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The Church Ahead Presented by Chris Reeves * North Valdosta church of Christ * Gospel Meeting * November 9, 2011

The Lord’s Church in the Future The Lord’s church is everlasting (Dan. 2:44; Heb. 12:28) Where are the local churches that existed in the New Testament found today (Jerusalem, Ephesus, etc.)? The universal church will always exist, but not necessarily the local church of which I am a member (1 Cor. 15:24)

The Evolution of the Local Church ( As Seen in the Example of Ephesus ) A group of dedicated and convicted Christians joins together to zealously serve the Lord (Acts 18-19, A.D. 53-55) The local church is well-known in the community, growing and united (Ephesians 1-6, A.D. 60-63) There is maturity in leadership and organization, but also problems are present (1 -2 Timothy, A.D. 63-66) The local church exists and continues to do some good, but is also weak and coasting (Rev. 2:4-5, A.D. 95)

The Evolution of a Local Church Zeal is replaced with lethargy Sacrifice is replaced with selfishness Evangelism is replaced with materialism Attendance is replaced with absence Responsibility (work) is replaced with retirement Militancy is replaced with compromise

The Church Ahead ( What Is Needed ) Prayer to God (Acts 4:29; Col. 4:3) Evangelism (Acts 5:42) Elders and deacons appointed (Acts 6:1ff; 11:30; 14:23; 1 Tim. 3; Tit. 1) Growth in maturity (Acts 16:5) Vigilant elders (Acts 20:28-32)

The Church Ahead ( What Is Needed ) Faithful living (Rev. 2-3) “Remember” and “repent” (Rev. 2:5; 3:3)

Challenges For This Local Church ( This Week ) Communicate with the Lord this week (prayer, Bible) Live for the Lord this week (faithfulness) Engage in the Lord’s work this week (volunteer) Communicate with the lost this week (evangelism)

The Church Ahead What does it matter if the Lord’s church will always exist, but this local church may not? It matters because it identifies me as the faithful remnant or not (Gen. 6:9; 1 Kings 19:18; 2 Kings 19:4,30,31; Ezra 9:8,15; Zeph. 3:9-13; Romans 9:27; 11:5; Rev. 3:4)