The Church: Let’s Start Here
We are surrounded by churches. Is it any wonder that so much confusion exists regarding the Church? Our idea of church needs renewal, so let's start at the beginning.
In spite of the devastating erosion we've seen so far, Christ has declared that He will build His Church, and nothing—not even the powers of hell—can stop Him. In truth, the battle has already been won. Christ will be triumphant in the end, and those of us who stand with Him and live for Him will be victorious. In this powerful series, Chuck Swindoll calls for a return to solid biblical principles to re-establish a life-altering church with Christ as Lord and Master.
We are surrounded by churches. Is it any wonder that so much confusion exists regarding the Church? Our idea of church needs renewal, so let's start at the beginning.
By examining the first-century church we can find some insightful guidelines for our church in the 21st century.
When a church is contagious, the word quickly travels. Churches like this have four distinctive qualities, as Paul listed in 2 Timothy.
The tyranny of the urgent demands our time and forces us to put off the truly important. We need to stop and reconsider what's important. When we do, we'll discover that we're missing the essential ingredient we were made for: worship.
In an attempt to come to an understanding of worship, it is helpful to realize there is a difference between the essence of worship and the expression of worship.
The church needs to understand the times in which we live and the culture in which we minister. From the Apostle Paul's pen, we'll glean the straightforward answer to this important question: “What must the church realize?”
Difficult days are ahead; in fact, they are already upon us. What should we do, knowing that the days are evil? Let's answer that question.
Tragically, erosion took a toll on the church at Ephesus causing the Lord to finally announce for all to hear, “You have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4).
The bold proclamation of God's Word has been replaced with shallow substitutes designed to entertain rather than convict. It's time to “restore the years” that the locusts have eaten.