2. GOD’S PERFECT IMPERFECT CHURCH Ruins of Medieval church in York, England

3. God’s Perfect Imperfect Church In one sense… The church is made up of imperfect people. The lifelong task of attaining perfection will be incomplete when we die. However… God designed and built His church to perfection according to His Divine Plan.

4. The Perfect Church A Divine Architect –Ephesians 3:10-11

5. Ephesians 3:10-11 “To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God planned the church from all eternity

6. The Perfect Church A Divine Architect –Ephesians 3:10-11 A Perfect Blueprint –Ephesians 3:3-5; James 1:25

7. The Perfect Church A Divine Architect –Ephesians 3:10-11 A Perfect Blueprint –Hebrews 8:5 (cf. 1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17) A Perfect Builder –Matthew 16:18

8. The Perfect Church A Divine Architect –Ephesians 3:10-11 A Perfect Blueprint –Hebrews 8:5 (cf. 1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17) A Perfect Builder –Matthew 16:18 A Perfect Head –Ephesians 1:22-23

9. The Perfect Church A Divine Architect –Ephesians 3:10-11 A Perfect Blueprint –Hebrews 8:5 (cf. 1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17) A Perfect Builder –Matthew 16:18 A Perfect Head –Ephesians 1:22-23 A Perfect Foundation –1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20

10. 1 Corinthians 3:11 “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

11. Ephesians 2:20 “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”

12. The Perfect Church A Divine Architect –Ephesians 3:10-11 A Perfect Blueprint –Hebrews 8:5 (cf. 1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17) A Perfect Builder –Matthew 16:18 A Perfect Head - Ephesians 1:22-23 A Perfect Foundation - 1 Cor 3:11 By Perfect Blood – Acts 20:28

13. Acts 20:28 “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

14. The Church Has A Perfect Plan Worship Saving Souls Work Organization

15. The Church Has A Perfect Plan Doesn’t appeal to the majority who put their trust in human wisdom - 1 Corinthians 1:18-26

16. Made up of imperfect beings We are imperfect in: Our worship Our saving souls Our leadership THE IMPERFECT

17. OUR IMPERFECTIONS 1. Are not an excuse for not improving our efforts 2. Are not an excuse for not growing 3. Are not an excuse for changing God’s plan

18. Sardis - Rev. 3:1 Men: “It LIVES!” God: “It’s DEAD” Laodicea - Rev. 3:14-17 Men: “We’re rich…” God: “Poor, blind, miserable”

19. Smyrna - Rev. 2:8,9 Men: “They’re poor, and struggling…” God: “They’re rich!”

20. What counts is not what others think of us, or even what we think of ourselves, but WHAT DOES GOD THINK? WHAT ABOUT THE CHURCH THAT MEETS HERE?