Recent Sermons

A Biblical View of the Church Part 1

Ephesians 2:19
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Introduction:

Kevin DeYoung - Why We’re Not Emergent - “In many ways I am a good candidate for the emerging church. I am apart of Generation X, with all the TV and movies I’ve seen, I should be less linear, and more attuned to
stories and images. At the very least, I should be in some quarter-life crisis of faith. I should be wondering how all that I’ve known as Christianity can survive in this postmodern world. I should be questioning church as we know it and reimagining church for my generation. - But I haven’t!
- “There has been a protest movement going on within “Christian” culture - a protest against traditional evangelicalism, as well as the seeker sensitive mega churches.” Largely the emergent church movement “advocates doing church differently” or “redefining the way we do church.”
- In the book entitled Adventures in Missing the Point: How the
Culture Controlled Church Neutered the Gospel, a question is posed to readers, “Do you ever look at how the Christian faith is being lived out in the new millennium and wonder if we’re not
doing what we’re supposed to be doing? Or that we still haven’t quite “gotten it”? Or that we’ve missed the point regarding the
important issues, like salvation, the Bible, worship, homosexuality, truth and many more? The authors “Brian McLaren and Tony Compollo are both skeptical as they describe the church in which they’ve spent their lives preaching. They say, “In the end it is not about pointing fingers at “them” for their mistakes. Its not even about giving you the answers … Its about stretching our thinking and discovering what’s ahead.”

Ted Kluck - Why We’re Not Emergent - “I am the young guy presence on the committee brought in no doubt because I relate and understand the
people. Lately people have tried to recruit us into the emergent church. The meetings go something like this: We are verbally probed, to see if we have problems with our current church situation. ‘Couldn’t church be done differently?’ they ask (in my head I answer - It could). ‘Shouldn’t we be engaging the culture at large?’ (We should). Then I sheepishly confess: ‘I really like church. It’s not perfect, but I love my church.”
- It would be foolish for any church or pastor to assume they have got it all figured out and that their perspective of what and who the church is never gets out of focus.
- To many times even in a conservative setting, our perspective of the church is more like a country club, where you pay your dues and everything else exists for you instead of a living, growing organism built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, that exists to glorify God and minister to people.

So from time to time it is beneficial to evaluate where we are at and where we are headed. When we do a ministry evaluation, set goals, ask for commitments to new ministry initiatives or recommitments to long established ministries, our guiding standard must always be God’s Word.
- The overriding theme in the emergent movement is that we need to do church differently or redefine the way church is done. This philosophy is based upon the foolish and dangerous ideology that “truth is still out there to be discovered.”
- To say that we need to do this, implies that the generations before had no clue in what they were doing. This is foolish and wrong, because as you trace the history records of the church, you can trace at the very least a remnant of faithful believers from present day all the way back to the foundation of the church with Christ and His disciples. If the generations have not gotten it right yet, are you not saying that Jesus missed the point?
- But what is dangerous about this movement and others like it, is that they are trying to fix a perceived problem (admittedly there are problems in every church), but they are doing so on the basis of experience and not the solid foundation of the truth of God’s Word. They are not so much concerned about knowing truth as they are about experiencing truth. “The truth is still out there to be discovered.”
- Truth does exist and it is God’s Word. To say that truth has yet to be discovered, totally disregards the inspired, inerrant, finished written Word of God!

It is my desire and prayer that the people of this church individually and corporately would be strengthened spiritually through new, renewed or increased commitments and involvement in the areas of Prayer, Bible knowledge and understanding, and in the unified exercise of our spiritual gifts.
- Throughout this month we are going to be taking Paul’s 4-fold prayer in Ephesians 3:16-21 and expounding the application for our lives today.
- But I sat ready to make my final preparations for the first aspect of Paul's prayer: “Strength for the Inner Man”, I could not fully complete the idea or make application without dealing with Paul’s statement in vs. 14, “For this cause.”
- I could not textually offer you the reason why this is of importance in your life with out answering the question, “Why did Paul pray for this”.
- So I looked back and found the same statement in vs. 1, but vs. 2-13 are some what of a rabbit trail and don’t really address the question. So I looked back further and found a wonderful picture of the church at the end of ch. 2. Which I believe is the cause for Paul’s prayer. In others words, because this is how God’s has designed the church, it is my prayer that you be strengthened, deepen your experience with God, apprehend the limitless love of God and be filled with all the fullness of God.

If you will look with me at Ephesians 2:19-22, we are going to consider a Biblical Perspective of the Church and make application for the postmodern world that we live in today.

I. Family Community vs. 19

Paul’s first description of the local church is that, “Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”
- Fellowcitizens: In the Greek it is figuratively used to imply “fellow-Christians”
- It is a word that denotes, union, similarity, companionship, support, completeness. A citizen enjoys the freedoms and privileges of the city in which he resides.
- They were no more strangers and foreigners without rights and privileges, they had been brought together. In Christ, Jews, Gentiles, slaves, free, rich, poor are all united together each sharing the rights, privileges and responsibilities of being a citizen of the Kingdom of God.
- Not only have we been united as citizens of the Kingdom of God, but we have been adopted into the family of God with all the rights and privileges as a natural born son would receive.

Paul is admonishing the Ephesian believers to look past the superficial differences that had in the past separated them (Jews vs. Gentiles) and see the union they shared in Christ.

As fellowcitizens and brothers/sisters in Christ we share in the rights and privileges of being apart of the body of Christ.
- Each is bestowed with the limitless love of Christ (3:19).
- As a child of God in this church age, each is apart of the Bride of Christ.
- Read Ephesians 5:25-31
- Each is indwelt with the Holy Spirit of God. John 14 tells us that we ought to know His presence and work in our lives.
- There are no “second class citizens in God’s Kingdom.”

As fellowcitizens and brothers/sisters in Christ we ought to have a care and concern for one another.
- Community is difficult “when there’s something on the line - like your time, money, ideals, opinions, ego and privacy.” But what makes the Christian community of the church so special is that despite our differences and the risks involved we can come together united in the love of Christ to help care for one another. Helping one that needs a bill paid when times are tough. Bringing groceries or food to one who is experiencing a difficult time. Spending time with one another and being involved with each others lives.
- God did not intend for people to live “alone” lives. “Aloneness involves a choice to remain distant from serious friendships. The type of friendships that provide help and support, encourage and lift up, and at times when necessary, reprove and rebuke according to the Word of God. Aloneness makes a statement that we do not need the contribution of others in our lives.” - Dave Warren
- But the truth of the matter is that we do need the contribution of others in our lives, and there are many here this morning that would stand and testify of its importance in their lives.

As fellowcitizens and brothers/sisters in Christ we each share in a great responsibility.
- The care and concern we just talked about ought not just stop with a feeling or an emotion. We also have a
responsibility to do something about it according as God has enabled each of us.
- It has been said, “with great privilege comes great
responsibility.”
- But the responsibility does not end with a responsibility for “one another”. It extends outside the walls of our “city” or “family” to those who are not apart of our “Family Community.”

- Look with me quickly at Ephesians 3:8-11. As children of God we have a responsibility to share with the world the “unsearchable riches of Christ.”

Conclusion:

When you think about your church, what it is and what its purpose is, does your perception line up with Scripture?
- One of the reasons people become disinterested and disconnected from the church is because they view the church as something God never intended it to be and expect it to live up to those false expectations. And one of the reasons churches fail to reach people and keep them connected is that they are trying to be something different than what God has ordained them to be.
- This morning, do you view our church as a Family Community, in which you play an intrical role?
- Have you connected in a real meaningful way with “one another”? Have you invested yourself in and taken ownership of this church and her ministries? Are you involved in the lives of your “one anothers”? Are you taking your responsibility seriously?

- If you answered “no” to any of these questions, than let me challenge you to allow God’s Word to realign your perspective of the church.

A Biblical View of the Church Part 2

Ephesians 3:20
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Introduction:

One of the more concerning characteristics of our world today is the instability that is present in so many arenas.
- Political
- Financial
- Business
- Sports - no longer characterized by the franchise or the team, but it is dominated by free agency and a mentality I’ll go wherever I can get the most money.
- Technology
- Even in the Church

Let me share with you some startling statistics about the church:
- Independent Fundamental Churches of America (IFCA) reports that the average stay of pastors within its association is less than 18 months.
- Depending on what source you read the average stay of
pastors in evangelical churches in America is as low as 18 months, but typically is estimated to be about 5-7 years.
- In every study I read, the longer a pastor is at one location, the greater potential there is for growth.
- Our young people are leaving the church at an alarming rate.
- For example, a 2004 study released by the Higher
Education Research Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) examined church attendance by college students. UCLA researchers found that in 2000, just over 80 percent of college freshman said that they had
attended church services frequently or occasionally during their last years in high school. During their freshman year at college, that dropped to 52 percent. And by 2003, as those freshmen were going through their junior year, only 29
percent could make that same claim.
- It is estimated that 70-80% of teenagers leave the church after their freshman year in college with no intentions on returning.
- 1400 Pastors leave the ministry each month
- 10,000 churches have closed their doors in the past 5 years
- Only 60% of Christians say they are deeply committed to their faith.
- In his book Who Shall Lead Them Larry Withham says, “20% of US churches have no future.”
- 1 out of 4 church attendees are considered church hoppers
- 15-20 million people in America have said they are Christian, but they simply don’t want to be apart of the church.

This of course is not how God intends for the church to exist.
- The statistics are not all doom and gloom. Despite the troubling stats, in many parts of the world the church is growing and despite the failures in our country people are still getting saved and added to the church.

But the point I would like to make tonight is that God designed the church to be stable, firmly established on a solid foundation.
- Take your Bibles and go with me back to Ephesians 2:19-20, where we considered that Paul says, “Now therefore ye (Christians/church) ye are fellowcitizens and brothers/sisters in Christ.
The Church as a Family Community
The Church as Stable and Steadfast

I. Necessity of a Solid Foundation

Foundation defined: the basis of an edifice, that on which anything stands and is supported.
- From the definition we see that foundation serves in two very critical ways.
Platform upon which to build or stand
- Read Matthew 7:21-27
- The wise man builds his house upon the rock it stands - Hears and Does what God commands about salvation - Foundation (solid rock) for eternal life is Jesus Christ
- The foolish man builds his house upon the sand and it comes tumbling down - Hears and does not do or in other words, hears the Gospel and rejects Christ, trusting in any other way.
- This is the message that the apostles and the prophets
proclaimed. This is most likely referencing the N.T. prophet “who delivered inspired exhortations,
instructions, and warnings.” - Vincent’s Word Studies
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
- There is an importance to hold onto what the previous
generations have passed down to us. Not in a blind
traditionalism, but rather in passing truth from one
generation to the next.
- One of the startling things about the emergent church is that it is throwing all that away, saying truth and the true church have yet to be discovered.
- Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
- Luke 20:17-18 And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders
rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
- The only solid foundation upon which to base your life, is Jesus Christ.

II. Building on a Solid Foundation

While we were in Peru couple of summers ago, I found it interesting that on just about every house or building there were these iron poles sticking out anywhere from 6-8ft high up to 15-20ft high.
- I kind of assumed why they were there, but I asked and Tim
Chapman shared that they were there for a couple of reasons. j for future additions to the building. Especially in the cities, the only place to add on was up. k To help re-enforce the buildings because of the earthquakes in the region.

The Second critical function of a foundation is to provide support and help sustain the building.
- Read Matthew 16:13-18
- Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
- When I read that 15-20 million Christians don’t want to be apart of church, my heart longs for these who have been deceived and taken themselves out from under the umbrella of God’s promise to the church.
- One pastor said it this way, “You show me a Christian who does not go to church, and I will show you a Christian who is weak and not growing in their faith.”

Not long before we took our trip to Peru, Lima the capital city of Peru, suffered that tremendous earth quake that devastated parts of the country. Tim said that you could walk down a street and tell which buildings had the right foundation and re-enforcements.
- The buildings that were built properly sustained minimal damage. The ones that were built poorly were completely destroyed.
- If the church is going to grow, as it should if Christians are
fulfilling their Great Commission calling, it must be founded upon Jesus Christ. For if on any other foundation the work will surely crumble under the stress and pressure of the storms that will be faced.

Conclusion:

As we enter 2011, let me ask this church, “Are we allowing God to build us up resting firmly on the foundation that has been laid, or are we trying to build our own thing, doing it our own way?”
- God has designed the church to be stable and built up on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ.
- In a day and age when there is so much change and instability, let us make sure that as we adapt our “means” (technology) to our ever changing culture, that we remain constant and steadfast in our methods (teaching and preaching) and in our message (Jesus Christ).

A Biblical View of the Church Part 3

Ephesians 3:21
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Introduction:

In the study book entitled The Pentateuch, author W.H. Griffith Thomas writes, “The supreme object of God is to dwell among men.”
- Genesis 1:26-28 Let us make man in our image …
- Prior to man’s sin and fall, God walked and fellowshipped with man unhindered.
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 I will dwell in them… and they shall be my people…
- Revelation 21:3-4 Perfected fellowship in Heaven

“The greatest necessity for God’s people was their continuance in the will and way of God, and this was only possible by regular worship, which would at once remind them of God and keep them in touch with Him.”
- Enter the Tabernacle - The purpose of the Tabernacle and then later in the temple, was so that God could dwell with His people.

Ephesians 2:21-22 give us a perspective of the church as the dwelling place of God.
- In vs. 21 we will see the church as a holy temple unto the Lord
- In vs. 22 we will see the church as the habitation of God through the Spirit.
- Each shares the primary emphasis on God’s presence among His people.
- In both descriptions we will see a united (together) dwelling place for God.
- As well as both descriptions are prefaced with the
prepositional phrase “In whom”.

In the buildings of the Tabernacle and Temple, we see the presence of God, yet at the same time we see the separation of God from man because of sin. Curtains and veils separated man from God.
- The high priest was designated as the representative of the people to go before God.
- This of course was in imperfect system, intended to point people to Christ, whom Hebrews tells us is become our perfect High Priest. And He has entered in once, for all.
- In Christ, every believer has direct access to God. The veil has been torn asunder and we have been made a holy priesthood.

Paul says in vs. 21, “In whom” or in Christ. It is a phrase that communicates to us that it is by Him, through Him, and in Him alone. “Jesus is the chief cornerstone. He supports, orients, and unifies the entire building.” - John MacArthur And it is only on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ that the church can grow unto a Holy Temple in the Lord.

1. Fitly Framed Together
- When you read in Exodus about the construction of the Tabernacle or in 1 Kings about the construction of the Temple, you find very detailed records of how big it was to be, what materials were to be used, the size of each board, curtain, socket and ring. There is so much detail that it seems almost non-essential or irrelevant to us today. (Maybe similar to reading the genealogies)
- These details however are quite essential, as they reveal for us part of the nature and character of God. Here are a few examples:
- Gold - His Deity
- Silver - Redemption
- Brass - Judgment
- Scarlet - Sacrifice
- Ark of the Covenant - Approaching God
- Mercy Seat - Place of Forgiveness of sin
- Read Exodus 26:14-25 gives us some detailed descriptions of the construction of the Tabernacle
- The instructions were precise
- The construction was to be careful and accurate
- Each piece had its specific place and purpose, each board joined together with silver sockets, each part joined together with the others to form one of the most beautiful and magnificent edifices known to man.

- Paul says this about the church, “It is fitly framed together”
- In other words, God has carefully, accurately, and precisely joined together each and every one of us. John MacArthur describes it this way, “The Spirit of God puts the life of God in the soul of every person who trusts in Christ and unites that person with every other believer in the same spiritual realm.”
- Possitionally the church is perfectly united in Jesus Christ, but practically the church is not always one.
- When united together, with each part in its place, performing as it has been designed, the church (people) is a beautiful dwelling place of God.
- Individuals within the church are different and unique, but joined together in Christ we are one. We believe the same doctrine, worship the same God, practice the same holiness, look forward to the same heaven and are indwelt by the same Spirit.

2. Groweth
- If you will remember last Sunday Night I used the Peruvian buildings in one of my illustrations. Many of the buildings had support poles sticking out of the top along the outside walls. They served 2 purposes: j Future building support, k Re-enforcement against earthquakes.
- Like many of the Peruvian buildings we saw, God is still building His church. It is always growing and being added on to.
- With every new believer a new stone is added.
- If we really want to be a part of the ongoing work of God in His church we need to do our part in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who are lost and as they get saved help disciple them so that they will grow until Ephesians 4:13 comes to pass: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

3. Holy Temple
- The Tabernacle and Temple were the dwelling places of God. They were sacred buildings consecrated and sanctified to Him and for His use. They could not be appropriated by anyone else or used for anything else than His worship and service, else it would be profaned.
- In Matthew 21, you read the story of Jesus casting the money changers out of the Temple. Lets consider why Jesus really did this. Was it because they were exchanging money? No.
- People from different cities and countries would travel to Jerusalem to worship, which necessitated the changing of money to purchase the animals for sacrifice - much like traveling to a different country today.
- The wickedness that angered the Lord was that they had taken this innocent procedure and turned it into a dishonest profit making scheme, and they were using the temple to house their efforts. They had turned the house of the God into a den of thieves. They used the house of God to profit themselves.
- Listen carefully to the principle that is being communicated here regarding the church, The church is holy unto the Lord. It is His dwelling place. It is for His use, for worship of Him and service to Him.
- With that said, what is the church? A building - No. The church is God’s redeemed. Therefore we ought to regard ourselves as holy, and consecrated to His service alone.
- When you use the church or ourselves as part of the church, or you view the church for any self-serving or self-pleasing means it is robbing God of His holy dwelling and is no less wicked than what is condemned in Matthew 21.
- So the church is to be growing and being added to on a continual basis. But growth is implied here as well, for it is a constant work of sanctification being carried out.
- Possitionally in Christ the church is His Holy Temple
- Practically we are progressing in that direction through the sanctification of the Spirit in our lives.
- How is this accomplished? Turn to Ephesians 5:26-27.
- Paul tells us that the sanctification of the church is through the washing of water by the Word.
- As we are in God’s Word, growing in our knowledge and understanding of His Word, we will be sanctified further until one day as vs. 27 points out, He will present the church unto Himself as a glorious bride, without any spot or wrinkle or any such thing.

Conclusion:

1 Peter 2:5 says, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Are you in Christ? Have you been connected to the body of Christ, His church, by placing your faith in Jesus Christ for your salvation? If not I want to encourage you to come forward this morning and let someone show you from the Bible how you can be saved.
Practically speaking, are you fitly framed together with your fellow believers here at South Baptist Church? Do you need to come forward and unite with this church membership? Are you in your place as God has designed and intends? Or are you outside of His will? Are you using your God given gifts for the glory of God and the benefit of others?
Are you involved in the ongoing work of God through His church?

Have you profaned or polluted God’s dwelling place with self-serving or self-pleasing sinful behavior?
- If yes you need to confess that sin and repent of it and ask for forgiveness on the grounds of the shed blood of Jesus Christ - 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The church is not my church, your church or even our church. It is God’s church, therefore let us make sure that this local church remains consecrated for His use alone.

A Biblical View of the Church Part 4

Ephesians 2:22
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Introduction:

We noted this morning that in our final look here at a Biblical view of the church, we will see the church as the dwelling place of God.
- Of course we are not talking about this physical building composed of bricks and mortar. We are talking about the spiritual house of God composed of lively stones (1 Peter 2:5)
- Now let me pause for just a moment to say that there should be a respect and reverence regarding the building where the church meets. We should take care of it, and keep it the best we can. We should use it for the worship and service of God. But if in some tragic event this building is destroyed, the church would still exist.

To differentiate between vs. 21 and 22, I want to focus on the common differences between a temple and a habitation. Both show for us the church as the dwelling place of God, and while what we said this morning is true and could be said about this verse, I believe that there is a distinction between the two or a slightly different perspective of the church.
- What are some words or activities that you would commonly associate with a temple?

Worship, Offerings, Formal, Service, Priests, Corporate, Sacrifice, High Priest, Altar, etc.

- Now what are some words or activities you would commonly associate with a habitations or a house?

Family, Personal, Sleep, Relaxed, Love, Fellowship, Talking, Relationships, Eating, Informal, etc.

As the Habitation of God the church is:

1. A Manifestation of God’s Glory in this World

In ancient times Jerusalem and more specifically the temple was considered to be the “habitation of God”. It was magnificent and beautiful. People from all over the world would come to Jerusalem to worship God.
- But we must note that God is omnipresent. He is everywhere always present and God is eminent. He is not in space, rather space is in Him. He fills it and supersedes it. He is without extension and subject to no limitation.
- Even in ancient times God’s presence, nor His work, nor His church could be confined to a building or a room. His church is not confined to a single building, city, state or country. This is what the Jews missed on so often. They seldom got the perspective of God and His work beyond themselves.
- The Spirit of God is everywhere, yet it is said dwell wherever He specifically and permanently manifests His presence.
- God is said to dwell in Heaven. In old He dwelt in the temple (Shekinah glory). He dwells in the church through His Spirit. And He dwells in each individual believer whose body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.
- So we see that the dwelling place of God is a vast spiritual body. It is important to understand that in this
dispensation of the church age God has chosen to manifest Himself to the world through the church.
- Did your parents ever tell you that when you leave this house you represent not only yourself, but this family and home?
- Because you are indwelt by God through His Spirit, you are qualified to “witness of God’s glory to a God forgetting society.”
- Let me ask you tonight,
“What is your life manifesting?”

2. A Manifestation of God’s Saving Grace to all the World

John MacArthur writes, “It is part of sinful human nature to build barriers that shut out other people. In New Testament times some of those barriers were: slaves and their owners, husbands and wives, the Greeks and barbarians (anyone not Greek) and probably most notable was the chasm between the Jews and Gentiles.” As we noted in vs. 19, there are no ethnic or social barriers to the gospel. “In the kingdom of God all those barriers come down. In Him there are no walls, classes, castes, genders or distinctions.” Christ died for all!
- In this dispensation of the church age, God has chosen to manifest His message of saving grace (by grace through faith, according to the Scripture) to all the world, through the work and ministry of the church.
- He has given the Great Commission to the church - Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Now who is the church? All believers in Jesus Christ - the church which is His body. Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
- Now how do we bring that to a more personal level. Our local church is a group of baptized believers who have voluntarily joined together in our common bond in Jesus Christ, to work together to accomplish our common goal - fulfilling the Great Commission.
- Therefore, our attention should be given to working together as a team to fulfill our mission, and how our team is apart of the bigger picture of manifesting the Gospel to a lost world.
- Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, God will enable you to witness of His saving grace to those who are lost.

3. A Manifestation of God’s Ongoing Work in this World

One of the most disheartening comments I have ever received, was from a man that lived about 3-4 blocks from the church. After I introduced myself to him and shared where I was from he said, “Oh, that church is still there!”
- Somewhere along the line we failed to be a visible manifestation of God’s Ongoing Work in this world.
As we said this morning, the work of God is continuous as He builds His church, block by block.
- It is a work that has not ceased and will continue till He comes again and we are with Him in glory for all eternity.
- As a local assembly of the Body of Christ we ought to be visible. We should not intentionally or unintentionally hide God’s work
behind the walls of our building.
- Our community needs to see people coming and going. They need to see the parking lots full during all of our services. They need to hear our testify of how God is working in their lives. Or how God is still saving souls. They need to see our kids playing and enjoying being at church.
- The world needs to see that God is still at work in this world. He isn’t gone, He hasn’t abandoned this world. And the primary way that the world is going to see it is through us, His church.

We not only need to be visible, but we also need to engage our neighbors in meaningful spiritual conversations.
- 2 weeks ago my dad and I attended the Progressive International Motorcycle Show that is held every year down in Novi. The show is a show case of new models of motorcycles, display of custom bikes, vintage bikes, as well as a place for vendors to set up shop and sell their products.
- There were all sorts of vendors selling anything from bikes, to accessories, gear, apparel etc. Some would engage you in conversation if you approached them. Others tried to engage you as soon as you could hear them speaking.
- As irritating as the guy selling chrome polish was who was shouting out with the PA system every time anyone walked by, he was engaging customers. We walked through the showcase a number of times and he was selling his product to someone every time.
î Now we are not just trying to sell a product. Our mission is so much more than that. But we are instructed to go out into the highways and hedges and compel or persuade men to come to Jesus.
- While we were there, we were disappointed to find that the Ducati display wasn’t there. Last year it was the biggest and most fascinating, this year it wasn’t there at all. As we were walking around talking about its absence my dad made this comment, “Well I wonder if the Ducati dealership is still in business?”
- And my point is this, if we don’t engage the world we live in and manifest God’s ongoing work, they will by default think that the work has ceased. And I can think of no more dark and discouraging thought that that God is no longer at work. Actually it reminds me of the Tribulation period, when God will remove His Spirit from the world for 7 years.
- But as long as His Spirit indwells us and we are present in this world God’s work will continue. The question is will our world see it in us?

Conclusion:

As we wrap up this mini series on a Biblical View of the Church, I would like to read a small paragraph that John MacArthur wrote concerning the church.
- “Through the blood, the suffering flesh , the cross, and the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, aliens become citizens, strangers become family, idolaters become the temple of the true God, the hopeless inherit the promises of God, those without Christ become one in Christ, those far off are brought near, and the godless are reconciled by God.”
- As a church let us be what God has designed His church to be:
Family Community, Firmly Founded Upon Jesus Christ, Growing into the Holy Temple of God,The Habitation of God

Spiritual Check-Up (Youth Sermon)

Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Here in our Bible text, we are commanded to “run with patience the race that is set before us”.
In the previous chapter, the author of Hebrews lists a group of faithful people who had ran their race:
Abel— son of Adam and Eve; offered a more acceptable sacrifice to God than his brother did

Enoch—lived in close fellowship with God; he was taken up to heaven without dying

Noah—obeyed God and built the ark

Abraham—left his family, friends and home land and followed God to become the father of the Jewish nation

Sarah—trusted God to give her a child in her old age

Isaac—son of Abraham and Sarah; blessed his sons, Jacob and Esau, according to the will of God

Jacob—son of Isaac, renamed "Israel" had 12 sons who became the tribes of the nation of Israel.

Joseph—Jacob's favorite son, lived a godly life, was sold into slavery in Egypt, believed God would deliver the nation of Israel out from Egypt

Moses—courageously served God and led Israel out of Egypt

Rahab—obeyed God by sheltering Israelite spies in her home

Other Old Testament Leaders, Judges, Kings, Prophets and people of faith that accomplished great deeds for God and also suffered great persecution because of it.

That is quite an impressive list of some of the major key people in the Bible!
These “runners” have completed their race and are now handing the baton to you, so that you can run yours!

It is recommended by the medical professionals that before you do any extreme physical activity - such as running a race, you get a check up. The same holds true spiritually, and since this “race” is a spiritual one, we ought to get a spiritual check up on a daily basis.
- I have a rare medical condition called "Dysautonomia", I also suffer from multiple heart related conditions as well as Epilepsy, and because of my medical conditions I see several doctors, in fact I average a trip to a doctor’s office, hospital, lab or testing center at least once a week, on top of that I am married and a father of three - so I know a thing or two about having a check up.
- So what happens during a regular check up? 1. Questions are asked about health history, growth and development, and if there are any current symptoms that suggest that something may be wrong. 2. Habits are reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are healthy or harmful. 3. Tests are given. 4. If anything appears to be wrong or abnormal, treatments are prescribed - sometimes diets are altered and or vitamins and supplements are suggested, as well as follow up appointments being scheduled to see if you are improving. 5. There are times when the doctor will send you to see a specialist to help you get back on track.

After they find something wrong, doctors look for drastic changes in conditions! They keep a watchful eye on the patient to make sure that conditions don’t get any worse, and at the same time, look for proof of improvement in overall health!

The Spiritual check up follows the exact same guidelines. Except YOU are both the patient and the doctor! In other words we have to examine ourselves! And we should do so daily!

Physicians have medical journals that help them determine what is a healthy based on man’s wisdom & opinion, and your height and age.
Christians have the Word of God - the Bible, to help them determine what is healthy based on God’s absolute truth and your spiritual maturity!

Young people - it is time for your check up!
2Corinthians 13:5 says “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves, how that Jesus is in you…”
So I want to challenge you today to do just that, give yourself a spiritual check up: *Question yourself about your spiritual history - can you remember a time in your life when you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for Salvation? *Check for spiritual growth and development - are you closer in your walk with Christ today than you were in the past? Are you becoming the Christ-like person God intended you to be? *Check and see if there are any current symptoms that suggest that something may be wrong - are you living what you say you believe? *Review and evaluate your habits of everyday life to determine if they are helpful or harmful to your relationship with the Lord. * Understand tests and trials are given, to help us grow closer to God. * As you examine yourself, see if anything appears to be wrong or abnormal in your spiritual life, and if so use the treatments that are prescribed in the Bible to help you put away the harmful things in your life. *Check to see what you are feeding yourself (the things you watch, read, listen to...the people you hang out with, etc)- see if a new diet is required. *Realize that prayer, Bible study and faithful church attendance are the medicines, vitamins and supplements that will help you improve your spiritual well-being. *Understand that Pastors and Youth Leaders are the specialists that you may need to visit to help overcome any particular problem.

This spiritual checkup helps us to focus on Jesus Christ!

It is only after we examine ourselves, begin the receive the proper treatment for whatever area in our life is ailing, and ill - and then focus on Jesus and on Him alone, that we are ready to run this race!

What will happen if we neglect to do this? Let’s Read our text again to see:
We will become “wearied and faint” (v.3)

There is one thing that I didn’t mention yet. It is the most popular test that a doctor orders - A blood test.
This common test contains most of the information about you.
Things can be detected and determined by this one simple test that will affect your overall physical health.

Did you know that there is a spiritual blood test that will affect you for all eternity?
It is not a test concerning the blood that is in you, but rather the blood that was shed for you on the cross of Calvary!

The test is pretty simple - Jesus Christ shed His blood as the payment for your sins, He was bruised, beaten and crucified because He loves you so much!

The Bible says in John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

He died, was buried and rose again providing eternal life for anyone who will confess that they are a sinner, and put their faith and trust in the completed works of Jesus Christ as their only means of Salvation.

Acts 16:31 says “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved”

That is the whole test - Jesus Christ shed His blood for you, how do you react to that fact? There are only two answers: you can accept it by placing your faith and trust in Him for Salvation and spend eternity with Him in heaven, or you can deny it and spend eternity seperated from God in hell.

Young people - we love you too much to close this message without offering you an invitation to come to Christ!
If you are reading this and would like to know more about how to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior or how to have a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him, I would encourage you to contact us at South Baptist Church and we will be more than happy to talk to you about this matter and pray for you and with you as you ponder the most important decision you will ever make.

If you are a Christian but you know that you wouldn’t do so well during your spiritual check up I would encourage you to pray, asking God to forgive you and restore a right relationship with Him!

Brian Myers - Youth Leader


If you have any questions or prayer requests please feel free to contact us at (989) 893-3977 or email me at info@sbcbaycity.org

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