Think 16 - Living as a Christian in this culture, Church history, Why be a member of the local church

These are notes from College Park Church's Think 16 sermon March 2016 about the church.

Psalm 31
Mark Dever

1. Churches exist for supernatural change. It seems it is harder to be a Christian today...but really, it has always been hard work to be a Christian
2. We are being persecuted today. Jesus said we would be persecuted. This is nothing new. It is the norm. We should not play the victim. Many times persecution is based on a secondary action rather than the gospel.  Matthew 5 -Sermon on the Mount. It really doesn't end well. In Acts 5:41, the apostles rejoiced because they had been counted worthy to suffer on Jesus name...Then they are scattered and preach gospel as they go. A witness happens because of persecution. Philippians 1:7, 12
3. Washed utopianism. That is God's job not ours. Ours is to tell the gospel. Utopianism has a track record of distracting us from the gospel. The Holy Spirit uses us, but it is not our job too force change.
4. Make use of our Democratic stewardship. Romans 13 , we are to submit to the state...party of that is a share in its authority...So we share in its tyranny. Read. Pray. Think. Discuss. Vote.
5. Trust the Lord not circumstances. The has never been a set of circumstances we could not trust God as we endure.
6. Remember that everything we have is God's grace. We deserve hell...anything better than hell...thank you Jesus. Hebrews 10:34 - we know we have a life after this, so we will joyfully give away our lives to others now. 2 Corinthians , 2 Timothy 1, 1Peter 4. Our sufferings are the stewardship of sharing in the sufferings of Christ. Romans 8:16, 18. Suffering is not all there is, Moe importantly is the glory that is being prepared in us.
7. Rest in the certainty of Christ's victory. The gates of hell will not prevail.Jesus said He shall lose none.

Richard Sibbes, a Puritan, Anglican?

Reformers two essential marks of a church

-the right administration of the Lord supper.

-the right teaching from the Word

Have Evangelicals forgotten what a church is?
Puritans. Maligned. Found joy in the freedom of the gospel and the church.

1. Puritan on church of England that wanted to make out more clear. 

2. So, preaching the Gospel is more fundamental than how a church is governed, when choosing a church.

3. Preaching is more generative than discipline. Not that discipine is important, or boundaries, is important, but not as important as preaching the Gospel.

4. Preaching is more substantial than literary, ligerature?, or how things are done.

Preaching is Moe central than anything else too our churches.

Preaching is more complete than the sacraments.

Five reasons to be a member of a local church (the body)
1. Do it for non-christians. If you love them, you won't encourage them in their sin. You will want to show them their sin in order for them to be saved. Help people who believe they are Christians understand that they are not. Show them Galatians 5,-fruit if the flesh - are these you? And then fruit of the spirit. But you can have Christ.
2. Do it for weaker Christians. Stronger Christians should set example for weaker. Show them that church membership is beneficial. Cine along side weaker members and bring them along.
3. Do it for stronger Christians. Jn 13:34-35. Stronger Christians should show their love for God by loving others. For the survival of your faith in our current culture. Luke 18 will the Sob of man find faithful
4. Do it for the sake of our leaders. Pray for them, so they can remain strong.
5. Do it for God. The church is God's idea. Acts 2:47. Saul on the road to Damascus, Jesus said "why do you persecute ME?"