"The Sufficiency of the Church"

Colossians 4:17 NASB95

Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

What is the Church?

1. It is universal

1 Corinthians 12:13 NASB95

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

2. It is a hospital

The Preacher’s Notebook: The Collected Quotes, Illustrations, and Prayers of John Stott The Church Is a Hospital

“Christ’s church is an hospital of sick, wounded and afflicted people.”

—John Bunyan

3. It is democratic

300 Illustrations for Preachers Defending What He Could Not Sign

John Dickinson, a founding father known as the “Penman of the Revolution,” disagreed with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. He believed that Americans should take more time to become more unified in purpose and enlist the support of foreign powers such as France.

The Cost of Liberty: The Life of John Dickinson by William Murchison tells the story of the debate around the issue of war. On July 2, 1776, Dickinson abstained when the matter was put to a vote. After the vote, he refused to sign the Declaration of Independence. Then he left Independence Hall and put on a military uniform. During the Revolutionary War he fought in the Philadelphia militia to defend what he could not vote for.

We could learn something about church membership from Dickinson’s actions. In the church, even when we disagree, we need to support our church family. Dickinson never regretted his action at the time, but he did later acknowledge the success of the nation’s chosen path.

—Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

What is the Church’s Responsibility?

1. Fulfill the Great Commission

Matthew 28:18–20 NASB95

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

2. Forsake not the Assembly

Hebrews 10:24–25 NASB95

and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

3. Worship

a. Through Prayer

b. Through Praise

c. Through Giving

d. Through Fellowship