Sunday Morning Outline
What the Church ought to be
Text
Colossians 1:3-5 (NASB) 3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel
The church at Colossae was characterized by three qualities—and it is my personal persuasion that these are the three marks of any solid church.
- It should be focused on Faith
- Why? Because the Bible says so
- Why? Because the believer should live by it
- Why? Because the blessings strive from it
The first mark of a mature fellowship is faith. The author of Hebrews tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Therefore, the church that gathers together without believing God is going to do great things will not experience renewal, revival, or blessing.
Hebrews 11:1 (NASB) 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:5-6 (NASB) 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB) 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—
- It should be focused on love
- Love for Christ
- Love for the family
- Love for His Church
John 13:35 (NASB) 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
- It should be focused on hope
- Hope to make a change
- Hope to make a charge( Positive help to others)
- Hope to Charity ( The Bible said it)
Psalm 3:2-6 (NASB) 2 Many are saying of my soul, "There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah. 3 But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. 4 I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. 5 I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about.
Hebrews 6:19-20 (NASB) 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
- Finally, a solid fellowship will have hope in its heart. The absolute expectation of coming good, hope says, "Sure it's tough down here, but this is the worst it will ever be. The coming of Jesus Christ is nigh. Life is short. We're going to heaven!"
- I firmly believe that a church, family, or individual who is focused on faith, love, and hope will be stable, solid, and sure.