Introduction

• Colossians 3:17
• Hebrews 10:25
• I Corinthians 14:23
• Acts 20:7
• We have authority to assemble and need a place to do so.
• John 4:21

Classrooms for Biblical teaching

In the New Testament, we find authority for churches to be involved in the teaching of God’s word.

• Acts 15:35
• Acts 13:1
• Acts 18:4, 8, 11
• I Corinthians 4:17
• I Corinthians 14:26
• Acts 20:28, 32 – Arranging Bible classes is one way that elders can shepherd the flock.

As far as I know, there are two main arguments against classes:

• First, some object to classes by saying that it divides the assembly, and we have no authority to divide the assembly (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 15:30; 11:26).
• Another objection to Bible classes is that it involves women in an unscriptural way.
  • I Corinthians 14:34-35
  • I Timothy 2:11-12

No kitchen or fellowship hall

The church building is not sacred like the temple was.

As a local church, we need to abide by what the New Testament authorizes us to do as a church.

• Provide for needy Christians
  • Help needy saints in the local church (Acts 6:1-6)
  • Help needy saints in other churches (Romans 15:26)
• Preaching the gospel
  • Sound forth the word (I Thessalonians 1:8)
  • Support preachings in other places (Philippians 4:15-16)
• Worship and edification
  • Add/subtract members (Acts 9:26-28; I Corinthians 5:13)
  • Assemble to worship God and edify each other (I Corinthians 14:23-26)
  • Have elders (Acts 20:28)
  • Have deacons (I Timothy 3:8-13)
  • Make decisions (I Corinthians 16:3)
  • Help sinners repent (Matthew 18:17)
  • Partake of the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11:17-24)
  • Sing spiritual songs (I Corinthians 14:26)
  • Pray (I Corinthians 14:15)
  • Teach God’s word (I Corinthians 14:26)
  • Collect money (I Corinthians 16:2)

There is no passage that gives a church authority to provide facilities for regular meals.

• Churches can provide for needy Christians
  • Acts 6:1
• Churches can provide for the Lord’s Supper
  • I Corinthians 11:17-22, 34

The difference between an individual and the church

• Matthew 18:15-17
• Philippians 4:15 – Sometimes the church acts via money.
• Acts 4:32-5:4
• I Timothy 5:16
• Matthew 9:10
• Acts 16:34
• Acts 2:46-47

Can’t the church practice fellowship?

• (share, contribute, participate)
• Philippians 4:15
• Luke 5:19
• I Corinthians 10:16
• I Timothy 5:22
• I John 1:7
• Acts 2:42

We can make the same point about edification

• Acts 20:32; I Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:11-12

Holiness is a daily battle

What prevents us from being holy?

• External influences
• Pride
• Doubt

This battle takes on two forms:

• External
• Internal

We are being lied to by external influences all around us:

• Godless society
• Moral relativism
  • The idea that there is no absolute right and wrong.
  • Judges 17:6; 21:25
• Pluralistic ideology
  • The idea that we’re all going to heaven, just on different paths.
  • This is somewhat related to the idea of multiculturalism when it is applied to religion.
  • Isaiah 5:20

Reminders:

• Romans 12:1-2 – Don’t conform, be transformed
• II Corinthians 6:17 – Come out and be separate
• I Peter 1:15-16 – We CAN be holy

Battle – Ephesians 6:10-13

• Ephesians 6:10 – Be strong
• Ephesians 6:11 – Put on armor; stand firm against devil’s schemes
• Ephesians 6:12 – Struggle not against flesh/blood

External battle … with Satan

• He is an active enemy … but one we can fight
  • James 4:7 – Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Singing has always been important to God’s people.

• Exodus 15:1-7 – The song of Moses.
• I Samuel 18:6-7
• The book of Psalms is a collection of the songs of God’s people.
  • Psalms 72

Congregational singing is a fellowship.

• Psalms 95:1-7 – This is something we do together. God’s people are always stronger together.
  • “O come”
  • “Let us”

Congregational singing IS and IS NOT

It IS a command – NOT an option

• Ephesians 5:19
• Colossians 3:12-16 – Don’t make excuses for why you don’t sing. It is a command right along with kindness, humility, and patience.
• Exodus 4:10-14
• Psalms 100:1
• We are not commanded to sing only if we are good at it.

It IS worship – NOT entertainment

• John 4:24
• Psalms 100:1-5
• Singing is about God – not us. It is not a time for us to showcase our talents – that is worshipping me.

It IS from the heart – NOT empty words

• Mark 12:30
• Psalms 103:1
• Malachi 1; Matthew 15:8-9

It IS a sermon – NOT a “warm-up”

• Singing teachings – Colossians 3:16
• Singing encourages – Hebrews 10:24-25
• Singing comforts – Acts 16:25; Matthew 26:30
• Singing draws us closer to God – James 4:8
  • … and each other

Introduction

• II Timothy 1:5 – We must make our faith our own.
• I John 4:1 – This is my responsibility.

First generation Christians

• When he hears the truth for the first time, it’s always from the vantage point of unbelief and error. He had his beliefs and faith called into question in terms of truth.
• Conversion is always a traumatic experience, paying a great price.
• With reference to truth, what he is concerned with is, is it right or am I right with truth? Am I faithful and lower to the truth? Sees faith differently.
• The problem: Apt to become radical. Identifies any variation with innovation or defection. Equates own belief and own perception with the truth. It’s personal.

Second generation Christians

• He hears the truth for the first time from the vantage point of belief. Had things to be sorry for, but not like the first generation Christian.
• Conversion is not traumatic. Parents were there when baptized. Grew up in a context of belief.
• Concern becomes the people. Let’s not disturb them, because it’s going so well. Not am I right, but who will I upset. Have I just inherited what I believe and grew up with – go back over old ground.
• The problem: Seldom becomes radical. He becomes liberal. Rationalizes innovation as a way to do it better. Doesn’t have background to be a radical.

Testimonies from those who are first generation Christians

• What was your conversion experience like? How were you taught? What were the major roadblocks to conversion for you? What sacrifices did you make or continue to make after conversion?

Introduction

• John 11:1-16

Jesus let Lazarus die.

• John 11:5-6 – Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, yet He did not leave immediately to see Lazarus when He heard he was sick.
• Jesus loved them … so he let Lazarus die.
  • Jesus let Lazarus die because he loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
  • John 11:4, 15 – Jesus had a plan all along.
• They were allowed to suffer, though they were loved by the Lord, so God’s glory could be displayed.
• Matthew 10:28-31
• Whatever happens in life, use it to glorify God.

Martha’s response

• John 11:17-27 – Martha was a great woman of faith. Martha never questioned Jesus’ love or His power.
• Martha declares her faith in the Lord in the midst of grief.
• II Corinthians 4:7-8
• Psalms 42:5; 109:21-30 – It’s natural to be upset, but we must not lose our faith.
• Martha keeps things in the right perspective.
  • For those who follow Christ, death is not permanent.

Jesus cares deeply

• Lazarus’ death caused Jesus to be deeply moved.
  • John 11:32-40
• Even though He let it happen … He still had so much compassion for His children.
  • Luke 2:12
  • Matthew 20:34
  • Mark 8:2; 1:41
• God still has compassion on us today.
  • John 11:40-44