among
all them which are sanctified.
II. HE HAS A PLAN
1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
A. God supplies a blueprint
B. God selects a bishop (pastor)
1. This is the decision of God, not of a
pulpit committee
C. God sets up the building
1. He gives new members gifts
2. He unites them in heart by His Spirit
III. HE HAS THE POSSESSIONS
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
A. Our time, which is actually HIS time
B. Our talents, which are actually HIS talents
C. Our treasure, which is actually HIS treasure
IV. HE HAS THE PARTNERS
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
A. Givers – tithes, offerings, sacrificing
B. Livers – setting an example for the others,
becoming qualified as leaders
C. Load lifters – volunteers who do what they can
with what they have