What is the curse of the law? It is the or-else-ness of the law: “Do this, or else.” Christ took the or-else-ness of the law onto Himself at the cross, so that there is no more or-else for anyone in Christ, as God looks upon us now. Or-else is gone forever from your relationship with God.
Ray Ortlund

The Head Of The Church

The Head Of The Church THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH B4-27-6A Col.2:18-19 CENTRAL THOUGHT: Christ is central to every part of our B. We learn from each other work as a church. 1. Paul was taught by Priscilla & Aquila (Acts 18:26) PURPOSE: Develop unity within the body. Encourage 2. “And [God] gave some… teachers; For the growth. perfecting of the saints… for the edifying of the body of Christ” INTRODUCTION: 3. We are told to teach in all the world and HE SHALL SUDDENLY COME B1-19-6P Mal. 3:1-5

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Everyone wants RIGHT JUDGMENT III. THE PROBLEM OF HIS RETURN
  2. Even Sinners speak of things being better A. Many will be “caught unawares” when the Lord straightens this out B. Why backsliding is SO DANGEROUS!
  3. Most people are not aware of how close it is! C. Particular sin is unimportant (Judah married

    the world)

  4. THE PROTRACTION OF HIS RETURN D. CONTINUED SIN IS THE EMPHASIS
  5. Protract (Webster’s) to lengthen in duration 1. No repentance–turn from sin to God
  6. Original theory said it would happen then 2. No tears and sincerity
    1. Jn. 21:21, “what shall this man [John] do?” HE SHALL SUDDENLY COME!!!!!!!
    2. “What is that to thee? Follow thou me” 3. Keep pressing God too far——-
    3. Latter discarded–after John’s death
  7. Rev. 22:12, “Behold, I COME quickly” CONCLUSION:
    1. Without warning (to the thief) A. There are three “ways” for our concern—
    2. “Surprise factor” even for saints 1. “A way” that seemeth right to man
    3. “The Way”–Jesus Christ II. THE PURPOSE OF HIS RETURN 3. If we are ready, He will take us “AWAY”
  8. This is not the RAPTURE directly–2nd coming B. Many are living as if there was no judgment
  9. Time of Judgment (fuller cleans by application & “they shall not abide” of moisture, heat & pressure–trampling) C. Real tragedy is their unconcern for the future (Heathen trampled under foot) ILLUS: Railroad bridge operator, “they never
  10. Time of purification knew what a great PRICE I paid that they could
    1. Israel in tribulation driving them to Him live”
    2. Perhaps what is described in 1 Cor. 3:12-14
      1. Build on foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble
      2. Every man’s work revealed by fire (try)
      3. If it abides, a reward
      4. If burned, suffer loss yet he is saved “so as by fire”
  11. “Who may abide the day of his coming?” (v. 2)
  12. Even saints are tried (2 Cor. 5:10)
    1. “Appear before the judgment seat of Christ”
    2. “Receive the things done in his body, whether good or bad”

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