The Pearl of Great Price

Matthew 13:45–46

Matthew 13:45–46 NASB95

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

THE CHURCH’S COST OF CONSTRUCTION

Ephesians 2:20

Ephesians 2:20 NASB95

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,

The Chief Cornerstone

Ephesians 5:25–27

Ephesians 5:25–27 NASB95

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

1 Peter 1:18–19

1 Peter 1:18–19 NASB95

knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:1-9

· You were dead – Christ took your penalty – now you’re alive by God’s mercy

· Now saved by His grace

o The riches of God (Ephesians 1:2-19)

o Every spiritual blessing from the divine realm; from god’s throne; Heaven’s assets of which the Holy Spirit is a down payment

Christ was willing to leave His glory in Heaven

He became poor so that we could be rich - 2 Corinthians 8:9

The Apostles and Prophets

The cost paid by the prophets – Luke 11:47-48; Matthew 5:12

The cost paid by the apostles – 2 Corinthians 6:4-10

· Paul and his team suffered greatly to get the gospel to the Corinthians

· It was all for their benefit – 2 Corinthians 4:15

Tertullian – “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”

Minsters of the gospel today – 2 Timothy 4:5

· Life of sacrifice

· Life of selflessness devotion

· Servants of all

You (the church) are recipients

(2 Corinthians 6:1-2} Don’t receive the grace of God, which has come to you at such great cost, in vain.

You are accountable to what you do with the gift of God

· Do not profane that which is Holy

· Fear God

· Please God

· Matthew 7:6

· Matthew 5:13

· Hebrews 10:29

· Hebrews 6:4-6

Romans 12:1

Romans 12:1 NASB95

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.