U S E Y O U R B I B L E
. . . . . .WHAT CAN DESTROY A LOCAL CHURCH?
God's truth can not be destroyed (1 Pet. 1:23-25) (Matt. 16:18)
Even as the "gates of hell" could not prevail against the univ. church.
But local fellowship can be broken, and the usefulness of a local church may be destroyed, as shown in letters to the churches of Asia. (Rev. 2: 3:)
Read and study these scriptures carefully, making application as needed.
PERSECUTION CAN NOT DESTROY Acts 5:41-42 6:7 8:1-4 It may even strengthen--- 1 Pet. 5:10
LOSS OF A CHURCH BUILDING CAN NOT DESTROY Such, while authorized, is unnecessary. Col. 4:15 Jn. 4:21-24
LOSS OF HUMAN CREEDS, DOCTRINES, CAN NOT DESTROY Truth doesn't depend on such--- Acts 19:19-20 1 Cor. 2:4-5
BECOMING A MINORITY CAN NOT DESTROY For God is a Majority--- Rev. 3:4, 8.
BUT THESE THINGS CAN DESTROY AND CONDEMN: 1. The observance of days, months, etc. Gal. 4:8-11 (Paul said "I am afraid of you"-- i.e., for you.) 2. Desire to be subject to law of Moses; Gal. 4:19-f. (and Paul says, "I stand in doubt of you.") 3. Allow divisions over men to exist-- 1 Cor. 1:10 3:1-4 (and "I can not speak unto you as unto spiritual--") 4. Fail to bring forth fruit ... Matt. 21:33-43 (Jn. 15:1-6) (and "kingdom given to others") 5. Allow love for Christ to become secondary -- Rev. 2:4 (and your candlestick will be removed from its place.)
TO SURVIVE, ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD, THE CHURCH MUST BE: Sound in doctrine, Pure in life, and Diligent in service.