1. DEAR TIM, JESUS’ BIG MIRACLE… THE CHURCH! I Timothy 3:14-16

2. 1 Tim. 3:14-16 –The New Living Translation I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, [15] so that if I can't come for a while, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth.

3. 1 Tim. 3:14-16 –The New Living Translation [16] Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ appeared in the flesh and was shown to be righteous by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and was announced to the nations. He was believed on in the world and was taken up into heaven.

4. 1 Tim. 3:14-16 –The Message Translation I hope to visit you soon, but just in case I'm delayed, I'm writing this letter so [15] you'll know how things ought to go in God's household, this God-alive church, bastion of truth.

5. 1 Tim. 3:14-16 –The Message Translation [16] This Christian life is a great mystery, far exceeding our understanding, but some things are clear enough: He appeared in a human body, was proved right by the invisible Spirit, was seen by angels. He was proclaimed among all kinds of peoples, believed in all over the world, taken up into heavenly glory.

6. TAKE HOME • By Jesus all things hold together…life, the universe, the future, the church …everything! • Listen to Paul and you’ll hear it in a dozens of ways… For me to live is Christ! • The church finds her life, purpose and her future in Jesus. • The church is more than an organization …a marvelous, loving, living organism.

7. Lord, I want to give myself to you today. I will love your body (your church) and serve you with my life. Commitment:

8. ANNOUNCEMENTS

9. Worship in Song

10. LISTEN TO PAUL’S POWERFUL ASSERTIONS REGARDING THE SUFFICIENCY OF JESUS CHRIST ● To the Ephesians: Jesus fills everything in every way. -1:23 ● To the Colossians: In Him all things hold together. -1:17 ● To the Corinthians: I resolved to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ 2:2

11. LISTEN TO PAUL’S POWERFUL ASSERTIONS REGARDING THE SUFFICIENCY OF JESUS CHRIST ● To the Galatians: May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. --6:14 ● To the Philippians: For me, to live is Christ… --1:21 ● To the Hebrews: Jesus…by whom God made the Universe… --1:2

12. • The Palestine of long ago • The Father’s right hand THERE IS A TENDENCY TO LOCALIZE JESUS TO…

13. PAUL’S VISION SAW JESUS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE • The Alpha and Omega • The Beginning and the End • The Author and Finisher of our Faith

14. IT STANDS TO REASON: • He holds Creation together • His Story holds the Bible together…all roads lead to Him: The Pentateuch, Prophets, Psalms, Gospels and Epistles • He holds the Church together • His message binds Doctrine together • He holds Fellowship together

15. JESUS SUPPLIES WHAT WE NEED Pardon! God, for Christ’s sake has forgiven you. --Eph 4:32 Purpose! To live is Christ --Philippians 1:21 Power! I can do all things through Christ. --Philippians Plenty! All things are yours. Prospect! Where I am there you may be also

16. SO WE RECITE THE OLD HYMN, QUOTED BY PAUL: I Timothy 3:16 He appeared in a human body, was proved right by the invisible Spirit, was seen by angels. He was proclaimed among all kinds of peoples, believed in all over the world, taken up into heavenly glory.

17. COMMUNION This table is always open to every believer!

18. Confession: I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus is my Lord and Savoir.

19. Worship in Song

20. AN AMAZING MIRACLE…THE CHURCH!!

21. EMPOWERED IN AND CALLED OUT • “… hope to come to you soon…” • There is a supernatural bond that empowers believers in community • The Spirit leads us to yearn for our next encounter

22. EMPOWERED IN AND CALLED OUT • “… if I am delayed…” • Despite the comfort of good company we may be called away • God empowers us to strengthen His Church and share His Word

23. CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD • We look to Acts for our Ecclesiology ~ Early Church • Acts begins with the gift of the Holy Spirit • The Works and Acts of the Early Church were thus Acts of the Holy Spirit

24. CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD • This Spirit is God’s Presence and the true construct of the Church • It is a relational experience with God and man through Jesus Christ • “ The pillar and foundation of the truth…”

25. CONDUCT IN GOD’S HOUSEHOLD • Cathedral v. Church ~ Organization v. Organism • Cathedral ~ Bound by brick and stone • Church ~ Bound only by the Holy Spirit of the Living God

26. CONDUCT IN GOD’S HOUSEHOLD • Cathedral ~ Structurally Physical • Church ~ Spiritually Relational • Cathedral ~ Remove your hat • Church ~ Love and Worship

27. Worship in Song

28. PRAYER & PRAISE

29. Worship in Song

30. Your Offering: “ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” --Jesus

31. Worship in Song

32. TAKE HOME • By Jesus all things hold together…life, the universe, the future, the church …everything! • Listen to Paul and you’ll hear it in a dozens of ways… For me to live is Christ! • The church finds her life, purpose and her future in Jesus. • The church is more than an organization …a marvelous, loving, living organism.

33. Lord, I want to give myself to you today. I will love your body (your church) and serve you with my life. Commitment:

34. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. --Paul to Timothy Go and help others know Jesus.