Why Church?
Part 2
Matthew 16:18 NKJV
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
I Corinthians 3:3-7 NKJV
3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
God expects me to help Him build His Church.
Drift leads to distance. Distance leads to disconnection. The point of weekly worship is not attendance; it’s participation in the body of Christ.
God created us to be in relationship with Him and each other. He made us on purpose with a purpose, and we live that out best together.
I Corinthians 3:4, I Corinthians 3:21 NKJV
4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours:
If we fix our eyes on men or women, we can end up falling away from God. Paul knew this and challenged us to realize it’s Jesus who gives the increase.
Christine Cain said that, too often, those who criticize the local church don’t do anything, are not involved in ministries, and don’t give anything in the church.
Acts 2:43 NKJV
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
This is reverential fear, not a fear of His power and righteous retribution.
Church, you are a part of making miracles happen.
Acts 3:6-8 NKJV
6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.
Acts 2:44 NKJV
44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
This caused great gratitude to the Lord, which resulted in great praise and worship, which resulted in sincere affection for one another.
I Timothy 5:8 NKJV
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
II Thessalonians 3:8-10 NKJV
8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
My Beginning. My Forever. 