THE PURPOSE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT LOCAL CHURCH

by Dr. Jack Trieber: Recently I preached a message entitled, “The Purpose of the New Testament Local Church.” This message was preached during the morning service on Anniversary Sunday.

Using the book of Acts, I reminded our church that the purpose of North Valley Baptist Church is to preach, pray, give, win souls, teach, baptize, etc. In this brief article, I wish to lift the point in that message which reminded us that our purpose, both personally and collectively, is to be a witness for Jesus Christ and seek to win the lost to Him.

The Scripture makes it very clear that one day everyone will stand before God:

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
– II Corinthians 5:10

God also says,

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
– II Corinthians 5:10

Matthew 28:18-20 remind us,

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The church is not a social agency or a club for the few. Rather, it is a soul-saving station. May I remind our church family that North Valley Baptist Church was built on a culture of soul winning. That reset button must always be pushed. Our main task is to get the Gospel to a lost and dying world. The apostle Paul said it best when he said,

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
– Romans 10:1

Let’s stay after souls.

Original article can be found at http://northvalleynews.org/2011/purpose-new-testament-local-church/