The Value of the Local Church

 Temple Baptist Church - 4-16-2023

Psalm 84:1-12

 

Introduction:  Hebrews 10:25-27 are possibly the most quoted verses concerning church attendance and, like biblical separation, has been preached as a negative.  Psalms 84:10 is in direct contrast to the end time professing Christian.  Hebrews 10:25 says, “As the manner of some is.”  The word manner means a custom or habitual practice.

 

A.  Today, more is said against the church than for the church.  Many local churches have brought this problem upon themselves by their wicked and unscriptural behavior.

 

1.  Some say that the church is full of hypocrites.

 

2.  Some say that the church has become a social organization.

 

3.  Some say that the church no longer portrays the love of Christ.

 

B.  There has been a great forsaking of the assembling in the past few decades with the majority of America unchurched at the present.

 

1.  Church attendance is at an all time low with more churches and professing Christians than ever.  “As the manner of some is” increases with each year, month, and week as more and more no longer are faithful to church.

 

2.  The faithful few that make up the nucleus of the local church have become fewer in number, especially Sunday and Wednesday night crowds.  Church has become either a “necessary evil” or an “inconvenience” in our day.

 

C.  The majority of the average church’s visitation program is spend visiting people who professed to be saved and either make shallow excuses for missing church or have become disgruntled over some petty problem and now are permanently excused from faithful attendance.

 

Many Of These Have Religion And Not Salvation.

 

Many Of These Are so Worldly And Carnal That They Cannot Know The Will Of God.

 

1.  They have the love of Ephesus.

 

2.  They have the deadness of Sardis.

 

3.  They have the lukewarmness of Laodicea.

 

D.  But I still love the local church!  In spite of its shortcomings and problems. 

 

Here are some reasons why we should love the church:

 

1.  A Place of Importance – vs 1  “How”

2.  A Place of Loving – vs 1  “amiable” (well beloved)

3.  A Place of Longing – vs 2-3  “longeth … fainteth”

4.  A Place of Worship – vs 3  “altars”  (place of sacrifice)

5.  A Place of Encouragement – vs 4  “still praising thee”

6.  A Place of Strength – vs 5  “strength is in thee”

7.  A Place of Understanding – vs 6  “valley of Baca … make it a well”  (weeping)

8.  A Place of Sharing – vs 7  “strength to strength”

9.  A Place of Prayer – vs 8  “hear my prayer … give ear”

10.  A Place of Safety – vs 9  “God our shield”

11.  A Place of Joy – vs 10  “day … better than a thousand”

12.  A Place of Blessing – vs 11  “no good thing”

13.  A Place of Maturity – vs 12  “trusteth in thee”