1. The Strength of A Local Church Revelation 2:1-7

2. Could Be Stronger True of Ephesus (Text) –Some things right (vv. 1-3) –Left their first love (vv. 4-7) True of many today –What about this church? –Deficiencies?

3. Local Church God’s working unit –Autonomous –Strength is the force, power, and vigor to resist wrong and endure –Not found in numbers –Found in the character of its members

4. Converted Meaning –C–Change from one condition to another –S–Soil goes from rocky to tillable –D–Darkness to light (Acts 26:18) –C–Change masters (Romans 6:16-18) –I–Involves repentance (Acts 3:19)

5. No strength without conversion –“A man persuaded against his will is of the same opinion still” –Are weak, worldly, and wearisome –Not acceptable to God –Regain usefulness (Luke 22:31, 32)

6. Knowledgeable Uninformed or ill-informed –Burdens (Galatians 6:1, 2) –Part of the problem

7. Knowledgeable Be helpers –Hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6) –Desire the word and search it (Acts 17:11; 1 Peter 2:2) –Meditate on it (Psalms 1:2; 119:97) –Issues facing the church?

8. United Division hinders –“House divided against itself cannot stand” (Matthew 12:25) –What if a football team argued with the quarterback?

9. United Bible teaching –Thing of joy (Psalm 133:1) –Source of strength (Ecclesiastes 4:12) –Division used by Satan (1 Corinthians 1:10)

10. Working To be busy –Physical realm (2 Thessalonians 3:10) –Programs not necessary –Requires willing workers (2 Corinthians 12:15)

11. Working Our example- Jesus –As a youth (Luke 2:49) –Finished His work (Luke 19:10; John 19:30) –Purpose for us (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 2:9) –Steadfastness (1 Corinthians 15:58)

12. Consecrated and Dedicated Consecrated –Use our talents (Matthew 25:25) –“Bring forth fruit unto perfection” (Luke 8:14) –Addicted to the work (1 Corinthians 16:15)

13. Consecrated and Dedicated Dedicated –Sad to know but be disobedient –Disciplined (1 Corinthians 5:9-13) –Vessels of honor (2 Timothy 2:20, 21) –Hope demands purity (1 John 3:3)

14. Conclusion Endeavor to be … –Converted –Knowledgeable –United –Working –Consecrated and dedicated