I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH

Text: Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5

By: J. William Kanoy, Jr. Greensboro, NC

INTRODUCTION: Church is spoken of in the Bible as four things:

(1)     Building – I Corinthians 3:19

(2)     Body – Colossians 1:8

(3)     Bride – Ephesians 5:25

(4)     Brotherhood – Ephesians 2:19

In  Ephesians 2 it is seen as the Household of God; Holy Temple of God; Habitation of God.

I. CREATION OF THE CHURCH – Matthew 16; I Corinthians 3:11

1. Mind of God. Rebecca was conceived in the mind of Abraham long before she became the bride of Isaac.
2. Open Manifestation – Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4
3. Secret – John 20:22.

As God breathed upon first Adam, he became a living soul; so the second Adam breathed (v. 22) upon disciples, and they became part of a living organism, the Church.

II. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHURCH

                Reflect Christ. The Church is not to reflect: Pastor, members, teachers, nothing but Christ.

III. COMMISSION OF THE CHURCH

1. One supreme mission – Carry out the program of Christ Jesus.
2. Baptize, teach, etc.
3. Church is divine in its origin, ownership, and its mission. Divine Architect planned it, Divine Builder construed it, Divine Purchaser bought it, and the Divine Lord commissioned it.

IV. CONFLICTS OF THE CHURCH

Down by the gates of Hell (Ephesians 6). Wealth of the saint (Ephesians 1, 2). Walk of the saint (Ephesians 2, 3). Work of the saint (Ephesians 4, 5). Warfare of the saints (Ephesians 6). Six pieces of armor – five for the defensive, one for the offensive (sword). God expects no deserters.

V. CROWN OF THE CHURCH

                Foundation – Christ; Formation; Fellowship – others; Financial system – 10%; Future.