What Is Right In The Lord's Church? Acts 4:19 I. Introduction. A. The Lord's church is under constant criticism. B. Too many are negative and look for what is wrong rather than what is right. 1. What will be claimed: Revelation 22:14. 2. The Lord's church is right because the Lord created her. C. It is easy to find problems and difficulties(true in most families)--the church is the family of God. 1. Critics abound: skeptics exist; gripers and complainers want to be heard, etc. 2. Negativism has torn down many congregations and alienated brethren. 3. Some even turn aside: II Peter 2:15. D. The Lord's church still stands in the midst of all problems, difficulties, attacks, etc. E. It is time to find out what is right about the Lord's church: Acts 4:19. II. Body. What is right with the church? A. She is a product of divine wisdom. 1. Christ said upon the truth Peter expressed He would build His church. 2. The God of Heaven designed her. 3. Man could not devise such an institution. 4. Paul said: Ephesians 5:27. 5. Why can men not see this is right? It is from the book. B. An institution of salvation. 1. Cost Christ His blood: Acts 20:28 2. If one is saved, it is because he is part of the body of Christ, the church. 3. There is no other way to heaven. 4. Note: Ephesians 5:23. C. An opportunity for everyone to be saved. 1. The elect of God are those who obey the truth and are added to the church: Acts 2:47. 2. IF one reads and obeys what is in the New Testament, he is member in the blood-bought church of Christ. 3. Note: Galatians 3:28. D. An occasion for anyone who accepts the truth to worship the Lord. 1. Upon the first day of the week and at other times, the saints assembled to praise the Lord and follow his commands. 2. The very nature of the worship makes it possible for all the saved to be involved. 3. Note: Colossians 3:16. E. An institution filled with people who love the Lord and the Lord's disciples. 1. Read I John 3:11. 2. The bond of strength that demonstrates what is right with the Lord's people. 3. Even those who stray are still loved and an object of concern by the Lord's faithful. 4. A fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22. F. Presents the opportunity to associate with the finest people on earth. 1. A place to find peace and contentment. 2. The early disciples knew this and appreciated such. 3. Paul sought the Christians in the communities he visited. 4. Note I John 1:3. G. Where one can remember the Lord's death and what such means to the saints. 1. The early disciples knew the power of the Lord's Supper. 2. Each first day of the week had great meaning to the early saints. 3. Hence, Paul did not want anyone to miss ` participating: Hebrews 10:25. H. A gathering where one can hear words of comfort and strength. 1. Occurred in the early church: Acts 20:7. 2. Such admonitions come from those who love the Lord, love the truth, and love those who are disciples. 3. While there are times for negative admonition, we are to be positive about the Lord and His way. I. Can find self among people who love the Lord and love and care for you! 1. Among the finest people on earth. 2. Fellowship of the saints was treasured by the early church and should be by those of us today: Galatians 2:9. J. Truth is respected and practiced. 1. From the pulpit, in the classes, and in the lives of disciples. 2. Note Colossians 1:5. K. A place of order and strength. 1. When we respect the Lord and His word, we will make sure that we obey his commands and receive his guidance. 2. In all activities, worship, work, etc., the right order is the path for Christians(thus, strength is gained). L. Where Christ is the Head. 1. Christians do not have to follow some human leader. 2. Christians show due respect by following the Lord. III. Conclusion. A. What is right about the church? The only path that one has to Heaven. B. What is right about the church? Christ shed His blood for her.-jy