Anemic Outlines That You Can Hang Meat On

Anemic Outlines That You Can Hang Meat On
By PASTOR GARY BANE
PRAIRIELAND BAPTIST CHURCH

P.O. BOX 622 - GALESBURG, ILLINOIS 61402
E-Mail: plbc@galesburg.net

THE PURPOSE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

The local church is very misunderstood in todays society.

FACTS:

1. THE CHURCH WAS NOT STARTED TO BE A PLACE OF WORSHIP

God can be worshiped better by oneself not in a crowd. One can pray better alone instead of in a crowd. The idea of church house worship came from Rome with candles, robes, crosses. See Amos 5:21-23

2. THE CHURCH WAS NOT STARTED AS A PLACE OF EVANGELISM

The evangelistic church is not found in the Bible (the Soul winning church is!!!) See Acts 5:42 . And daily in the temple AND in EVERY HOUSE, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. The Temple was not a church house, it was a location for religious feasts etc., where people would gather to talk, the soul winners went to where the people were and preached to them and won them to Christianity. The saved people went everywhere giving out the gospel in streets / highways / homes. Mark 16:15 . Go Ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. The evangelism was to be done where the people were; not just in the church house. Pentecost was for the nations of the world to hear the gospel story of salvation. From there churches started all over the world. New Testament Churches were a new thing in society.

3. WHY WERE LOCAL CHURCHES STARTED?

People were to come in and be matured in the doctrines of the Bible.
Eph. 4:11-12 . For the perfecting maturing of the SAINTS not sinners!!!

COMFORT!

People came into the church for comfort. John 20:19 . Peace be unto you. These Jewish converts to Christianity were scared they had broken tradition. History: In John 13 & 14 Jesus met with his followers in the upper room the night he was betrayed by Judas. From there he went into the Garden of Gethsemene to pray and be taken captive. Our Lord was crucified on WEDNESDAY, that's why we have services on WEDNESDAY!!! Sunday was the day He arose from the grave. That's why we have SUNDAY services! He had the Lords Supper with his disciples. We have COMMUNION services too! Church should dispel the fears of the people music / fellowship / teaching / praying.

ENCOURAGEMENT!

People came to church for encouragement! Every one has problems and trials in life. Satan fights God's people. People need people for encouragement sometimes. A church family should be close nit and caring and encouraging and helpful. Hebrew 10:24. As you see the day approaching the Rapture is near - be encouraged. Heaven is awaiting - be hopeful. James 2:2-4. All are to be welcomed and not looked down upon by anyone!

STOREHOUSE!

Believers are to bring their tithes into the Local Church house - the storehouse. (Malachi 3) Upon the first day of the week Sunday 1 Cor. 16:1. Believers are to be givers of Tithe / Talents / Time. Christianity is Giving: God gave his son, Jesus gave his life, The Holy Spirit gives direction to Believers. We as saved people are to give out the GOSPEL story to those around us. Church is to be a place of giving.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH and LEARNING DOCTRINE!

Church is to be a place of Spiritual Growth and Learning Doctrine. (Eph. 4:11 through 15) Doctrine matures the Believer. What does God believe about the subject? We never know all there is to know! We need to be taught by those who have been taught more. Missing church services is the main cause of false doctrine creeping in.

SOUL WINNING

Church is to be a place that encourages Soul Winning of the Lost. Matt. 28:12, 16-20a. Most people will never come to church. We must take the gospel to them in their places of living. We need to encourage each other to be faithful in winning the lost. A crowd builds a crowd, excitement builds excitement. Believers excite others.

The Local church is a place of FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS. TO TAKE COMMUNION. TO LEARN THE BIBLE TRUTHS. TO PRAY for personal needs and others needs. (See Acts 2:41-42) Local churches are needed to unite the Body of Christ every week. "Glad to see you", "God bless you", "Can I help you?", "Glad you're here".

THANK GOD FOR HIS LOCAL NEW TESTAMENT BAPTIST CHURCH!!