1. A “Last Chapter” Kind of Church Paul’s final words of encouragement show us the kind of church God wants us to be.

2. Last Chapters of Paul’s Letters In most of the letters of Paul the last chapter does three things. – Sends greetings to many of his brethren – Makes personal comments about his situation – Give them some final words of instruction and encouragement.

3. Romans 16:16-17 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. 17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 1.Be friendly, greet each other, visitors 2.Keep false teaching out

4. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love. 1.We must be alert – watchful 2.Remain faithful 3.Grow and be stronger 4.Do everything in love

5. 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 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. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. 1.Do a self-examination 2.Don’t become disqualified for heaven

6. Galatians 6:8-9 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 1.Sow to the spirit, not the flesh 2.Don’t quit, give up, lose heart

7. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 1.Be strong 2.Live in the power of God 3.Recognize that our strength comes from God

8. Philippians 4:4-5 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 1.Be happy – rejoice in your salvation 2.Be gentle with everyone.

9. Colossians 4:5-6 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. 1.Use your time wisely 2.Speak with kindness 3.Learn how to respond

10. 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

11. 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 1.Don’t be caught asleep when Jesus comes 2.Keep alert 3.Our task is to bring light (not darkness) 4.We must be clothed with faith, love and the hope of salvation

12. 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. 1.Be confident in your salvation 2.God is the one directing and guiding my life

13. Hebrews 13:5-6 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you.“ 6 So we may boldly say: "The L ORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?“ 1.Learn to be content 2.God is always near, no need to fear

14. A Last Chapter Kind of Church How do these passages fit your life? I urge you to pray that you may become that kind of Christian. Pray that WE can become that kind of church.