1. What is the primary function of a local church?
A local church is to help mold its members to be like Christ. (Eph 4:11-16)

2. What is the primary function of a local church?
Ephesians 4: And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

3. What is the primary function of a local church?
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head -- Christ --

4. What is the primary function of a local church?
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

5. What is the primary function of a local church?
Doctrinal purity is one of the battlegrounds where Satan must be defeated!

6. What is the primary function of a local church?
Doctrinal purity is one of the battlegrounds where Satan must be defeated!
If we lose this battle then we are brought into the bondage of men.

7. What is the primary function of a local church?
There is much more to do in addition to working towards doctrinal purity!

8. What is the primary function of a local church?
There is much more to do in addition to working towards doctrinal purity!
Do we think about growing to “the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ?” (Eph 4:12)

9. What is the primary function of a local church?
We must be the kind of people that others believe that we have unselfishly put their interests above our own.

10. What is the primary function of a local church?
We must be the kind of people that would help wounded and hurting people put their lives back together.

11. What does it mean to love others as Jesus loved us?
How did Jesus say we can identify the Lord’s church? (Jn 13:34-35)

12. What does it mean to love others as Jesus loved us?
John 13: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

13. What does it mean to love others as Jesus loved us?
How would others see me? What would a visitor to our assemblies find?

14. What does it mean to love others as Jesus loved us?
How would others see me? What would a visitor to our assemblies find?
How we treat others, our personal awareness of others, our willingness to take time to know and help others will say in actions more loudly than any words.

15. What does it mean to love others as Jesus loved us?
How would others see me? What would a visitor to our assemblies find?
How we treat others, our personal awareness of others, our willingness to take time to know and help others will say in actions more loudly than any words.
You will not open your hearts to one who does not care about you.

16. What does it mean to love others as Jesus loved us?
That was true in your becoming a Christian! Each of you met someone who had a genuine concern for your soul.

17. What does it mean to love others as Jesus loved us?
That was true in your becoming a Christian! Each of you met someone who had a genuine concern for your soul.
In our growth as a Christian, this same love is essential!

18. What does it mean to love others as Jesus loved us?
We need more to be like Timothy! (Phil 2:19-21)

19. What does it mean to love others as Jesus loved us?
Philippians 2: But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

20. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
That will depend on how empty we are of ourselves. Will we be like Jesus or like a Pharisee? (Mt 5:3-9, Lk 15:1-2; 18:9-10)

21. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
Matthew 5: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

22. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

23. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
Luke 15:1-2 - Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them.“

24. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
Luke 18: Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men -- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.

25. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
Do we know where we have come from and how we were saved? These truths will make us a humble people but also a driven people. (2 Cor 5:11, 14-15)

26. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
2 Corinthians 5: Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

27. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
2 Corinthians 5: For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

28. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
We are raised to walk in newness of life, not to a self-centered walk!

29. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
We are raised to walk in newness of life, not to a self-centered walk!
What sins are on the tops of your list to look down on your brethren about?

30. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
Consider some possible reactions to: immodesty, “legalism” (a dry doctrinal checklist), priorities in attendence, immorality, alocholism, “bashing others” in pride over doctrinal differences, homosexuality…

31. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
All of these sins are serious. Do you give up on some automaticly and become a scoffer towards them? Have you pushed others outside of your heart and really do not care for them? What would Jesus do?

32. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
Consider the mind of God in helping David. (Psa 31:19-24)

33. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
Psalm 31: Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! 20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues.

34. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
21 Blessed be the LORD, For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! 22 For I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before Your eyes"; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications When I cried out to You. 23 Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person.

35. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
24 Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.

36. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
God keeps secrets and also keeps us away from the slanderous tongues.

37. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
God keeps secrets and also keeps us away from the slanderous tongues.
In a time of trouble we do not necessarily want agreement as much as we need an arm around us in comfort and support. Our God will always tell us the truth but also provide a rest in repentance and righteousness!

38. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
Even when David doubted God, He was faithful and delivered him.

39. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
A question was recently raised in a blog “What’s one thing you feel you can’t say in the church?”

40. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
A question was recently raised in a blog “What’s one thing you feel you can’t say in the church?”
The response was overwhelming with many situations mentioned.

41. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
The underlying message was “I cannot trust my brethren” and “my shortcommings must be hid or I will be punished.”

42. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
We need to be a merciful and understanding people that will help each other find repentance and comfort in our shortcommings. (2 Cor 2:4-8)

43. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
2 Corinthians 2:4-8 - For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you. 5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent -- not to be too severe.

44. How do we respond to the shortcommings in others?
6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.

45. Do we seek out relationships with Christians or are they “in our way?”
One way to see how a Christian is growing is in relationships. (Rom 12:16; 15:5-6)

46. Do we seek out relationships with Christians or are they “in our way?”
Romans 12:16 - Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

47. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
Romans 15: Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

48. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
If a new Christian does not make new relationships with Christians, they often do not survive spiritually.

49. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
My selfishness and “being busy” could contribute to the fall of a brother.

50. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
I must have the mind of Christ to purse another outside of those that I easily enjoy being with. (Rom 15:1-2)

51. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
Romans 15: We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.

52. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
How do we treat the “socially awkward?”

53. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
How do we treat the “socially awkward?”
Our society teaches us to punish them and exclude them. In time the “awkward” person expects to be looked down upon and excluded.

54. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
Consider the shock of Zaccaeius when Jesus came to Him? (Lk 19:4-10)

55. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
Luke 19: So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.

56. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner." 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold."

57. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

58. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
Is the door of your heart and of your home shut?

59. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
Is the door of your heart and of your home shut?
Do we see the divide between the “haves” and the “have-nots?”

60. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
The early church had several occasions where this became a problem.

61. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
One of the problems with the Corinthians was in this area. (1 Cor 11:20-22)

62. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
1 Corinthians 11: Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

63. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
James described attitudes within the assembly. (James 2:1-4)

64. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
James 2:1-4 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes,

65. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

66. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
I have seen churches where groups of couples went on expensive trips. Are you also doing things that those who have less can do with you?

67. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
I have seen churches where groups of couples went on expensive trips. Are you also doing things that those who have less can do with you?
Are we seeking out others are we a collection of cliques?

68. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
What attitudes are we nurturing in our Children?

69. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
We need to teach our children to include others that are “difficult” in our activities because that is exactly what our Lord wants us to do! (Mt 5:46)

70. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
Matthew 5:46 - "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

71. We need to understand the impact of the unseen upon the things that we see.
There are Parents who became bitter towards another couple or even towards a child, and in both spoken and in unspoken actions encouraged their children to snub and exclude other children.

72. How do we find “the mind of Christ” in this congregation?
We need to see the cross and how it will change our lives. (Phil 2:1-5)

73. How do we find “the mind of Christ” in this congregation?
Philippians 2:1-5 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

74. How do we find “the mind of Christ” in this congregation?
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

75. How do we find “the mind of Christ” in this congregation?
There should be nothing separating us as brethren.

76. How do we find “the mind of Christ” in this congregation?
There should be nothing separating us as brethren.
We need to resolve any differences and have a unity that can be seen!

77. How do we find “the mind of Christ” in this congregation?
We need to be an approachable caring people who will help those with broken lives get back on their feet. (Heb 12:12-13)

78. How do we find “the mind of Christ” in this congregation?
Hebrews 12: Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

79. How do we find “the mind of Christ” in this congregation?
Who is the one in this flock you can turn to? Are you that for another?

80. How do we find “the mind of Christ” in this congregation?
Let us each seek to “lower our voices of complaint” and hold out our arms to heal and forgive. What is the next step for you?

81. How do we find “the mind of Christ” in this congregation?
Let us each seek to “lower our voices of complaint” and hold out our arms to heal and forgive. What is the next step for you?
What are you looking for on judgment day? (James 2:13)

82. How do we find “the mind of Christ” in this congregation?
James 2:13 -For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.