God’s Glorious Church
From The HeartPublish date: 09/11/2016
Foundation Scripture:
1 Peter 2:5-10 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. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
We are living stones.
We are being built up.
We worship God.
We please God.
1. We are God’s special treasure – peculiar people.
a. We are handpicked by God.
b. We are God’s special, precious, private possession.
c.We are set apart.
d.We serve in a place of distinction.
e. Old Testament – nation of Israel was God’s special people.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. – God refers to the Church as “My people.”
God is jealous of His church. Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.
2. The Church is built on the revelation of Who Jesus is.
Matthew 16:16-18 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
a. Every man must have a personal revelation of who Jesus is – the Rock, our foundation.
b. The opinions of men are invalid.
c. The Church is firmly established – the Rock Christ Jesus.
d. The Church belongs to Jesus.
e.Jesus paid for the Church with His own precious blood.
f. The Church is the centerpiece of God’s kingdom.
3. The Church has overcoming power:
a. Over the world – John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
b. Over evil – Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
c. Over all things – 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
4. The Church has sustained prevailing power.
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
a. Our Leader is alive and victorious. Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
b. We prevail by walking in forgiveness. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
c. We prevail by using the gifts God has given us. 1 Samuel 17:50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
d. We prevail through the Word. Acts 19:20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
5. Three ways God builds His Church:
a. Revelationally – Matthew 16:17-18 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
b. Relationally – Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
c. Generationally – Psalms 127:1-5 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. 3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
6. The Church is in your neighborhood (HOJ) – Acts 2:42-47 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
a. They studied the Word.
b. They fellowshipped.
c. They broke bread.
d. They prayed.
e. They gave liberally and no-one lacked.
f. The Lord added to the Church daily those that were being saved.
7. The Church experienced Supernatural deliverance in the neighborhood. (HOJ) Acts 12:1-7
a. Supernatural visitation
b. Supernatural vision
c. Supernatural voice
Ephesians 5:27
Each one reach one.
Each one teach one.
Make disciples.
Multiply.
Win the lost at any cost.