Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, April 25, 2004, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
THE BATTLEFIELD OF FELLOWSHIP – THE LOCAL CHURCH
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:40-47
Text: Acts 2:42
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Introduction: PREPARE FOR WAR IN 2004!
Christians are under attack, and many of them do not even know it! Forces are at work, endeavoring to undermine the things of God in the lives of people.
One of the most important areas of life in which the believer must get victory is that of his local church.
I have NEVER seen a victorious Christian who was not right in his attitude and behavior toward the local church.
When the body of Christ, the so-called “universal church,” began as an organism on the day of Pentecost through the baptism by the Spirit of God, one of the characteristics of these new believers was their faithful activity in the LOCAL church:
Acts 2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
I want to point out to you that one of the great arenas of Christian warfare in America is:
THE BATTLEFIELD OF FELLOWSHIP – THE LOCAL CHURCH
There are three main movements among God’s people with regard to their fellowship in the local church:
I. THERE IS THE TENDENCY OF OBSERVING IN A LOCAL CHURCH
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
A. These observers are always waiting for us to build something
1. I am asked often, “When are you going to build a building?”
B. These observers are wishing that somebody would do something
1. They see the need, lament about it not being done, and do nothing
C. These observers are always wavering about a commitment to do something themselves
1. They are willing to advise, but not to act!
2. They are willing to supervise, but not to sweat!
II. THERE IS THE TRAGEDY OF SWERVING IN A LOCAL CHURCH
Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
A. A Christian first swerves in his affection toward God and His church
1. Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
2. 2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
B. A Christian next swerves in his activity in the local church
1. He lays aside one job he had been doing, then another
C. A Christian finally swerves in his attendance in the local church
1. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
III. THERE IS THE TRIUMPH OF SERVING IN A LOCAL CHURCH
1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
The above was written to the church of the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians1:1).
A. There is the triumph of a testimony of faithfulness
1. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
2. A good testimony is a victory!
3. Faithfulness is a victory!
B. There is the triumph of a task that is finished
1. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
C. There is the triumph of a treasure for the future
1. Colossians 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Are you winning the battle?
Are you a part of a local church?
Are you a PARTICIPANT in a local church?
|
Michael D. O’Neal (Proverbs 11:30), Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church |