The Old Home Church

Brother Jack Sprinkle brought the message.

Ephesians 5: ²⁶ That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷ That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

It’s good to be here for your 52^nd homecoming service.  I’ve watched this church speak out for a standard. You haven’t compromised or backed down from the truth.  When we get out of the Bible we are away from the truth.  When we come to the Word we come to the truth.  You’ve done that.

The old home church speaks of prosperity.  Many associate that with money. That thought process has swept the country.  Spiritual prosperity should be the pursuit.  Don’t get discouraged for standing and continue to stand for what you’ve stood for the past 52 years.  Whatever time you have let, stand where you have stood and do stand.

The old home church speaks for security.  You have preached the gospel.  Those who take it as their rule secure eternity in heaven.  I’ve been in the ministry for 64 years and watched a lot of churches go liberal.  When I pray for you, I can pray for you as a faithful church with a faithful pastor.  Be the faithful.  Don’t take it lightly.  Use it and fight for it.

The old home church speaks for stewardship.  The first thing that comes to mind when stewardship is mentioned is money.  People used to live off the labor of their harvest.  Now most people live off their money.  The principle drive is God and God only, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  You have followed the God of creation and allowed him to direct and use you.  You’re one among few who continue to do this.  You have taught and understood the tithe of your dollar, but you have tithed of your abilities and talents, of yourself.  We don’t own a thing.  There is nothing we possess that is really ours.  One day it will go to someone else.   Stewardship is devotion to God and serving the God who gave you what you have.  We should tithe of our time.  Don’t think that if you come to church one hour on Sunday that you’ve done what you should.  There are 168 hours in a week.  This church stands on a hill beside this country road as a witness to God.  Be a faithful steward to what God has given you.

The old home church speaks for steadfastness.  God is not as interested in your success as he is your faithfulness.  God wants the church to be steadfast.  You can’t preach or teach?  We don’t need for everybody to do that.  There is lots else to do. If you just come to church each service you are fulfilling a role. The story of the men with the talents tells us how God views faithfulness.  One was given 5 talents and earned 5 more.  One was given 2 talents and earned 2 more. Both of these men were commended. Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.  The man given 1 talent didn’t do anything with his.  He was not commended.  Even though his was less, if he had been faithful to it he would have received the same treatment as the other two.  Instead he was cast into outer darkness.  Don’t give up.   Victory is in sight.  It hasn’t been easy.  Satan has tried to stop you but you’ve won the battles through the God of heaven.

This church and others like it are all that are keeping the Anti-Christ away.  It has saved our children and preserved our nation.  Second Chronicles 7:14 says if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  Keep on being the faithful ones.  Our numbers may get fewer but remember there were only 12 disciples.

You still have a place to come and meet with God.  He has a place here.  Should we not glorify him?  You cannot go to heaven following the devil, but you also won’t go to hell following Jesus.  Hold your position.  He that is for you is greater than he that is against you.  Will you hear the voice of the church or will you close her mouth forever?  Are you listening?  It’s up to you individually.  You are responsible for this church.

The church is a teacher telling of the Savior.  It tells how to please God and how to get to heaven.  Jesus died for the church.  He wants us in heaven.  The church is important for its past and will be important for its future.  We should do all we possibly can to support the church of God.