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The Church Ahead. The Lord’s Church in the Future. The Lord’s church is everlasting (Dan. 2:44; Heb. 12:28) Where are the local churches that existed in the New Testament found today (Jerusalem, Ephesus, etc.)?
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The Lord’s Church in the Future • The Lord’s church is everlasting (Dan. 2:44; Heb. 12:28) • Where are the local churches that existed in the New Testament found today (Jerusalem, Ephesus, etc.)? • The universal church will always exist, but not necessarily the local church of which I am a member (1 Cor. 15:24)
The Evolution of the Local Church( As Seen in the Example of Ephesus ) • A group of dedicated and convicted Christians joins together to zealously serve the Lord (Acts 18-19, A.D. 53-55) • The local church is well-known in the community, growing and united (Ephesians 1-6, A.D. 60-63) • There is maturity in leadership and organization, but also problems are present (1 -2 Timothy, A.D. 63-66) • The local church exists and continues to do some good, but is also weak and coasting (Rev. 2:4-5, A.D. 95)
The Evolution of a Local Church • Zeal is replaced with lethargy • Sacrifice is replaced with selfishness • Evangelism is replaced with materialism • Attendance is replaced with absence • Responsibility (work) is replaced with retirement • Militancy is replaced with compromise
The Church Ahead( What Is Needed ) • Prayer to God (Acts 4:29; Col. 4:3) • Evangelism (Acts 5:42) • Elders and deacons appointed (Acts 6:1ff; 11:30; 14:23; 1 Tim. 3; Tit. 1) • Growth in maturity (Acts 16:5) • Vigilant elders (Acts 20:28-32)
The Church Ahead( What Is Needed ) • Faithful living (Rev. 2-3) • “Remember” and “repent” (Rev. 2:5; 3:3)
Challenges For This Local Church( This Week ) • Communicate with the Lord this week (prayer, Bible) • Live for the Lord this week (faithfulness) • Engage in the Lord’s work this week (volunteer) • Communicate with the lost this week (evangelism)
The Church Ahead • What does it matter if the Lord’s church will always exist, but this local church may not? • It matters because it identifies me as the faithful remnant or not (Gen. 6:9; 1 Kings 19:18; 2 Kings 19:4,30,31; Ezra 9:8,15; Zeph. 3:9-13; Romans 9:27; 11:5; Rev. 3:4)