December 12, 2010
Morning Service

Matt. 17:14-27

 

·                     In chapter 16 we saw some very important teachings on Jesus saying that He would build His church, and the gates of hell would prevail against it.  Matt. 16:18.

·                     We also saw that He gave the authority of this church to the Apostle Peter.  MATT. 16:19. 

·                     In the brief time that we have this morning I want us to see some truths concerning this church, the Lord’s church, in which we are one of many congregations of that church, or called out body.

 

First of all we see in Acts two Peter preaching the first sermon, and using the keys of authority, that the Lord gave him. Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is, eternal life, and the abiding presence of the Holy Ghost.   ACTS 2:38.

 

Secondly we see Peter performing miracles, and the Lord adding to the church daily those who were being saved.  ACTS 2:47.  You might want to make a note, there was only one vote that counted on membership, and that was the Lord’s.  You don’t join, or are voted into the church, the Lord adds you upon your obedience to the gospel.  Then you choose which congregation of His church you want to worship, and work with.  Upon this choice you place yourself under the authority of this congregation.  Heb 13:17 KJVR  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

 

 

 

The next thing we see in Acts chapter six, the church has grown so large that there have to be some men ordained as Deacons to serve the congregations.  ACTS 6.

 

In chapter seven of Acts we see Stephen, one of the first Deacon’s, stoned to death for preaching to the Jews.  Upon this act the church is scattered, and Philip goes down into Samaria preaching a great revival.  ACTS 8.

 

Then in chapter 9 of Acts we see a young Pharisee named Saul, called out by Jesus to become the Apostle to the Gentiles.  ROM. 11:13.  This same Saul upon his conversion to Christianity, has his name changed to Paul.  This same Paul is the one Jesus chooses to write 13 possibly 14 of the 27 N.T. letters.

 

The Lord also chose this Apostle to set in order the things in the church.  1Ti 3:15 KJVR  “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”  In this chapter Paul gives the qualification of the Bishops, or Pastors, and that of the Deacons.  These are the only offices of the local, autonomous, church of Jesus Christ.

 

Paul also teaches us concerning the ministry that has been given to the church for it’s edification.  In the Ephesian letter the Apostle says;  Eph 4:11-12 KJVR  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  (12)  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  In this same chapter Paul cries out for unity, and peace.

 

In I Cor. 14 the Apostle tells us what happened in the early assemblies.  1Co 14:26 KJVR  How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

1Co 14:37 KJVR  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

1Co 14:40 KJVR  Let all things be done decently and in order.

 

 

 

With the idea of letting all things be done decently, and in order, the worship service consists of; taking into consideration that all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1. We are encouraged to greet one another.   1Th 5:26 KJVR  Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.     If you don’t know how to do this watch Jamie, he has perfected it.  Also, a handshake, or hug will do.
2. We are encouraged to sing praises to our God.  Psa 27:6 KJVR  And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

AND; 1Co 14:15 KJVR  What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.   AND; The 100 Psalms;  Psa 100:2 KJVR  Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3. Then there is prayer.   I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also:  I Cor. 14:15. 

The admonition from the Apostle is that we pray without ceasing;  I Thess. 5:17.

4. Then there is the communion of the Body, and Blood of our Lord.   I Cor. 11:20-29
5. Then there is our giving, or sharing our goods for the support of the church, and people that are in need.  We never pass the plate before non believers.  It is our responsibility as Christians to support our local fellowship, and the surrounding community as we can.  There are many Scriptures that teach us to support God’s work.  Malachi 3:8-10;  I Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7;

 

I have given you some Scriptures to study.  Try the spirits see if they are from God.  I believe you will see that what we are trying to do is stay as close to the Scriptures as we can. 

 

There will be areas of question, but we must remember that where the Bible is silent, and there are decisions that must be made, the authority of the congregation, will make them by discussing the issue, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

 

May we continue to strive for Unity, and Peace in the Holy Ghost.