Church Today

Sunday, August 11^th 2024

 1 Timothy 3:15

 Introduction

 Love the Church the Way Jesus Does

“If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15 

Look at how the Apostle Paul describes the church for you and me:

• Household of God

This can be describe as a ‘family.’ Those who are born-again are part of God’s family. They are our brothers and sisters.

 Because the church is God’s family, we should show familial love to each other.

 “Do not address an older man harshly but appeal to him as a father. Speak to younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters—with complete purity.” 1 Timothy 5:1,2

 “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.” Galatians 6:10

 Church of the Living God

As mentioned above – God is the originator and owner of the Church. He is not dead, but he is ALIVE and building His Church.

 “When the members of the congregation are scattered during most of the week it is difficult to remain aware of this reality. But when we come together as the church (ekklēsia, ‘assembly’) of the living God, every aspect of our common life is enriched by the knowledge of his presence in our midst. In our worship we bow down before the living God. Through the reading and exposition of his Word we hear his voice addressing us. We meet him at his table, when he makes himself known to us through the breaking of bread. In our fellowship we love each other as he has loved us. And our witness becomes bolder and more urgent. Indeed, unbelievers coming in may confess that ‘God is really among you’.” John Stott

 A Pillar and Buttress of the Truth

A pillar holds up something. The church isn’t the foundation for the truth, but that the church holds up the truth so the world can see it. 

 The early church reveals the truth of God concerning Jesus. It is the priority of the Church to PROCLAIM and PROTECT the Truth.

 Conclusion