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:
- Everyone wants RIGHT JUDGMENT III. THE PROBLEM OF HIS RETURN
- 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!
- Most people are not aware of how close it is! C. Particular sin is unimportant (Judah married
the world)
- THE PROTRACTION OF HIS RETURN D. CONTINUED SIN IS THE EMPHASIS
- Protract (Webster’s) to lengthen in duration 1. No repentance–turn from sin to God
- Original theory said it would happen then 2. No tears and sincerity
- Jn. 21:21, “what shall this man [John] do?” HE SHALL SUDDENLY COME!!!!!!!
- “What is that to thee? Follow thou me” 3. Keep pressing God too far——-
- Latter discarded–after John’s death
- Rev. 22:12, “Behold, I COME quickly” CONCLUSION:
- Without warning (to the thief) A. There are three “ways” for our concern—
- “Surprise factor” even for saints 1. “A way” that seemeth right to man
- “The Way”–Jesus Christ II. THE PURPOSE OF HIS RETURN 3. If we are ready, He will take us “AWAY”
- This is not the RAPTURE directly–2nd coming B. Many are living as if there was no judgment
- 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
- Time of purification knew what a great PRICE I paid that they could
- Israel in tribulation driving them to Him live”
- Perhaps what is described in 1 Cor. 3:12-14
- Build on foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble
- Every man’s work revealed by fire (try)
- If it abides, a reward
- If burned, suffer loss yet he is saved “so as by fire”
- “Who may abide the day of his coming?” (v. 2)
- Even saints are tried (2 Cor. 5:10)
- “Appear before the judgment seat of Christ”
- “Receive the things done in his body, whether good or bad”