CHURCH DISCIPLINE
1. The Motive – LOVE
2. The Measure – GROWTH
3. The Means – GOD’S WORD and GOD’S PEOPLE
“God’s ongoing redeeming work through his living word and people as they fight the fight of faith together to exalt Christ and protect the purity of his bride.”
a) Accountable relationships
b) Restoring relationships
c) Reflecting our heavenly relationship
SEEKING! The world seeks a meaning The church seeks the Master FINDING! Christ alone – ‘The Pearl of Great Price’ In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3) SELLING! The merchant sold all he had If Jesus is worth anything He is worth everything BUYING! We can buy life’s greatest…
1. THE VISION! A lamp stand between two olive trees 2. THE VENTURE! To complete the work 3. THE VOICE! a) Of Clarity b) Of Energy c) Of Sovereignty
1. A STARK CONTRAST The good and bad shepherds 2. AN EXCLUSIVE CLAIM “I am THE door” 3. AN OPEN PROMISE Anyone who enters: a) Will be saved b) Will find pasture c) Will have abundant life
1) IN WITNESS! (v10-12) You say you love the Lord but in fact you love the world. You are unequally yoked. 2) IN WEDLOCK! (v13-16) Your spirit I see. You have divorced the wife of your youth 3) IN WORD! (v17) Your empty words and cynical attitudes….. God will judge
1) THE LORD GATHERS THE SCATTERED OUTCASTS! Praise him for your salvation – let him restore you (Neh 1:9) 2) THE LORD RULES AND SUSTAINS Praise him for his creation – know that he cares for you. (Isa 54:10) 3) THE LORD DELIGHTS IN HIS PEOPLE Praise him for his steadfast love – walk in…
1. ITS ESSENCE! Divine 2. ITS EVIDENCE! The Cross 3. ITS EXPERIENCE! By Faith