God's Church

INTRO: God is Faithful to His Church. 16 years for CrossRoads. AND to the universal church over 2,000 years. Praise God!!!

Eph 3:10-13 is our text today.

PRAY

“GOD’S CHURCH!!!”

GOD’S CHURCH DISPLAYS HIS PURPOSE.

God’s original purpose was to unite all people.

His PURPOSE was fulfilled through the Church. Acts 2:9-10

God’s CHURCH is the vehicle where racism, sexism, and every other ism is destroyed. UNITY!

God’s CHURCH is also where His wisdom is displayed.

1 PE 1:12 - 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.

Even angels long to look into those things.

Angels in the heavenlies will understand the work of human salvation through the church.

We were victims of hatred; victims of deceit; victims of sin…But God had mercy on us; cleansed us and now we are VICTORIOUS!

This is the manifold wisdom of God that ANGELS cannot comprehend.

What wisdom is that?

That all people, of all colors, every tribe and nation would be empowered through the Holy Spirit to demonstrate His power.

YES! We are VICTORIOUS.

And the CHURCH is TRIUMPHANT=having already won the battle.

v. 11 – How was triumph accomplished - through the POWER of Jesus Christ?

GOD’S CHURCH DISPLAYS HIS POWER.

MT 16:18. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

He is the Rock – DEUT 32:4- The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice.

Jesus is the great Rock = God is stable and permanent. The only stability in life. We must cling to the Rock; and His Church.

His works (actions) are perfect.

He is fair (just) in all His dealings with mankind.

The Lord can always be counted on because His POWER never fails.

Power to take nothing and build something. ILLUS: People

Power to SUSTAIN His Church.

There’s a lot of talk about what the Church s/b doing – gates of hell will not prevail.

GOD’S CHURCH DISPLAYS HIS PEACE.

v. 12 – We can come boldly and confidently before the throne…to serve not be served.

The Church is where we assemble in PEACE.

The Church is where forgiveness is given for PEACE.

The Church is where burdens are lifted – PEACE.

The Church is where STRENGTH is renewed – PEACE.

CLOSE: So let’s not lose heart…give up.

Let’s Keep Showing God’s PURPOSE to the world. JN 17:21

Let’s Keep Showing God’s POWER to the world. ACTS 1:8

Let’s Keep Showing God’s PEACE to the world. JN 16:33