SEVEN PILLARS OF THE CHURCH
                 EPHESIANS 2:21-22; PROVERBS 9:1

INTRODUCTION:
     A.  The Bible pictures the church as being a great spiritual building - Eph. 2:21,22;
           I Pet. 2:5.
     B.  The number "7" means something significant   perfection.
     C.  Wisdom's house has "7" pillars - Prov. 9:1.
     D.  What are the seven pillars of the church?

I.  A REGENERATED MEMBERSHIP - Jno. 3:3-8.
     A.  Titus 3:5 - not by words of righteousness...
     B.  Ephesians 5:26 - that he might sanctify...
     C.  II Corinthians 5:17

II.  PURE AND SINCERE WORSHIP OF GOD - Jno. 4:24; Phil. 8:3.
     A.  This is good and to be desired - Psa. 33:1; Psa. 92:1.
     B.  Void of heathen practices (no CHRISTMAS PROGRAM) Col. 2:20-23.
     C.  Apostolic, not Mosaic - Acts 2:42; Mt. 16:19.

III.  KNOWLEDGE (instead of ignorance and superstition).
     A.  I Corinthians 10:1.
     B.  II Peter 3:18.
     C.  I Timothy 3:15.
     D.  John 4:24.

IV.  UNITY (for which Christ prayed) - John 17:20,21.
     A.  Ephesians 4:3.
     B.  Psalms 133:1.
     C.  Phil. 2:3.
     D.  Matthew 12:25.

V.  LABOR (all belong to the Labor Party)
     A.  Essential to everyone - I Tim. 4:7; Phil. 2:12; I Cor. 15:58; II Thess. 3:1.
     B.  Carry on works of charity - Rom. 15:1; I Cor. 16:1,2; Eph. 3:21.
     C.  Carry on missions - Phil. 1:4; 4:3, 16.

VI.  VISION TO LOOK AHEAD.
     A.  To keep from perishing - Prov. 29:18.
     B.  Wisdom required of officers - Acts 6:3; Col. 4:5.

VII.  DISCIPLINE (the church must be subject to rule and order).
     A.  All must be walking by the same rule - Matt. 7:12; Phil. 3:16; I Jno. 1:7.
     B.  Some must be withdrawn from - Mt. 18:15-17; I Cor. 5:13; II Thess. 3:6.

CONCLUSION:
     A.  Truth cannot be compromised.
     B.  What we think best does not displace the truth.
     C.  Why did God command these things of his people?  Eph. 5:23,25; Gal. 3:27.
     D.  I Peter 4:17,18.