1. The Christians Obligations To The Church Matthew 16:13-19

2. Introduction Not talking about a denominational church. We are talking about the Lord’s Church. The church Jesus said He would build. Also called the body of Christ Ephesians 1:22-23 Congregations were called churches of Christ Romans 16:16

3. Put It First The church and the Kingdom are the same. Matthew 6:33 “seek ye first…” Put church before relatives Matthew 10:37 Put it ahead of sinful pleasures Hebrews 11:24-26 We must also put it ahead of the government. Acts 5:29

4. Love It Jesus Christ died for the church Ephesians 5:25 Jesus purchased the church with His blood Acts 20:28 The body of Christ is the church of Christ Colossians 1:18 There are many members, yet but one body. 1 Corinthians 12:20

5. Assemble With It We should not forsake the church. Christians should want to be where Jesus is. Matthew 18:20 where two or three… We meet for the purpose of break bread (the Lord’s supper memorial feast). Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 We can teach others by our singing. Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19

6. Give To It Christians must support the local church. Every purposes in their own heart what they will give as they have prospered. Must give cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Should give according to what we have 2Corinthians 8:12

7. Pray For It We should pray constantly 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:8 Pray that the church might do right 2 Corinthians 13:7 Pray that the church will spread the gospel. Philippians 4:15-16 (Remember who the church is.) Pray that we can continue to meet freely without hinderence from civil authorities or evil people. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

8. Work With It We should abound in the work of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Help the church spread the gospel. Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 Help the church restore the erring. Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20 Support the church when discipline is administered against the disorderly. 1 Corinthians 5:4-5; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6

9. Defend It Earnestly contend for the faith Jude 3 Christ built it, and it is designed to withstand the evils of Satan, but only with our help. Christ is the head, but we are his body to do His work today. (song: the worlds gospel) Christ is savior of the church. We must keep things in line with His will. Ephesians 5:23 The church must follow Christ. John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 11:1 Following Christ will give us the victory that belongs to Him.

10. Be Faithful To It We must endure temptations. James 1:12 We must endure to the end. Matthew 10:22; Revelation 2:10 We must obey God’s commandments. Revelation 22:14 We must live and die in the Lord to be blessed. Revelation 14:13 Seek to restore the disciples that have fallen away. 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 6:4-6

11. Conclusion Many of us are faithful in most things, and some are faithful in a few of these things. We must resolve to treat the Church the way it was meant to be treated. As the body of Christ to be reverenced and respected. Are you fulfilling your obligations to this church? If not, start today. Invitation.