LET'S NOT BE THE AVERAGE CHURCH-Rev. 3:14-22; Key vs. 15

Introduction: The church at Laodicea was not hot. It wasn't cold. It was lukewarm. It was an "average" temperature. It wasn't extreme right. It wasn't extreme left. I don't want to be average. When it comes to issues, I want to stand in such a way that makes people either love or hate me. I want to encourage us all to NOT be the average church!

I. LET'S NOT BE CARNAL (Following the Flesh); but RIGHTEOUS

Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

The word, "carnal," has to do with the FLESH (carnivorous, chili con carne, carnival). In order to not be carnal:

A. We must be SAVED-Salvation is a birth of the spirit (John 3:1-7)

B. We must be SPIRIT-FILLED

II. LET'S NOT BE CONFORMING (Making the Church Like the World); LET'S BE RENEWED BY THE WORD OF GOD

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

A. Let's not change OUR MEETINGS for the world

B. Let's not change OUR METHODS for the world

C. Let's not change OUR MESSAGE for the world

This old 66-caliber, AV 1611 King James Bible is still pure, preserved, precious, proven, plain, pointed and powerful! 

D. Let's not change OUR MUSIC for the world

Thank God for the old psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs!

E. Let's not change OUR MORALS for the world

America may have changed its mind about liquor, abortion, gambling, and sodomy, but that doesn't mean that they are not still wicked sins!

III. LET'S NOT BE COVERING SIN (Only "Positive" Preaching); LET'S REVEAL, REBUKE, AND REPENT OF IT

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

A. Let's have COURAGEOUS PREACHING---Preachers need to get back to blasting and exposing sin and false doctrine!

B. Let's have CONTRITE PEOPLE---Baptists don't repent about their sin these days; they just change churches!

C. Let's have a CONFESSING PLACE

IV. LET'S NOT BE CONTEMPORARY (In Step and In Touch With The Times); LET'S BE RELIABLE

1 Cor. 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

People Should Be Able To Count On:

A. Our MESSAGE---There is no telling what I am going to say on any given Sunday, but the message will come from THIS BOOK!

B. Our MUSIC--People shouldn't wonder if our music came from TBN, or any of the charismatic crowd.

C. Our MANNER--I think it's an abomination to God for people to shout and clap during a song and sit as quiet as a church mouse while the living word of the living God is being preached!

V. LET'S NOT BE CASUAL (Relaxed, shabby, worldly); LET'S BE READY AND REVERANT

1 Corinthians 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

A. We should be ALERT

B. We should be ADORING

VI. LET'S NOT BE COMPROMISING(Leaving Old-time Convictions); LET'S BE RIGID

2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

A.STAY with SCRIPTURES--No matter what everyone else does!

B. STAY with the STANDARDS--A church ought to always have spiritual babies in its midst, but they should not be in positions of leadership! If a person isn't winning souls, he isn't following Jesus. He has no business being a pastor, deacon, Sunday School teacher, music director, pianist, or choir member.

VII. LET'S NOT BE CHARMING (Drawing the World to Church); LET'S REACH OUT WITH THE GOSPEL WHERE THEY ARE

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

A. They Don’t Need to Be Charmed in Here….They Need To Be Confronted Out There! Let's go where they are!

B. They Don't Need To Be Comforted; They Need To Be Convicted! Then they need to see the answer God has provided to give them HIS hope -- the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)