1. 18th ANNIVERSARY SERIES: GOING BACK TO OUR ROOTS TO UNDERSTAND OUR PRESENT MINISTRY AS WE CHART OUR FUTURE COURSE I. LET’S BEGIN WITH OUR STORY II. INTRODUCTION: THE NEED TO RETURN TO THE ANCIENT PATHS III. BIBLICAL BASIS FOR THE ANCIENT PATHS

2. IV. HOW TO GO BACK TO THE ANCIENT PATHS  Read Jer 6:16. V. WHAT THE “ANCIENT PATHS” MEANS FOR US  GOING BACK TO THE ANCIENT PATHS FOR THE PRESENT DAY CHURCH SHOULD BE TAKEN AS A METAPHOR FOR A RETURN OF THE CHURCH TO BIBLICAL TRUTH AND HOLY LIVING.

3.  In CCM, the Lord has led us to consider the following areas as part of our call to return to the ancient paths: 1.Sense of Professionalism 2.Sense of Commitment 3.Sense of Accountability 4.Sense of Destiny W ATCHING Y OUR L IFE AND D OCTRINE  1Tim 4:16

4. 1. WATCH YOUR LIFE CLOSELY. (1Tim 4:16a)  In Paul’s imperative “watch your life”, he is addressing the minister of God (4:6). ~ The general tendency is: what the leader is, his people will be. ~ Acts 20:28 ~ We must watch our walk, our testimony – at home, at work, at leisure.

5. 2. WATCH YOUR DOCTRINE CLOSELY. (1Tim 4:16b)  Taking care of our character and conduct is not enough. ~ The way we conduct our lives will only be a reflection of our convictions, our philosophy in life and in ministry.  When our character and lifestyle match the biblical standard and when our doctrine is sound and strong and our convictions deep Paul tells us: v. 16c.

6.  Taking care of our personal lives and our doctrine will inevitably affect our ministries.  I cannot overemphasize the fact that we as a church must commit to keep to the ancient paths. ~ This will have to begin with the leaders and the workers of the church.

7.  Some relevant passages related to this: ~ Acts 20:28 ~ 1Tim 4:7 ~ 1Tim 4:16 ~ 2Tim 2:15 ~Titus 1:7, 9