1. How to Prevent a Local Church from Imploding THE EPISTLES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

2. The Need for Maturity  Galatia: If a church tolerates or circulates error—anything that is contrary to the original gospel—it is deserting the Lord and in danger of being condemned by Him – Gal. 1:6-9; cf. Col. 2:8.  Thessalonica: If a church misunderstands or incorrectly applies divine doctrine, it must be corrected and return to and hold fast the original teaching – 2 Thess. 2:14-15; cf. Jude 3.  Corinth: It is, thus, necessary for a church to grow not only in its knowledge of the truth but in its application of it—uniting, serving, loving – 1 Cor. 14:20; cf. 3:1-4.

3. The Need for Unity  Ephesus: If a church is allowing itself to be divided by substantial issues, the Lord requires it to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace – Eph. 4:1-6; cf. 2:13-18; Gal. 5:15.  Philippi: If a church is allowing itself to be divided by insignificant matters, it must renew its focus on service and learn to live in harmony in the Lord – Phil. 4:2; cf. 1:27; 2:1-8.  Rome: When the cause of division is a matter of personal judgment, a church is to not judge but accept; when doctrinal, it is to withdraw from evil influences – Rom. 14:1, 4, 13, 19; 15:7; 16:17.

4. The Need for Charity  Corinth: If a church is immature and divided, it has probably forgotten (or never learned) the principle of love and must put a renewed focus on it – 1 Cor. 12:31-14:1; 16:13-14.  Rome: If a church has been changed by the mercies of God, it will demonstrate the various aspects of love, knowing that it is required and needed – Rom. 12:9-13; 13:8-10.  Ephesus: If a church overcomes error and is united, it must be careful not to neglect love and, indeed, must show love toward others in order to be right with God – Rev. 2:1-7; 1 Jn. 2:3-11; 4:7-8, 19-21.