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Introduction: The Lord’s church possesses many glories, there are four that are outstanding.

A. Eph. 5:25-27 speaks of a glorious church.

A. Absolute truth (John 8:31,32; 17:17).

B. Not Science (Note changes & progress).

C. Not philosophical or speculative (doctrines of men).

D. Values of Truth:

1. Relevant—If men followed Biblical principles, there would be no wars, crime, deceit, etc.

2. Urgent—Today (Heb. 3:12-15). Obey the truth today!! Do not hitch your life to the pole of postponement.

3. Will stand investigation—History, science, geography, archeology, etc. bear out the truth found in the Bible. These are not contradictory to the Bible, but supportive in many cases.

E. Truth is the power to save souls (Rom. 1:16).

1. When the truth of God’s word is taught to honest and open hearts, many will obey it and have salvation. (Rom. 10:8-17).

2. We need to be fishers of men rather than just keepers of the aquarium.

3. Truth is a stream of water through which a child can walk or an elephant can swim!

A. Serve with all of your strength & ability (Eccles. 9:10; Col. 3:17).

B. Do not get tired of service to God and man (Gal. 6:9,10).

C. If the church grows from within, it will grow from without! That is, if we are solid & united, we will reach out for other souls rather than just struggle to keep what we have.

1. John 3:16

2. John 14:15; I John 5:1-3

3. I Cor. 13:4-8a (NIV) "Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, Love never fails."

B. If we had one day left to live, how would we spend it? For one thing, there are many people in the world we would want to tell that we love them. This could be our last day. (Ex. of my father and mother on the last time I saw them).

C. We need to tell others about the Love of Jesus and His sacrificial death. We may emphasize His commands so much that we forget to tell others how much Jesus loves them.

1. Hobbies, extreme opinions & divisions caused by wearing the names of men (I Cor. 1:10-17).

2. Gossip—talking about people to others in a hurtful way (James 1:26; 3:1-6).

3. Congregational & intercongregational squabbles (Gal. 5:13-15).

B. Steps to unity (Psalm 133:1, "Behold, how good & pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity").

1. Speak the same thing (I Cor. 1:10; I Peter 4:11).

2. Wear the same name (Acts 11:26).

3. Follow the LORD’S pattern (Eph. 4:1-6).

C. When we put Jesus first, Others second and ourselves last, the we can know the joy of Christian living. Let us use these Four Great Glories of the Church to worship God, Serve the Lord and our fellowman and to be united in our efforts for the Lord.

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