THREE "P'S" FOR THE CHURCH TO PONDER
INTRODUCTION: Some people or concepts are so close to each other or in agreement that
we use the term "three peas in a pod" to describe them. As we consider the work of the body of
Christ there are three concepts that are just like "three peas in a pods. " Ponder these three p's.
-BODY
I. THE PLEA OF THE CHURCH.
A. It can be summed up in one word - RECONCILIATION.
1. 2 Corinthians 5:18, 20 - "And all things (are) of God, who hath reconciled us to
himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit,
that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their
trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now
then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we
pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. "
2 . Hebrews 2:17 - "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his
brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to
God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."
B. We preach a plan of reconciliation.
1 . By it the world can be reconciled back to God.
2. Comes from two greek words which mean "a bringing back into divine favor,
atonement, to change mutually, i.e. (fig.) to compound a difference: --reconcile."
a. The idea is the bringing back into a relationship two parties that have been
estranged.
b. The same word is used for the reconciling of a husband and wife.
1 Corinthians 7:11 - "But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be
reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife."
c. God did not change his attitude toward sin. He hates sin. He changed in that He
sent His Son so there might be a way for us to be perfect in His sight.
d. Romans 5:10- "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the
death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. "
3. We plead for sinners to accept the reconciliation that God has offered to them
through the sacrifice of His Son.
II. THE PLAN OF THE CHURCH.
A. The plan of the church is to take this ministry of reconciliation to all the world.
1 . Matthew 28:18-20
2. Mark 16:15-16
3. Taking this message of reconciliation 'to all the world is how we give this message of
reconciliation to a lost world.
B. This is the work of all in the church, not just a few.
1. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:10.11- "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that
every one may receive the things {done) in {his) body, according to that he hath done,
whether {it be) good or bad.... "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade
men- but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your
consciences.
C. How do we present the message of Reconciliation?
1. Through the preaching of the Gospel. It is only through obedience to that Gospel that
men can bc reconciled back to God.
2. Romans 1: 16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God
unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
III. THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH.
A. Some believe that the there are some purposes for the church that God does not give.
1. Some think that the church should be in the entertainment business.
a. One church recently sent it's staff for wrestling lessons from a well known
professional wrestler, so the staff could have a "staff wrestling tournament night for
the church.
b. Many churches have special singing during the services, Christmas and Easter plays,
carnivals, pony rides for the kiddies, the list could go on and on.
c. Such entertainment extravaganzas are nowhere found in the pages of God's word.
2. Some think that the church should be there to meet all the personal needs of the
individual.
a. They think, "what can the church do for me."
b. They contend that the church is there to meet "the felt needs" of the individual.
c. Some unconsciously believe that the church is their "social club."
B. The purpose of the church - To Glorify God.
1 . Ephesians 3:10,11- "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in
heavenly {places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: "
2. Romans 15:6- "That ye may with one mind land) one mouth glorify God, even the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ. "
3 . The church is to be God/Christ centered, not man centered.
C. The purpose of the church - To bring lost souls to our Lord.
1. Proverbs 11:30- "The fruit of the righteous {is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls {is
wise. ")
2 . The challenge Jesus gave to his apostles is still just as binding on us today.
a. Matthew 4:19- "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of
men. "
CONCLUSION: Brethren, let us keep the plea of the church of Christ before us like a banner
going off to war -'Be ye reconciled to God. " Let us work the plan - take the message of
reconciliation. And let us never swerve from the purpose of the church - to glorify God and
reconcile lost souls back to God.
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