INTRODUCTION: The church is God's instrument to promote the gospel agenda. When the church has completed Jesus' plan, He will return to rapture it to heaven.
1. Jesus said, "I Will Build My Church". The church defined - EKKLESIA - Called out ones.
Building the church foundation I Corinthians 3:11
The Pillar and Ground of the truth - I Timothy 3:15
Building the church as a body 1 Corinthians 12:13
Building the church to prevail over the gates of hell.
2. The Three Commands to John's pen Revelation 1:19
A. The things which you have seen (7 candlesticks)
B. The things which are (7 churches of Asia Minor)
C. The things which shall be hereafter
(The 7 years of tribulation)
3. The Voice of the Trumpet Revelation 4:1
A. "come up hither"
B. "caught up" I Thessalonians 4:17
CONCLUSION: The church is a branch of the Jesus Vine. It is not Israel. When it is time in God's prophetic calendar to restore Israel, He will take the Church out.
DISCUSSION:
1. The church received the fullness of the Holy Spirit on
Pentecost. Why didn't Israel receive the fullness of
the Holy Spirit?
2. Jesus desires His church to be holy according to
Ephesians 5:25-27. Why?
3. Why is it so important that the church prevail using the
keys of Matthew 16:19.
4. According to I Thessalonians 5:9, why is the church to
be raptured?
