Through The Sea On Dry Ground
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
10/14/2012 AM
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Text:
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Exodus 14:21,22
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Psalters: |
51, 84, 213, 211 |
Sacrament of Baptism |
- The idea is that the church as a kingdom or fortress with walls and gates.
- The “keys” are the authority and power to determine what shall have a place within the walls of the church.
- This idea pictures the Church as a city with watchmen appointed watchmen are to warn the inhabitants of the enemies without and within.
- In the history of the church there are various forms of church government. Ours is presbyterian.
- Who exercises the keys? Who are the guardians of the Church?
- Centrally and essentially this authority and ability belongs only to Christ (Rev. 1:18; 3:7,8).
- Christ exercises the keys through the instrumentality of the Apostles and the elders (Matt. 18:18; John 20:23; Heb. 13:17).
- Consider the names given to the ruling parties: overseer, elder.
- Consider their instruction to rebuke sinners (I Cor. 5:7; I Thess. 5:14; I Tim. 5:20; Titus 3:10; II Thess. 3:6,14,15).
- Consder the call to submit to them (Heb. 13:17; I Thess. 5:12,13; I Tim. 5:17; Phil. 2:29).
- The keys exercise a spiritual (not a physical) power by pronouncing what the Bible teaches.
- Elders have Christ's promise that He will work through them, when they teach, maintain and enforce the Bible.
- God alone forgives and condemns, but the church has the right to make declaration of who is and is not forgiven.
- There are three purposes for the exercise of the keys of the kingdom of heaven?
- The glory of God.
- The well-being of the church.
- The salvation and spiritual well-being of the believer.
- Conclusion.