[ ] 8/19/2001 #397
CHRISTIANS AND THEIR CHURCH
Romans 12:1-21
INTRODUCTION: We often use words like "busy," tired," "stressed" to describe our lives. In this fast paced world we lose sight of the things that really matter. Probably the word "relationship" would best describe what is most important. Our relationship with God should be our first priority. Jesus came to this world to save people. The Cross is all about God and sinners being reconciled (Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 5:17-21) so we can have a relationship (Romans 8:16-17; Galatians 3:26) and fellowship (1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:3) with God. When we were saved we became part of the family of God. Every saved person is either our brother or sister in the Lord. The word "church" means the "called out ones." We have been called out of the power of darkness into the glorious kingdom of God's dear Son. (Colossians 1:13) The church is the visible presence of the Body of Christ in our world today. We need to be actively involved in our church.
A news article in a Canadian paper reported the effects of a recent storm which had swept over the town. "We are glad," said the article, "to announce that the wind storm which blew down the Congregational Church did no serious damage to the town."
I. A CHANGING CULTURE
A. AMERICA IS BECOMING MORE PAGAN AS WE TURN FROM GOD.
1. Rejection of absolutes by 2 out of every 3 Americans.
2. Decline of morals.
3. Increase of cults, materialism, humanism and false religions.
B. AMERICA IS BECOMING MORE HOSTILE TOWARD BIBLICAL
CHRISTIANITY.
1. Attitude of groups such as ACLU, People for the American Way, etc.
2. Action taken by school boards, civic leaders and religious leaders.
II. A CHALLENGE TO THE CHURCH
A. THE INFLUENCE OF THE WORLD IN THE CHURCH.
(2 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:10; Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17 )
1. Acceptance of the world's view of morality.
2. Acceptance of the world's methods.
B. THE IMPACT THE CHURCH SHOULD HAVE ON THE WORLD.
1. Called to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world."
(Matthew 5:13-14)
2. Commissioned by the Lord to share the gospel with the world.
(Matthew 28:19-20)
C. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD.
1. Priority of the church is the worship of God.
2. Purpose of the church is to carry on the work of God.
3. Passion of the church should be to win the lost to God.
III. A CHRISTIAN AND HIS CHURCH
A. HE/SHE IS TO FOLLOW THE SHEPHERD. (John 10:27)
1. His Lordship requires it.
2. His sacrifice for us deserves it.
3. His love for us should compel it.
B. HE/SHE IS TO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE SAINTS. (Hebrews 10:25)
1. Fellowship of sharing burdens and trials. (Galatians 6:2)
2. Fellowship of sharing love and joy. (Romans 12:15; 1 Thessalonians
3:12; 1 Peter 3:8)
3. Fellowship of sharing encouragement, comfort, edification and
exhortation. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
C. HE/SHE IS TO FAITHFULLY SERVETHE SOVEREIGN
1. Every Christian is a priest. (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6)
2. Every Christian is spiritually gifted. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
3. Every Christian is important to the Body of Christ. (1 Corinthians
12:14-27; Romans 12:4-5)
4. Every Christian is to serve one another. (Galatians 5:13-14)
5. Every Christian is rewarded for faithful service. (Matthew 25:14-30;
Romans 14:11-12)
Laney L. Johnson tells of his experience at a Billy Graham Crusade in Dallas, Texas. "As we entered the stadium late that Sunday afternoon for the final service, everyone was given a single match and told to hold the match until instructed by Dr. Graham to strike it. The crusade choir and George Beverly Shea sang, 'I'd Rather Have Jesus." Dr. Graham brought an inspiring message that was used of the Holy Spirit to bring conviction. As the crusade choir sang and many prayed, hundreds of people received Jesus Christ as personal Savior. Those who responded to the invitation were instructed to remain at the front, where Dr. Graham gave them some literature and had a brief prayer with them. Then Dr. Graham turned his attention to the 75,000 plus who made up that vast audience. The sky was dark, and the lights had been turned on. Dr. Graham instructed us to take our matches in our hands. The lights were dimmed as we were told to strike our matches. As we did so, the lights were turned out completely. We all stood in awe as we experienced the glow and the brightness of the light around us. Dr. Graham explained that the darkness we experienced was like the darkness of the world system. But, when each of us allowed our light to shine before men, as Jesus had said, the darkness was expelled. I began to see the place of the church in a different light." Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. Each believer is a vessel in which the light of Jesus shines through. How bright is our light shining for Jesus?