The church! Its Purity!
             Text: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
             Introduction

                A. In making an a decision on whether an organization is what it says it is one often      
                     makes that  determination by its membership.
                B. When the purity of the church is corrupted, its identity is destroyed.  The line of        
                     distinction  must be kept clear between the church and the world.
                C. How is the purity of the church obtained, maintained and what will happen if it is     
                     lost?

            Body:

            1. The Church in the NT was composed of people who were purified.
                A. Made possible bv the death of Christ.  Eph. 5:25-27
                    1. Cleansed by His blood - I John 1:7
                B. Purified by obedience to the truth.  I Peter 1:22
                    1. Through our actions, the blood is appropriated and applies this cleansing to the      
                         individual. Eph. 5:26; 1 Cor. 6:9-1 1;
                    2. Men must be "washed" in baptism.  Acts 22:16; 2:41,47

            II. This relationship imposes separation from the world of sin and a life of purity and        
                 holiness.
               A. Be separate, touch no unclean thing. 2 Cor. 6:17 - perfect holiness 2 Cor. 7:1
               B. Be not conformed to the world.  Rom. 12:1,2 - Be transformed
               C. Pure religion demands keep oneself unspotted from the world.  James 1:27
               D. Cannot be a friend of God and also of the world.  James 4:4
               E. Entered into a covenant with God - 2 Timothy 2:19-22
                   1. Gods part - know those who are His. v. 19
                   2. Man's part - depart iniquity, be a vessel for honor. v. 21

           III. How is purity maintained and what are the consequences if it is not?
                A. These relationships must be kept by individual.  I Timothy 5:22, Acts 20:28- 1 Tim.  
                     4:16; 2 Cor. 13:5
                B. Some consequences if not maintained: I Cor. 5:1-13
                    1. "A little leaven leavens the whole lump." v. 6
                        a. Achan - Joshua 7-1-4
                   2. "Have no company with a brother who persists in sin" v. I 1
                   3. "Put away from yourselves that wicked person." v. 13
                   4. Do not keep company with a brother who walks disorderly. 2 Thess. 3:14
                C. Saints must not defile their garments - Rev. 19:6-8; 3:4,5
                 D. If we fail, our lampstands, which represents our identity Rev. 1:20 will be removed 
                     unless we repent.  Rev. 2:5

            Conclusion

                A. The Lord purified us by our obedience.
                B. The purity of the Lords church depends on each individual member!
                C. Are you doing your part in maintaining the identity of the church of Christ?