E-Mail: plbc@galesburg.net

The rule of first mention applies here Ä the word CHURCH is first mentioned in our New Testament by the Lord Jesus himself.

While our Lord was on earth He started only a local church Ä) NOT: A hospital, A Bible Seminary, A Publication. ONLY A LOCAL CHURCH!

The church He started was a BAPTIST CHURCH. How do we know this? By The Doctrines He taught. The practice of Deep Water Baptism. The closed table with His disciples only. The giving of the only Gospel Message.

Verse 13: Who do THEY (the people around) say that I am?

Verse 15: A personal question - What about YOU?

Verse 16: The only right answer. THE Christ. THE Son of THE living God.

Verse 17: God must show men the truth of doctrine Ä not flesh and blood Ä but MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.

Verse 18: Our Foundation. THE ROCK. The answer that was given by Peter.

I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH. Not our Church. HIS CHURCH!!!

He then promises us perpetuity. Protection until the rapture.

The local churches we pastor or attend must be the same churches that Jesus established.

How are local churches built?

Fact: God needs our TIME our TALENT our TITHE our TEACHING OF TRUTH.

Churches are built humanly by: HUMAN WEAKNESS. HUMBLED PRAYING. HARD PREACHING. HARDY GIVING. HOLY LIVING. HOMES DEDICATED. THE HOLY BIBLE - KJV.

ROMANS 10:1-17.

The right kind of local churches are needed in our society today to: SAVE SOULS. SEND MISSIONARIES. SALVAGE FAMILIES. SEE PREACHERS CALLED. SEEK THE LOST AND DYING. SACRIFICIALLY GIVE. SEE LIVES CHANGED. SERVE THE LORD THROUGH.

The local church is the place for the true born again child of God. (Hebrews 10:19-29)

The local church is to be a place of: PREACHING GODS PRESERVED WORD. PRAYING TO GOD FOR OUR NEEDS. PROCLAIMING GODS TRUTH. PRACTICING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. PRAISE AND WORSHIP OF OUR GOD.

How is a church built? Psalm 126:5-6. Psalm 127:1-2.

1. HEARING THE WORD OF GOD. 2. HEEDING GOD'S MESSAGES. 3. HEADING OUT INTO THE LOST WORLD.

The Active Local New Testament Baptist Church: Acts 2:41-48

SALVATION. OBEDIENCE. BAPTISM. MEMBERSHIP. THEN SERVING IN A PARTICULAR MINISTRY UNTO GOD.

INVITATION: Are you a member of a true local NT church? If not, Why not? If you are, are you doing your part? Can you be counted on to do your duty?

Do you love your church family? Pastor and his family? Sunday School Class or Bus Route?

FACT: Church membership is NOT soul salvation!!

THE G-O-S-P-E-L: God Offers Sinful People Eternal Life. Heaven or Hell. God or Satan. Grace or Works. YOU CHOOSE!