Sermons
Devotional - The Church of God
Scripture: Acts 20:17-32 NASB
Are we willing to let the New Testament be our guide in all we teach and practice in the church today?
I. What is the church? (28-29)
A. The church belongs to _____.
----> He purchased it with His own _______.
----> Since the church belongs to God, does He have the right to say how He wants the church to be regarding its mission, worship, teaching, and organization?
----> History shows how far people have drifted from God's will in each of these four areas.
B. The church is God's flock.
----> This implies God wants His sheep to be together.
----> Christ provides local leaders for His flock. Who are they?
---->They are called _______ (17) and __________ (28). They are to shepherd or _______ the flock (28).
----> In the NT these terms are used as synonyms.
----> In denominational terminology these terms often mean something else.
II. God's church is based on God's ________ (17-27).
A. The church at Ephesus was established on preaching.
----> Paul taught the ________ truth (20:20, 27).
----> He testified of repentance toward God and ______ in Christ (21) and the gospel of the ______ of God (24).
----> He went about preaching the __________ (25).
B. Many ________ to Paul's preaching (19:8-10, 20).
C. The gospel is preached------> hearers respond------> the church is formed.
III. God's church is threatened by _________ teaching (28-32).
A. Paul warns the elders: "...be on the _______..." (31).
B. God's church is kept _________ by God's word (32).
C. God's word is able to build you up and give you the inheritance.
***Answers from NASB, yours may differ slightly according to your Bible version.
I. A. The church belongs to _God____.
----> He purchased it with His own __blood_____.
B. They are called __elders___ (17) and ___overseers__ (28). They are to shepherd or __pastor__ the flock (28).
II. God's church is based on God's _word_ (17-27).
A. Paul taught the __whole__ truth (20:20, 27).
----> He testified of repentance toward God and __faith__ in Christ (21) and the gospel of the _grace_ of God (24).
----> He went about preaching the __kingdom___ (25).
B. Many __flocked__ to Paul's preaching (19:8-10, 20).
III. God's church is threatened by __false___ teaching (28-32).
A. Paul warns the elders: "...be on the _alert_..." (31).
B. God's church is kept __safe_ by God's word (32).
