Message delivered on December 14th, 2003
Text: Matthew 16:18 "... Build my church ...

Introduction

What is church? It’s a community that recognizes the Lord Jesus as the supreme leader and gathers to adore Him.

• Three truths:

• Yet: II Timothy 3:5 - II Timothy 4:3-4 - II Timothy 3:1
  God’s Word warns us of these difficult days, of heresies.

• Because there is a thought: Christ yes, Church no.
• It’s said: Church isn’t important. Christ is.
• I have Christ, I pray and I read the bible.
• 2 Illustrations: "Staying together" in dating. - "Living together" in marriage.
• What exists behind this: The lack of commitment.
• Application: Some have this attitude towards the church.

• Illustration: Marriage. The ideal exists (in the mind of a single person). The real exists (24 hours together)
• Believers that are frustrated with the real church.
• They don’t work to achieve the ideal church.

• The spiritual side: I Timothy 4:7. Mercy is not transferable.
• The corporate side. I Corinthians 12: 12-14 and 20

Conclusion.

Illustration.

• The bird.
  Only flies with two wings.
  Christian life: One wing is the individual mercy.
  The other is the collective mercy.
• The church must remain until the return of Jesus.
• What is your level of commitment with Jesus?
• Work at the real church to achieve the ideal church.
• Develop your individual spiritual side, not forgetting that you are part of the body of Christ.