THE FUTURE OF THIS CHURCH

Introduction

1.     The future of the church is not in doubt – Matthew 16:18

2.     But any individual congregation can vanish, dry up, or die.

3.     What is the future of this church?

Notice:

1.     Importance of the church

a.     Christ – builder – Matthew 16:18

b.     Cost His blood – Acts 20:28

c.     Foundation – 1 Corinthians 3:11

d.     Head – Ephesians 1:22-23

e.     Savior – Ephesians 5:23

2.     Church will last

a.     Christ said it would – Matthew 16:18

b.     Prophesied it would – Daniel 2:44

c.     Word is the seed – Luke 8:11

FUTURE OF THIS CHURCH DEPENDS ON:

1.     Ability to recognize danger and deal with them

a.     2^nd Coming – 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 - Premill

b.     Liberal, Change Agents, Ultra conservative

2.     Respect the organization

a.     Philippians 1:1

b.     1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

c.     Elders – Deacons – Saints

3.     Maintain purity in worship

a.     NT pattern

b.     When to partake of communion

c.     Instrumental music

4.     Conversion of Youth

a.     Use them or lose them

b.     They are the church of today

c.     Use in VBS, youth group, class, assistant teachers

5.     You teaching others

a.     Great Commission

b.     Ephesians 3:10