The Need of Every Church

Matthew 3:1-4; John 1:15-30

INTRODUCTION: God commands His people to “come out,” which implies a definite act on their part. “Be ye separate” suggests devotion to God for a special purpose.

God’s command of separation is found throughout Scripture. He warned Israel not to mingle with the pagan nations in the land of Canaan (Num. 33:50-56).

Our Lord was “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners” (Heb. 7:26), and yet He was “a friend of publicans and sinners” (Luke 7:34). Like a skillful physician, we must practice “contact without contamination.”

I. TO COME OUT OF THE WILDERNESS OF THE WORLD. 2 Cor. 6:17
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
Wilderness of unbelief. Heb. 13:8
“Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
Wilderness of Discouragement.
Elijah on Mt. Carmel, discouraged under tree.
Wilderness of satisfaction. Rev. 3:17
“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

2. THE NEED TO PREACH. 2 Tim. 4:1-2
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” John came preaching, men would not listen.
The truth—last days men will not receive truth of God’s word.
Repentance—”Least ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.”
Jesus is coming—John 1:27
“He it is who coming after me is preferred before me, whom shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.” Tell the world that Jesus is coming again.

3. NEED TO TAKE A STAND. Eph. 6:10-11
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Organized religion
Religion denies lost men of the “Bread of Life.”
Religion denies lost men of the “Living Water.”
Sin—John told Herod, “It is unlawful to have your brother’s wife.” Call sin black, Hell hot, Eternity long.
Devil—To stand against the Devil will cost you something, It cost John his head. It will cost the church to take a stand but Romans 8:28 is still the word of God.

CONCLUSION:
We know from church history that apostasy happened to the churches in Asia. The Asian churches were the very churches who were warned in the Book of Revelation (Re. 1:11-3:22). There were seven churches, and out of the seven only one remained faithful to the preaching of the Word—the Philadelphian church (Re. 3:7-13). The other six became apostate; many of the people turned away from the pure preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

Preach the word! First and foremost, Timothy was to preach the message of the gospel. The word preach suggests vigorous proclamation! Paul wanted Timothy to be bold and passionate. We believe in Christ today because people like Timothy were faithful to their mission. It is still vitally important for believers to spread the gospel. It may be inconvenient to take a stand for Christ but preaching the Word of God is the most important responsibility the church and its members have been given. Be prepared for, courageous in, and sensitive to God-given opportunities to tell the Good News.

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