WHICH CHURCH

      Text: 1 Timothy 3:15 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.

      It has been said that we should strive to be like the early church. Is this true? When it comes to doctrine this is true.    Jude 3, Beloved when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

      In other areas than doctrine, let's take a look at the early churches and see if this is what we should strive for.

How about Corinth?

       This church is carnal. They looked to individuals such as Paul, Apollos, Peter etc. instead of Christ and the scripture for direction. This caused envying, strife and divisions among them.

      They allowed incest. They allowed fornication. There were extortioners. There were idolaters. Some were drunkards. Some sued in a court of law before unbelievers instead of taking care of their problems from within. Some in this church were rebellious, not willing to submit to authority. These people are very zealous in spiritual gifts but are guilty of improper use of them.

A look at Galatians

      The church at Galatia is made up of young Christians. They were probably very gullibly. This church is being influenced by Jewish people who believed you had to keep the Mosaic Law and be circumcised to be saved. Paul insisted that we are saved by grace alone. This situation may be the reason why the council in Jerusalem was convened. This council settled the matter of salvation by grace alone.

     

Ephesians

            This church seems to be a strong and faithful people. They are a growing church. In this letter Paul encourages them to reach for greater things in their walk with God. It is possible that the church in Colossians is a spinoff from this church.

The church at Philippi

            Unlike other letters written by the apostle Paul, this letter was not written because of problems or conflicts. This letter is cordial affectionate and appreciative for their love and all that they have done for him. Paul is very close to these people. He commends them for their close walk with Christ, their humility, their servitude, their contentment and faith in Christ in the midst of problems. More on this church later.

The church in Philadelphia

            There were seven churches in Asia. This church is the only one that God found on fault. They kept the word of God. They didn't deny Gods name. God will make their enemies come and worship before their feet.

Which of these churches shall we conform to?

Announcements

August 2, Work day.  

Wednesday, Bible discussion. Red letter study.

August 27-30 Labor Day Commference

Bible study available (Foundations of Faith).

Lunch after Service.

 Remember the brown box, building fund, bicycle, and sewing machine jar.

Cans and food donation.