FOUNDATION
Psalms 92:13 (KJV) Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (KJV) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
1Corinthians 12:18 (KJV) But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
*EVERY CHRISTIAN IS TO BE PLANTED IN A CHURCH, IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE FULLNESS GOD HAS IN STORE FOR THEM. THIS IS NOT A TRICK, BUT IS THE PLAN OF GOD.
A. Think of a natural seed. It must be put in the ground where the roots can receive nourishing. It requires good soil, plenty of water, and sun to grow and flourish.
B. It cannot be repeatedly uprooted if it is to grow properly in upright position. It cannot change gardens weekly.
C. The same thing is true with our God, who plants us in a home church so we can grow up to be strong and healthy.
*GOD USES CHURCHES TO HEAL AND STRENGTHEN HIS PEOPLE. SOME THINGS TAKE TIME.
Psalms 68:6 (KJV) God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
A. God sets his children in families.
B. Those that are bound, he sets free and places in families.
C. The Rebellious (people who are unwilling to submit to
authority or be part of a family) abide in "dry places"..
D. The Dry Place - is where one is living without the joy, peace, love, abundance, prosperity, and healing that God has provided for his family.
*THE ENEMY CANNOT PREVAIL OVER THE PROTECTION OF A STRONG CHURCH.
Exodus 12:23 (KJV) For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
Matthew 16:18 (KJV) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
A. Christians who do not have a home church are in an unsafe position. (They do not have the same blood covering that comes to the body.)
B. The authorities of hell cannot prevail over a Christian in their home church.
I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another. And so much more as you see the day approaching.
*HOW WE KNOW WHICH CHURCH TO MAKE OUR HOME CHURCH?
A. Go where the Spirit of God is moving and growth is happening.
The Church Has A Job To Do:
1. Provides spiritual food.
2. Leads in Praise and Worship. (Psalm 150)
3. Challenges growth in God. (Romans 12:2)
4. Takes the Gospel to the world. (Matthew 28:19)
5. Meets the needs of the people
(training classes that cover marriage, children, finances, etc...)
6. Brings in the lost. (Proverbs 11:30)
7. Heals the sick.
8. Does the works of Jesus.
B. Christ is our example of a commitment to a church.
Luke 4:16 Matthew 13:54
C. Church Should Be:
1. Exciting (Psalms 122:1)
2. A Priority (Psalm 84:10)
3. Desired (Psalm 27:4)
4. Gladness (Acts 2: 41-43)
5. Remember, you must be planted, watered and given good food to grow. The amount of time,
energy, love and commitment invested (in God's word) is exactly what you will receive.
Some of the Bible text used in this course was taken from the New King James version and
much of this information was gained from Cases Treat's ministry. If you ever get a chance
to hear him, please do.
Pastor John Dash