Consider the Church at Ephesus Ephesians 1:13 - “In Him you also trusted...”

Consider the Church at Ephesus Ephesians 1:13 - In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Consider the Church at Ephesus Trusting in Jesus meant a new powerful way of life.

Consider the Church at Ephesus In the world trust is hard to do because men are not trustworthy.

Consider the Church at Ephesus In the world trust is hard to do because men are not trustworthy. Acts 19:8-10 – The gospel is more than a message, it contains the power of God!

Consider the Church at Ephesus Acts 19:8-10 - And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.

Consider the Church at Ephesus 10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Consider the Church at Ephesus How could “just a message” work at Ephesus a center of idolatry?

Consider the Church at Ephesus How could “just a message” work at Ephesus a center of idolatry? Acts 19:17-20 - They did not sell the books, they destroyed them!

Consider the Church at Ephesus Acts 19:17-20 - This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.

Consider the Church at Ephesus 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

Consider the Church at Ephesus These Christians had a beginning. They needed to learn about the battle ahead.

Consider the Church at Ephesus Ephesians 1:17-19 – Because they have life they needed to grow!

Consider the Church at Ephesus Ephesians 1:17-19 - that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

Consider the Church at Ephesus 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

Consider the Church at Ephesus Years later the Apostle John wrote: Revelation 2:1-5

Consider the Church at Ephesus Revelation 2:1-5 - "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ' These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;

Consider the Church at Ephesus 3 "and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. 4 "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place -- unless you repent.

Consider the Church at Ephesus We each face a danger, the danger of beginning and then stopping.

Consider the Church at Ephesus We each face a danger, the danger of beginning and then stopping. How long has this church been in existence? What would the Lord say to you?

Four Stages of Decay Consider a business, from success to bankruptcy.

Four Stages of Decay 1. The Creative Stage

Four Stages of Decay 1. The Creative Stage Everyone involved.

Four Stages of Decay 1. The Creative Stage Everyone involved. Focus is not on what I can get out of it.

Four Stages of Decay 1. The Creative Stage Everyone involved. Focus is not on what I can get out of it. However small, you believe your work makes a difference.

Four Stages of Decay 1. The Creative Stage Everyone involved. Focus is not on what I can get out of it. However small, you believe your work makes a difference. Great sacrifice, but great joy.

Four Stages of Decay You are not sensitive to others rather your heart is in the work, not in protecting your “rights” (opinions).

Four Stages of Decay 2. The Management Stage

Four Stages of Decay 2. The Management Stage Goals have changed; no longer is the success of the work at heart. The new goal is to keep and maintain the work based on what you now have.

Four Stages of Decay 2. The Management Stage Goals have changed; no longer is the success of the work at heart. The new goal is to keep and maintain the work based on what you now have. You look at others and their work to judge what is your “fair share.”

Four Stages of Decay 2. The Management Stage Goals have changed; no longer is the success of the work at heart. The new goal is to keep and maintain the work based on what you now have. You look at others and their work to judge what is your “fair share.” The “status-quo” is fine, you do not want to “rock the boat.”

Four Stages of Decay You may glory in your past success, but the fact is you are past making the kind of sacrifices you once did.

Four Stages of Decay You may glory in your past success, but the fact is you are past making the kind of sacrifices you once did. Those who seek to return to the past commitments are viewed with indifference, or worse, as a threat.

Four Stages of Decay You may glory in your past success, but the fact is you are past making the kind of sacrifices you once did. Those who seek to return to the past commitments are viewed with indifference, or worse, as a threat. This stage may be maintained indefinitely.

Four Stages of Decay 3. The Fault-Finding Stage

Four Stages of Decay 3. The Fault-Finding Stage At this stage it is obvious that things have gone wrong. Rather than return to the past commitment, you look to blame others.

Four Stages of Decay 3. The Fault-Finding Stage At this stage it is obvious that things have gone wrong. Rather than return to the past commitment, you look to blame others. At this point most teamwork ends, your goal is to justify yourself.

Four Stages of Decay 3. The Fault-Finding Stage At this stage it is obvious that things have gone wrong. Rather than return to the past commitment, you look to blame others. At this point most teamwork ends, your goal is to justify yourself. Power struggles, gossip and backstabbing become a major problem.

Four Stages of Decay The real work is slowed to a crawl. This stage does not last long.

Four Stages of Decay 4. The Dividing Stage

Four Stages of Decay 4. The Dividing Stage Here the work stops, and people go their own way.

Four Stages of Decay 4. The Dividing Stage Here the work stops, and people go their own way. Some will do almost anything to vent their anger and take “what is theirs.”

Four Stages of Decay 4. The Dividing Stage Here the work stops, and people go their own way. Some will do almost anything to vent their anger and take “what is theirs.” Some wonder, how did things get to this point?

Four Stages of Decay It is possible at any point to reverse this trend.

Four Stages of a Local Church What is your attitude?

Four Stages of a Local Church What is your attitude? Can you identify yourself as being in one of these four stages? (Be honest.)

Four Stages of a Local Church What is your attitude? Can you identify yourself as being in one of these four stages? (Be honest.) When I speak of the church, I speak of the Christians who compose the church.

Four Stages of a Local Church What is your attitude? Can you identify yourself as being in one of these four stages? (Be honest.) When I speak of the church, I speak of the Christians who compose the church. Where does this church belong?

Four Stages of a Local Church 1. The Creative Stage

Four Stages of a Local Church 1. The Creative Stage Do you remember when you first became a Christian?

Four Stages of a Local Church 1. The Creative Stage Do you remember when you first became a Christian? Matthew 13:44, 45-46 - Sacrifice, but joy.

Four Stages of a Local Church Matthew 13:44, 45-46 - " Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 " Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 "who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Four Stages of a Local Church Hebrews 10:32-34 - Why does this memory bring joy?

Four Stages of a Local Church Hebrews 10:32-34 - But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;

Four Stages of a Local Church 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.

Four Stages of a Local Church Some attitudes I have seen in new Christians:

Four Stages of a Local Church Some attitudes I have seen in new Christians: They can’t wait to share their faith.

Four Stages of a Local Church They are not worried by what they don’t know, but are excited about learning.

Four Stages of a Local Church They are not worried by what they don’t know, but are excited about learning. They want to know what they can do, not “what can I get by with.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Four Stages of a Local Church 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,

Four Stages of a Local Church 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.

Four Stages of a Local Church They are excited about others who are Christians and they want to encourage.

Four Stages of a Local Church 2. The Management Stage

Four Stages of a Local Church 2. The Management Stage In fact, many churches and thus individual Christians may find themselves in this stage. Mt 25:24-30 – Do you think “keeping house” for God will be acceptable?

Four Stages of a Local Church Mt 25:24-30 - 24 "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 'And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'

Four Stages of a Local Church 26 "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 'So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 'Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

Four Stages of a Local Church Some “goals” of the management stage:

Four Stages of a Local Church Some “goals” of the management stage: Glory in bank accounts, buildings, parking lots and physical things.

Four Stages of a Local Church Glory in people but only as they represent “numbers” thus outward success. This growth is not a product of sacrifice.

Four Stages of a Local Church Glory in people but only as they represent “numbers” thus outward success. This growth is not a product of sacrifice. Attitudes of the management stage:

Four Stages of a Local Church Glory in people but only as they represent “numbers” thus outward success. This growth is not a product of sacrifice. Attitudes of the management stage: When work is done, one looks to what others are doing so they can either glory or complain. 2 Corinthians 10:12, 18

Four Stages of a Local Church 2 Corinthians 10:12, 18 - For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Four Stages of a Local Church 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

Four Stages of a Local Church Stubbornness against those who challenge them to return to a committed life. “We have been a faithful church for years!” Revelation 2:2-3, 5

Four Stages of a Local Church Revelation 2:2-3, 5 - "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 "and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary.

Four Stages of a Local Church 5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place -- unless you repent.

Four Stages of a Local Church “Minimums” become “maximums”. “What can I do to get by?”

Four Stages of a Local Church “Minimums” become “maximums”. “What can I do to get by?” Fear replaces faith. People are more concerned about failing than aggressively seeking to do God’s work.

Four Stages of a Local Church 3. The Fault-Finding Stage

Four Stages of a Local Church 3. The Fault-Finding Stage Sadly, many churches in time fall into this tragic stage where they “bite and devour” one another. Galatians 5:15

Four Stages of a Local Church Galatians 5:15 - But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

Four Stages of a Local Church By failing to do the work of the Lord with a pure heart, any Christian in time can fall to Satan’s devices.

Four Stages of a Local Church By failing to do the work of the Lord with a pure heart, any Christian in time can fall to Satan’s devices. Selfish, proud people cannot see their own faults but they are quick to attack others. James 3:13-16

Four Stages of a Local Church James 3:13-16 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

Four Stages of a Local Church Attitudes of the fault-finding stage:

Four Stages of a Local Church Attitudes of the fault-finding stage: Gossip and fault-finding as a way of exalting self.

Four Stages of a Local Church Attitudes of the fault-finding stage: Gossip and fault-finding as a way of exalting self. Cliques and “power plays” are used so a few can get their way, either as “majority rule” or “minority rule”.

Four Stages of a Local Church Attitudes of the fault-finding stage: Gossip and fault-finding as a way of exalting self. Cliques and “power plays” are used so a few can get their way, either as “majority rule” or “minority rule”. People enlarge all problems while ignoring those who are serving God.

Four Stages of a Local Church Very little thought is given to God’s work. ex. Barking dog tied to mower.

Four Stages of a Local Church 4. The Dividing Stage

Four Stages of a Local Church 4. The Dividing Stage By this time the Lord’s work is in shambles. Lost souls are the result. Hebrews 12:15

Four Stages of a Local Church Hebrews 12:15 - looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Four Stages of a Local Church The ugly fruits of division and the destruction of God’s work should make us determined not to go down this path!

Lessons We Must Learn There is no guarantee that the Lord’s church will continue in this community.

Lessons We Must Learn There is no guarantee that the Lord’s church will continue in this community. Let us be completely dedicated to God’s work. Luke 9:23-24

Lessons We Must Learn Luke 9:23-24 - Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

Lessons We Must Learn Strengthen your faith in God, do not become complacent.

Lessons We Must Learn Note how these principles can apply to other relationships. ex. Marriage

Lessons We Must Learn Note how these principles can apply to other relationships. ex. Marriage If the Lord returned today would I be ready’? 2 Corinthians 13:5

Lessons We Must Learn 2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? -- unless indeed you are disqualified.