350 – The Church Covenant and Our Church Conduct

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: ECCLESIOLOGY IV LESSON # 50

CHURCH COVENANT AND ARTICLES OF FAITH – CHURCH COVENANT REGARDING OUR CHURCH CONDUCT

INTRODUCTION:

1. In the first lesson we studied solemnity and obligation.
2. Now we begin to examine the covenant as to its contents.
3. First let us see our obligation as to church involvement.
4. What are we pledged and obligated to do?

I. TO WALK TOGETHER IN CHRISTIAN LOVE (EPH 5:1-2 )

1. This pledge is to our conduct regardless of our feelings.
2. The word love is Agape meaning benevolent behavior.
3. Our feelings may vacillate, our conduct must not.

II. TO STRIVE FOR ADVANCEMENT OF THE CHURCH (EPH 4:15-16 )

1. Advancement rightly defined is nothing more than Mat 28:19-20

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2. Initially this involves knowledge, holiness and comfort.
3. But it is multi-dimensional growth, neglect none of it.
4. This advancement is necessary to the great commission.

III. TO PROMOTE ITS PROSPERITY AND SPIRITUALITY (EPH 4:12 )

1. This area of prosperity is not financial but growth wise.
2. Spurious motives have caused regression from this goal.
3. This is to be tempered and balanced with spirituality.
4. Many Christians demand this but Oh how few promote it.

IV. TO SUSTAIN WORSHIP, ORDINANCES, DISCIPLINE AND DOCTRINE

1. Sustain its worship by: Attendance, behavior and spirit
2. Sustain its ordinances by: Authority, format and mode
3. Sustain its discipline by: Purpose, manner and goal.
4. Doctrine: If truth is compromised all else is lost.

V. TO CONTRIBUTE CHEERFULLY TO ITS SUPPORT (2CO. (9:5-8)

1. Tithes and offerings regularly is the Bible format.
2. The attitude is to be cheerfully (Ill. sensitivity)
3. Direction: Support church, relieve poor, spread the Gospel.

To these things we have made our pledge to Christ. He has been faithful to us, will we be faithful to Him?

Berean Baptist Church