The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

1
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• The Lord described the relationship of Christians
  as being far more than just attendance
  at assemblies.

2
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• The Lord described the relationship of Christians
  as being far more than just attendance
  at assemblies.
• When Paul became part of the church at Jerusalem
  he was with them coming in, and going out.
  (Acts 928)

3
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• Acts 928 (NKJV) - So he was with them at
  Jerusalem, coming in and going out.

4
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• The church at Jerusalem was known for their
  association in the homes. (Acts
  246-47)

5
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• Acts 246-47 (NKJV) - So continuing daily with
  one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from
  house to house, they ate their food with gladness
  and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and
  having favor with all the people. And the Lord
  added to the church daily those who were being
  saved.

6
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• How can we possibly come to know each other if we
  only associate at the times of our assemblies?

7
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• When you deal with people and their
  relationships, you are dealing with a
  sensitive area.

8
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• When you deal with people and their
  relationships, you are dealing with a
  sensitive area.
• When you become a Christian, the Lord must be
  master of all, including your relationships!

9
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• When you deal with people and their
  relationships, you are dealing with a
  sensitive area.
• When you become a Christian, the Lord must be
  master of all, including your relationships!
• We need the help from the Lord to know how to
  best work with one another.

10
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• Why would Paul give attention in the letter he
  wrote to the Philippians to a disagreement
  between two women? (Phil 41-2)

11
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• Philippians 41-2 (NKJV)- Therefore, my beloved
  and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so
  stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 2 I implore
  Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same
  mind in the Lord.

12
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• I have found that one person with the wrong
  attitude or one problem left unresolved can, in
  time, affect an entire church. (Heb 1215)

13
The Local Church is a Powerful Tool of God

• Hebrews 1215 (NKJV) - looking carefully lest
  anyone fall short of the grace of God lest any
  root of bitterness springing up cause trouble,
  and by this many become defiled

14
The Ideal versus the Real

• The Lord wants us to be a close knit, loving
  group that is acutely aware of the needs of each
  other. (1 Cor 1222-26)

15
The Ideal versus the Real

• 1 Corinthians 1222-26 (NKJV) - No, much rather,
  those members of the body which seem to be weaker
  are necessary. 23And those members of the body
  which we think to be less honorable, on these we
  bestow greater honor and our unpresentable parts
  have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable
  parts have no need. But God composed the body,
  having given greater honor to that part which
  lacks it,

16
The Ideal versus the Real

• 25 that there should be no schism in the body,
  but that the members should have the same care
  for one another. 26 And if one member suffers,
  all the members suffer with it or if one member
  is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

17
The Ideal versus the Real

• How can we accomplish this in our rushed society?

18
The Ideal versus the Real

• How can we accomplish this in our rushed society?
• The only way this can be done is for each of us
  to be crucified. (Gal 220)

19
The Ideal versus the Real

• Galatians 220 (NKJV) - I have been crucified
  with Christ it is no longer I who live, but
  Christ lives in me and the life which I now live
  in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,
  who loved me and gave Himself for me.

20
The Ideal versus the Real

• When we identify ourselves and those who are
  Christians by the cross, then all other human
  distinctions and advantages becomes rubbish.

21
The Ideal versus the Real

• You will not open your hearts to one who does not
  care about you.

22
The Ideal versus the Real

• You will not open your hearts to one who does not
  care about you.
• That was true in your becoming a Christian! Each
  of you met someone who had a genuine concern for
  your soul.

23
The Ideal versus the Real

• You will not open your hearts to one who does not
  care about you.
• That was true in your becoming a Christian! Each
  of you met someone who had a genuine concern for
  your soul.
• In our growth as a Christian, this same love is
  essential to our growth and edification.

24
The Ideal versus the Real

• Our Lord described that love, above all others,
  as the identifying mark of His people. (John
  1334-35)

25
The Ideal versus the Real

• John 1334-35 (NKJV) - A new commandment I give
  to you, that you love one another as I have
  loved you, that you also love one another. 35By
  this all will know that you are My disciples, if
  you have love for one another.

26
The Ideal versus the Real

• In practice, this love is hard to build and
  difficult to maintain.

27
The Ideal versus the Real

• Paul had to admit the difference between the
  unselfish love of Timothy, and the attitudes of
  other preachers. (Phil 219-21)

28
The Ideal versus the Real

• Philippians 219-21 (NKJV) - But I trust in the
  Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I
  also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20
  For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely
  care for your state. 21 For all seek their own,
  not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

29
The Ideal versus the Real

• How would the Lord describe you? Are you
  selfishly satisfied or are you looking to serve
  others?

30
On the Outside Looking In

• Humans have used the social arena as a source of
  power and punishment.

31
On the Outside Looking In

• Humans have used the social arena as a source of
  power and punishment.
• Excluding others from can provoke all kinds of
  reactions in them.

32
On the Outside Looking In

• Humans have used the social arena as a source of
  power and punishment.
• Excluding others from can provoke all kinds of
  reactions in them.
• Paul knew that Satan wants to separate a
  Christian from others and then to fill him with
  anger, bitterness and even guilt. (2 Cor 26-11)

33
On the Outside Looking In

• 2 Corinthians 26-11 (NKJV) - This punishment
  which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient
  for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you
  ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest
  perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much
  sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your
  love to him.

34
On the Outside Looking In

• 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put
  you to the test, whether you are obedient in all
  things. 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also
  forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything,
  I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the
  presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take
  advantage of us for we are not ignorant of his
  devices.

35
On the Outside Looking In

• The first time I visited a church in college was
  a memorial one.

36
On the Outside Looking In

• The first time I visited a church in college was
  a memorial one.
• Sometime people make it impossible for you to
  reach out to them.

37
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• The haves and the have-nots.

38
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• The haves and the have-nots.
• The early church had several occasions where this
  became a problem.

39
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• The haves and the have-nots.
• The early church had several occasions where this
  became a problem.
• One of the problems with the Corinthians was in
  this area. (1 Cor 1120-22)

40
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• 1 Corinthians 1120-22 (NKJV) - Therefore when
  you come together in one place, it is not to eat
  the Lords Supper. 21 For in eating, each one
  takes his own supper ahead of others and one is
  hungry and another is drunk.

41
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink
  in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame
  those who have nothing? What shall I say to you?
  Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

42
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• James described attitudes within the assembly.
  (James 21-8)

43
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• James 21-8 (NKJV) - My brethren, do not hold the
  faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
  glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should
  come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in
  fine apparel, and there should also come in a
  poor man in filthy clothes,

44
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the
  fine clothes and say to him, You sit here in a
  good place, and say to the poor man, You stand
  there, or, Sit here at my footstool, 4 have
  you not shown partiality among yourselves, and
  become judges with evil thoughts?

45
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• 5 Listen, my beloved brethren Has God not chosen
  the poor of this world to be rich in faith and
  heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those
  who love Him?

46
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• I have seen churches where groups of couples go
  on trips to ski resorts, cruises and other
  expensive trips. It is not wrong to do this, nor
  should one stop this because others cannot afford
  it.

47
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• If you exclusively associate with the rich, then
  you do not have the heart of our Lord (Mt 115).
  (Ex Wal-Mart)

48
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• Matthew 115 (NKJV) - The blind see and the lame
  walk the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear
  the dead are raised up and the poor have the
  gospel preached to them.

49
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• The satisfied.

50
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• The satisfied.
• Because we are happy might lead us to neglect
  others. (Ex. Visitor to services)

51
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• What would Jesus do? (Phil 23-4)

52
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• Philippians 23-4 (NKJV) - Let nothing be done
  through selfish ambition or conceit, but in
  lowliness of mind let each esteem others better
  than himself. 4Let each of you look out not only
  for his own interests, but also for the interests
  of others.

53
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• Attitudes from parents to Children.

54
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• We need to teach our children to include others
  that are difficult in our activities because
  that is exactly what our Lord wants us to do! (Mt
  546)

55
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• Matthew 546 (NKJV) - For if you love those who
  love you, what reward have you? Do not even the
  tax collectors do the same?

56
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• There are Parents who became bitter towards
  another couple or even towards a child, and in
  both spoken and in unspoken actions encouraged
  their children to snub and exclude other children.

57
Some Common Problems that Churches Face

• There are Parents who became bitter towards
  another couple or even towards a child, and in
  both spoken and in unspoken actions encouraged
  their children to snub and exclude other
  children.
• If this is not corrected, a church will stand in
  danger of losing an entire generation.

58
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• When problems arise in a local church in the
  relationships between Christians, it is crucial
  that the leadership address these issues with
  haste.

59
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• When problems arise in a local church in the
  relationships between Christians, it is crucial
  that the leadership address these issues with
  haste.
• If ignored, they will only grow until the
  assemblies of the church become contrary to the
  encouragement it ought to be.

60
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• When problems arise in a local church in the
  relationships between Christians, it is crucial
  that the leadership address these issues with
  haste.
• If ignored, they will only grow until the
  assemblies of the church become contrary to the
  encouragement it ought to be.
• Have you ever been distracted in your worship
  because of these things?

61
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• The early church successfully faced challenges
  like this.

62
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• The early church successfully faced challenges
  like this.
• The neglect of the Greek widows in the church at
  Jerusalem was quickly recognized and corrected
  (Acts 61-7).

63
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• Acts 61-4 (NKJV) - Now in those days, when the
  number of the disciples was multiplying, there
  arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the
  Hellenists, because their widows were neglected
  in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve
  summoned the multitude of the disciples and said,
  It is not desirable that we should leave the
  word of God and serve tables.

64
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you
  seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy
  Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this
  business 4 but we will give ourselves
  continually to prayer and to the ministry of the
  word.

65
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• The apostles were quick to point out occasions of
  neglect and preference.

66
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• Learn, like David, to look to God for
  deliverance. (Psa 3111-16 2 Tim 416-17)

67
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• Psalm 3111-16 (NKJV) - I am a reproach among all
  my enemies, But especially among my neighbors,
  And am repulsive to my acquaintances Those who
  see me outside flee from me. 12 I am forgotten
  like a dead man, out of mind I am like a broken
  vessel.

68
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• 13 For I hear the slander of many Fear is on
  every side While they take counsel together
  against me, They scheme to take away my life. 14
  But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord I say,
  You are my God. 15 My times are in Your hand
  Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from
  those who persecute me. 16 Make Your face shine
  upon Your servant Save me for Your mercies
  sake.

69
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• 2 Timothy 416-17 (NKJV) - At my first defense no
  one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not
  be charged against them. 17 But the Lord stood
  with me and strengthened me, so that the message
  might be preached fully through me, and that all
  the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out
  of the mouth of the lion.

70
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• Where do you see yourself?

71
Be quick to identify and resolve these kind of
problems.

• Christians state glibly that they love the whole
  world, while they permit themselves animosities
  within their immediate world. World love is a
  philosophical credo. But loving the world at
  large can only be done by loving face to face the
  world that is not so distant.