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Jesus Said It (Building the Church of Christ)
Jesus Said It (Building the Church of Christ)
What do I mean by “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH?” Who says this? Is that a quote from?
We must pray for our city (Elmira,NY)
We must pray for our Counties - Chemung County and Schuyler County
We must pray for our area - The Finger Lakes and Twin Tiers of Upstate New York
You’ll never hear me say that “I am going to build this church on my own.”
Let’s see who says this and let’s look at this in detail today.
[3] Matthew 16:13-15 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I am the Son of man? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am?
[4] Matthew 16:16-17 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 Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
[5] 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.
Notice exactly what Jesus says to Peter right there in that Scripture.
“Upon this rock I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH.” That’s God speaking right there. That’s Jesus Christ speaking.
God says, “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH.” We should listen to what God is saying right there.
Does He say that Peter is going to build it? No, He doesn’t.
But, does He tell Peter to go home, rest, watch some TV, do whatever you want?
Does Jesus say that we don’t need to do anything and that He’ll take care of it all?
Let’s see what Jesus tells Peter and the apostles to do.
[6] Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
So now in this last chapter of the Gospel of Mark. Mark Chapter 16.
Jesus appears to the disciples after He’s already risen from the dead.
Jesus upbraiding them means that he is reproving them and rebuking them for their unbelief.
They hadn’t believed the others who had seen Jesus alive after His death on the cross.
Jesus continues speaking to them in the very next verse.
[7] Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He doesn’t say go home and rest because I am going to build my church.
No, that’s a command right there that most people want to ignore. “I don’t want to hear that one.”
“I don’t want to be responsible for any work that God asks me to do.”
“I just want the gift of eternal life, and I want to go on with MY LIFE and do what I want.”
That way of thinking is easy, and God allows you to make your own decisions.
But that verse right there includes a command for us to get to work.
GO YE. That’s all of us. Preach the Gospel everywhere you go.
[8] Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
So, when you preach the Gospel, you should be telling that person to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Notice that this Scripture says, “He that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved.”
“But he that believeth not shall be damned.”
In other words, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ first saves you and then you SHOULD be baptized.
Baptism doesn’t save you OR the verse would say “He that believeth not AND IS NOT BAPTIZED shall be damned.”
Our job as a CHURCH is to go out, preach the Gospel, and baptize those who believe in Jesus.
That is the work that God commands us to do.
He didn’t say to go relax, have fun, and do whatever you want.
What About The Book Of Matthew?
What About The Book Of Matthew?
Let’s see the parallel passage in the Gospel of Matthew.
You’ll find this parallel passage in Matthew Chapter 28. That is the last chapter of Matthew.
Now remember, the FOUR GOSPELS have parallel passages throughout them.
This means that we hear some of the same stories with more details.
[9] Matthew 28:16-18 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and on earth.
We see here also that some doubted that Jesus was alive.
They knew He died on the cross but they doubted His resurrection.
Jesus tells them, “ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH.”
[10] Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Jesus says to go teach all nations. Baptize them after they have believed.
Teach them to observe all of these things within the Bible. He says, “I have commanded you.”
He doesn’t give you an exemption. He doesn’t give me an exemption.
We aren’t exempt from this commandment. You might say, “Well, I’m not doing it.”
Next, I want to look at another part of this parallel passage in the Gospel of Luke.
Let’s see what this Scripture says.
[11] Luke 24:46-47 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Now, I want you to notice what He’s asking us to do.
Preach repentance and remission of sins among all nations. The apostles were to begin at Jerusalem.
In order to preach repentance, you better understand what that means.
Repentance for salvation is a change of mind from unbelief to belief that Jesus Christ is YOUR SAVIOR.
Repentance for salvation does not equal repent of your sins. You don’t have to stop sinning to be saved.
But again, notice exactly what Jesus is commanding us to do in all of these passages.
We see these things:
PREACH THE GOSPEL. Convince people to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to save them.
Tell them about Jesus Christ and what He did for them.
If they change their mind and believe, Jesus commands us to baptize them. That’s a command.
And then after we’ve preached the Gospel and baptized, we are to teach them from the Bible.
Preach the Gospel, baptize them, and continue to teach them the commandments of God.
That’s our job. Notice what He doesn’t ask us to do.
He doesn’t say to build the church. He doesn’t say to just go invite people to church.
When you go soul winning, you need to understand the goal is to win souls to Jesus Christ.
Successfully getting someone to church is nothing compared to successfully winning a soul to Christ.
People have no chance of continuing to come to church if they aren’t saved. ZERO CHANCE.
Do you know what Jesus says about building the church? “I will build my church.”
Don’t Expect Things To Happen If You Aren’t Obeying God
Don’t Expect Things To Happen If You Aren’t Obeying God
So, Jesus told us what to do. If we can’t do that, we can’t expect the church to grow.
If we do what He says, then He says: “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH.”
And we don’t want people here who want to be entertained for their own reasons.
We want Jesus to build His church. Those will include people who want to learn what God wants.
This will not include people who want to hear great stories and to be entertained in a sermon.
It’s going to be people who love the Lord God Almighty and want to find Him within the Scriptures.
Our job is to simply do what God asks. He’ll take care of the rest for us. But He’s asking us to work.
Preach the Gospel, baptize, and teach all things that God commands us to do.
I want to move to the next section of this sermon. Let’s talk about church.
What is a church? In the Old Testament, the temple was God’s physical house.
In the New Testament, though, we see the temple or tabernacle explained.
[12] Acts 7:45-47 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; 46 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. 47 But Solomon built him an house.
[13] Acts 7:48-50 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? 50 Hath not my hand made all these things?
Many people will say the church building is the house of God. “This is God’s house.”
A physical building is not where God dwells. And this isn’t something NEW in the New Testament.
Do you see where it says, “Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet?”
What prophet? What’s this talking about? Do you think Solomon thought God could fit in that temple?
Do you think Solomon who built God a house thought that God could live there? Watch this.
[14] 1 Kings 8:22-23 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: 23 And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:
[15] 1 Kings 8:24-25 Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promised him: thou speakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day. 25 Therefore now, LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that thou promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel; so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk before me as thou hast walked before me.
[16] 1 Kings 8:26-27 And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou speakest unto thy servant David my father. 27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
King Solomon knew that God couldn’t dwell in that house that he built for God.
“Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded.”
[17] Isaiah 66:1-2 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
God says, “Hey, I’ve made everything you can see. I’ve made the birds and the bees.”
“I’ve made the heavens and the earth. I’ve made the seas and everything that’s within them.”
“I’ve made the mountains. I’ve made the stars. I’ve made the planets. I’ve made you.”
This earth is God’s footstool. So, what are we going to build for him? A church building is not the church.
We can have church anywhere. That’s what God is saying here.
When God says, “I will build my church” He sure isn’t talking about a building made with wood, drywall, brick, siding, and shingles.
I want you to hear this today. In this church, we won’t ignorantly worship God Almighty.
[18] Acts 17:22-23 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declares I unto you.
Right now, I’m taking Paul’s words from the Holy Ghost and speaking them as they come from God.
Hear this today. Paul says, “Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, HIM I declare unto you.”
There are so-called “CHURCHES” everywhere around here who are ignorantly worshiping God.
What does that mean? They don't know who He is. Why is that? Because the Bible is not their foundation.
The WORD OF GOD is not their foundation. The Holy Scriptures are not their foundation.
A Building Does Not Equal A Church
A Building Does Not Equal A Church
Churches aren’t churches just because they have a building there.
Churches are assemblies of BELIEVERS who gather together to WORSHIP GOD.
This means they MUST have a group of people assembling together who believe ON the Lord Jesus Christ.
And what does that mean? WE HAVE A CHURCH because I know several of you believe in Jesus.
Listen to this preaching from the Apostle Paul. This is amazing. Continuing in verse 24 of Acts Chapter 17.
[19] Acts 17:24-25 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshiped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
Do you think God 100% NEEDS anything from us? He doesn’t need us to worship with our hands.
He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. He doesn’t depend on us. He is God.
He doesn’t NEED us to do things for Him. He’s asked us to do things for Him.
[20] Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
God has MADE OF ONE BLOOD all nations of men. That right there should eliminate racism.
Your blood and your so-called “race” doesn’t matter to God. He made all of us one blood.
He’s allowed us all to live here. He’s given us life. He has set all the times for things to happen.
Now, He’s asking us to do what He needs us to do. Do you not think He could do it?
[21] Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
God is asking you to please seek after Him. “That they should seek the Lord.”
Why is that? He doesn’t need us to seek Him. He’s trying to help us. He’s trying to show you goodness.
“If haply they might feel after Him, and find Him.” If you find God, you’ll be happy. Is it hard to find God?
If He lived in some church building somewhere in this world, it would be hard to get there.
You might have to get on a plane and fly 20 hours to get to that church building.
You might have walk through a swamp, climb a mountain, hike 100 miles, or swim through caverns.
But thank God we don’t have to go very far. At the end of verse 27 there, it says:
“Though, He be not very far from every one of us.” Seek God and you will find Him. He’s not far.
He isn’t located in a church building or a temple. You don’t have to go there to find God.
God is everywhere. You can have access to God by simply calling upon Him to save you.
You can do that within your mind right now as we sit here. “God, please save me. I know you will.”
And then after you’re saved, God asks us to assemble together to learn together and to teach each other.
[22] Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
We’re supposed to be here together to help each other learn how to love and to do good works.
Love is not what the world tells you. Love is following God’s commandments.
Doing good works equals doing what God asks you to do.
When we go out and preach the Gospel door to door, that’s doing what God asks.
That’s showing love for the people you’re going to even if they don’t think so.
They might not want you there.
If you can get them to listen, though, and believe on Jesus, they will thank you for eternity.
When you go do that, you’re trying to make sure those people are going to heaven when they die.
You’re trying to help them to be saved from eternal hell.
If they are saved that day when you go to them, THEN they might want to be a part of a good church.
Why? Because they NOW have the Holy Spirit living within them.
Someone who isn’t saved WON’T like this church at all. You need to understand why that is.
[23] 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
The house of God is the church of the living God which is the pillar and ground of the TRUTH.
In other words, lies don’t belong here. The truth belongs here and nothing else.
I don’t want to hear any lies any more. Every word out of some people I know is a lie.
I’m not interested in hearing it any more. If you want to come to me with some truth, I’ll listen.
Lies Don’t Belong In Church
Lies Don’t Belong In Church
No more lies. Lies don’t belong in church. Church is the pillar and ground of the truth.
If you want me to stand up here and preach that God doesn’t hate anyone, it’s not going to happen.
If you want me to stand up here and preach that God loves everyone no matter what, it’s not happening.
Why is that? Because both of those things are complete lies. God hates lies.
But yet, the so-called churches say they represent God and tell lies about Him every time they open.
What’s a real church supposed to be like? “THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH.”
In other words, people who want to hear the truth will LOVE coming here. They’ll love it.
With every sermon, you’ll hear the truth and you’ll learn. Why is that? Let me explain.
[24] Ezra 6:3-4 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; 4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expences be given out of the king’s house:
Notice in verse 3 of Ezra Chapter 6 that it says, “Let the foundations thereof be strongly laid.”
This is talking about the HOUSE OF GOD being built. The foundations MUST be strong.
What does that mean? That means the foundations of this church must be strongly laid.
3 rows of great stones. Did you know that you can be one of those great stones in the foundation?
[25] Psalm 11:1-3 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? 2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. 3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
If we try to build a church our way, what do you think is going to happen?
The foundations will be destroyed. That’s guaranteed.
If we haven’t laid the foundations properly, we will be destroyed.
The wicked will come after us. They will attempt to destroy the foundations.
If we have the foundations laid properly, though, this church isn’t going anywhere.
We will not be destroyed. Why is that? Next verse in Psalm Chapter 11 tells us.
[26] Psalm 11:4-6 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
God’s going to take care of those wicked people.
If we’re building a church the way He wants, He will show up to help us.
There is no doubt about that. All we have to do is follow His commands.
[27] Psalm 11:7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
The goodness of God will hold us up when this world of wickedness comes after us. And it will.
So we better get these foundations laid properly. When we do, Jesus says: “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH.”
[28] Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
How are we going to build a church here in Shelbyville, KY? I know this area. There’s plenty of churches.
But there sure aren’t many around that has the foundations set by God Almighty.
We need God to be the builder and the maker. Not us. We need to work hard to do what He says.
And then we rely on God to build the church. And how do we do what? BY FAITH.
Do you understand that passage of Scripture there in Hebrews Chapter 11?
What did Abraham do? He didn’t have any clue what He was doing.
God told Abraham to go do this. Abraham didn’t know what he was doing.
He didn’t have a clue where he was going. But he didn’t care. He did what God said.
BY FAITH Abraham obeyed God Almighty. And God did what He said He would do.
Jesus says, “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH.” If we do this right, Jesus will do what He says.
If we decide to do the work God asks us to do, God will build this church.
We Start At The Foundations
We Start At The Foundations
What are these foundations that we need? That’s where we start. We start at the foundations.
If we can’t get the foundations right, we have no chance. We’re done. No, let’s get it right.
Let’s lay the foundations so this church is here for as long as God wants.
In our lifetime, we may never see the fruits that this church will bring. But it’s not about us.
[29] 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
If we want to see an increase in this church, we aren’t the ones doing it. Understand that.
Stop getting upset when things don’t go as we want them to go. And yes, I’m preaching to myself.
Yes, I know. It’s weird. But I write sermons to myself. And I hope they help you too. I know they do.
[30] 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 Now he that plants and he that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
We might not get what we want on this earth, but God is watching and He will reward.
We work together with God. When we go out and try to win souls to Jesus Christ, we’re doing His work.
Remember, our primary goal is not to get people to church. That’s not God’s work.
Our work is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We MUST get that right.
One of the foundations is the Gospel. We must dispense or give out the Gospel.
If God is working with us in that, we cannot fail. “For we are labourers together with God.”
[31] 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is THE foundation.
When we put the Gospel out there, that’s laying a strong stone as one of our foundations.
If we don’t have that as a foundation, we will lose everyone in the church. That’s our only chance.
Unsaved people aren’t apart of church. A church is an assembly of believers.
That’s why we don’t depend on church to save people.
We don’t invite them to church and hope a Gospel sermon is preached.
For example, today is not a Gospel sermon but it’s something we need.
Instead, what do we do? We make sure a person is saved BEFORE they come to church.
You need to take the time and talk to that person. It’s not hard.
“Hey, has anyone ever told you how to know for sure you’re going to heaven?”
That’s all you have to do to get started. “Hey, if you died today, are you sure you’ll make it to heaven?”
The average person will say: “Well, I think I’m a pretty good person.”
Or they’ll say, “Yes, I’ve been baptized.” Then you say, “Can I show what God says in the Bible?”
Preaching The Gospel Is A Foundation
Preaching The Gospel Is A Foundation
In 10 to 20 minutes, that person can be saved or they can be assured of their salvation.
Or, they might reject you this time but you might have planted that seed that someone else waters.
But whatever happens, you should know that you just did the work God asked you to do. He’s happy!
And then, that person might come to church to be baptized or to learn more about God. Why is that?
Listen to this in Ephesians Chapter 2.
[32] Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Once you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit within.
If you decide to follow that new Spirit within you, you’ll want to hear the truth.
That person is now a part of the household of God. That person is now in God’s family.
They might choose to come to church here and do what God asks them to do.
[33] Ephesians 2:20-22 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
When multiple people with the Holy Spirit living within them come together to worship, that’s a church.
Jesus Christ is THE CHIEF CORNER STONE. What does that mean?
[34] 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.
Jesus Christ is a TRIED STONE. He’s been through it all. He has experience. He is eternal.
What other stone would you want? Do you want to depend on me, you, or Jesus Christ?
A corner stone is the first stone laid for a structure. All the other stones are laid according to that stone.
If you’re building a church, a corner stone is a requirement.
You can’t build a building without a corner stone.
When you’re laying a foundation, you have to start somewhere.
You take the best stone you have, and you lay it down there perfectly so the rest of the building is square.
Imagine the corner stone of a church. If it’s Jesus Christ, it’s a stone that cannot be moved.
Let’s say we lay something else besides Jesus Christ as the corner stone of this church.
Satan will just flick it away. We aren’t more powerful than Satan. He’s a spirit and a fallen angel.
But what do you think Satan does when he comes up to THE chief corner stone?
A tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation? What do you think happens?
That stone named Jesus Christ will NEVER go away. He is eternal. He is God. Nothing is moving that stone.
[35] 1 Peter 2:4-6 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 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.
Jesus Christ is the chief corner stone, elect, and precious.
We believe on Him and we shall not be confounded.
What does confounded mean? We should not be confused, in disorder, perplexed, ashamed, or silenced.
Our foundation of this church is THE FACT that we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the corner stone.
And we’re going to take the Gospel to this world. We will do what He asks us to do.
That’s called our foundations. What else is a part of our foundations?
The Bible Is A Foundation
The Bible Is A Foundation
The Bible is the word of God and is a foundation for this church.
We don’t just say that. We actually use the Bible for everything we do and believe here.
Why would we make God’s word a foundation of this church?
The word of God offends people. People don’t like to hear the ENTIRE word of God.
They only want to hear the parts of the Bible that make them feel good.
We will stand ON the WORD OF GOD here. The King James Bible is a foundation of this church.
We won’t only preach Scripture like the following:
[36] Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
[37] Psalm 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
[38] Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
[39] Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
[40] Romans 8:31-32 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
[41] Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Those are nice verses. We hear those all the time in the so-called churches.
Usually, you’ll hear those before they take up offering. “God loves you no matter what you do.”
That’s a lie. You’ll never hear Scriptures like the following:
[42] 1 Corinthians 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
23,000 died that day because of fornication against God Almighty. How did they die? Let’s see.
This passage in 1 Corinthians Chapter 10 is talking about Numbers Chapter 25.
You won’t hear this in most churches but you’ll hear it here because we actually care what God says.
“My God Wouldn’t Do That!”
“My God Wouldn’t Do That!”
The people will say, “That’s not my God. My God isn’t like that.”
If I went into that church and preached that Scripture, they would kick me out so fast.
In and out of that church. Your head would spin so fast. Do you understand they have a false god?
They don’t want to hear Scripture like that because their foundation is not JESUS CHRIST.
If your foundation is Jesus Christ, you’ll want to hear and learn the ENTIRE BIBLE.
You won’t just want to hear the good parts that make you feel good.
[45] Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Some so-called churches with crooked foundations will say, “You put the Bible too high.”
I’ve been told that before by a Pastor. “You’re putting the Bible on a pedestal.”
Do you see that Scripture? God HIMSELF magnified HIS WORD above HIS OWN NAME!!!
If I do the same thing as God, is that wrong? If I put the Bible way up here, is that wrong?
God sure loves when we do that. He did so Himself. So, in this church, that’s what we’ll do.
Doctrine is our beliefs that we teach and preach from the Bible. These are foundations strongly laid.
For example, we know that the only requirement to be saved is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
If you don’t believe that, you aren’t reading the Bible and you aren’t understanding the Bible.
It is a foundation of this church because we actually believe what the Bible says.
Remember, here at this church, we magnify the word of God. We believe what He says.
[46] Psalm 11:5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that love violence his soul hates.
Jesus Christ is the CORNER STONE of this Church. He is the WORD OF GOD. We will do what He says.
If you want to learn the truth about God, you’ll hear it because the Bible is a foundation of this church.
People who don’t want to hear the word of God will leave. They’ll never come back.
They don’t want to hear and learn the truth about God.
Watch what John the Baptist says in Matthew Chapter 3:
[47] Matthew 3:11-12 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
We’re building the strong foundation, but we need the vessels in the house of God.
We need the people in this church. You are all precious vessels that God needs.
And you might say, “Well, that’s not what Ezra Chapter 6 is talking about.” Well let’s see.
[49] 2 Timothy 2:19-20 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
“I don’t care if I lose the things of this world. I only want to do what you want me to do.”
“I’m done with these other things. The old man is dead. The new man is here.”
It’s time to set strong foundations in your life. Jesus Christ, the word of God, church.
Let’s pray.
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