The Death of Me

Autopsy of a Deceased Church // BC Warren

November 17, 2024

Pastor Joe Cameneti Sr.

 

I want all who call Believers Church their home to know the vital signs of a healthy Church and Christian

 

Revelation 3:1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wakeup! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. New International Version 

 

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? New International Version  

 

I want all who call Believers Church their home to be able to help fellow Christians that are in a dying Church

 

If Believers Church Keeps Christ and His Principles as Our Cornerstone, We’ll Never have a Headstone  

 

Deceased Churches Refused to Change with Culture, Choosing to Live in the Past  

 

Colossians 2:16 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that realityNew Living Translation  

 

Colossians 2:20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world.So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. New Living Translation  

 

How Old are Some of Our Church Traditions? Is it the way the Early Church did things?

 

Organs were invented in 1400 AD

Hymns were written beginning in 1400 AD

Pews were first used in churches in 1400 AD

Stain Glass became popular in churches 1,000 years after Jesus died.

 

We’re Married to the Message not the Method

 

Deceased Churches Forgot the Great Commission, Losing Their Biblical Purpose  

 

We Exist to See a City Connected with God

 

To Create a Multiplying Movement of Disciples Making Disciples

 

Matthew 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. New Living Translation

 

Matthew 28:20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” New Living Translation 

 

* Disciples love God and worship Him with a passion!

* Disciples love the Bible and search it consistently!

* Disciples love their fellow Christians!

* Disciples love the people of their community!

* Disciples pray for their community!

* Disciples look outside the church to convert and make disciples!

 

Deceased Churches Stopped Praying Together and as Individuals

 

Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. New International Version