FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES

Introduction:

A. How Do You View The Church?

1. Negative - not doing much, boring, old-fashioned, etc.

2. Positive - God's way, growth is occurring, exciting, etc.

3. Realist - good, but bad; growth, but not enough, etc.

B. A Biblical Example.

1. Read 1 Corinthians 1: 4 - 9

2. Which church did Paul write this to?

3. Our view of Corinthian Church - negative!

Body:

I. Love Of The Brethren.

A. Gave thanks always for them.

B. Thankful for the grace given to them.

C. They were called into Christ's fellowship.

II. We Lack Nothing.

A. We are enriched (thoroughly furnished) in everything.

B. The testimony of Christ has been confirmed.

1. For Corinthians - miracles done by God.

2. For us - our belief in spite of "proof otherwise."

C. We are short in NO gift!

III. A Christian Perspective.

A. We eagerly wait for Christ.

B. Jesus is the One who must confirm, establish, make us sure.

C. We can be blameless.

D. God is faithful - we can count on Him!

Conclusion:

A. How Do We View Ourselves As A Church?

1. We just need someone else to take care of...?

2. We are just not very talented?

3. We barely have enough?

4. God has blessed us richly with more than we need to accomplish His work?

B. How Important Is The Church?

1. It was instituted by God.

2. It was purchased by Christ's blood.

3. It is the means by which God accomplishes His work today.