The Strength of the Church I. Introduction. A. Ultimately, the church is strong because of Christ as the head and His blood cleansing the hearts of men. B. We are interested in the local church and her strength. C. The strength should not depend on the preacher nor the women and children--but the spiritual leaders. D. Read I Samuel 10:24-26. 1. Saul had been anointed king. 2. The success of God's kingdom depended upon more than him. 3. These went with Saul: v. 26. II. Body. A. As then, we need men were who are moved to do what is right in God's sight. 1. In the beginning, men were placed in the position of exercising dominion over the earth. a. Some were and are true to the task. b. Others failed: Genesis 6:5. c. God sought to correct in the flood. 2. Jehovah used judges who would serve their generation. 3. Eventually--kings were over his people(text). a. Saul was faithful--men with him were faithful. b. Some(as Saul) betrayed that trust. 4. Men were appointed to be priests and religious leaders. a. To be consecrated to Jehovah. b. Numbers 3:6, 10. c. Even the people: Exodus 19:6. 5. Such men existed as apostles and elders in the early church. 1. Hence: I Timothy 3:2. 2. Titus 1:9. B. As then, we need men who are loyal to the work and task of the Lord's way. 1. One is first loyal to God. a. This is the consideration of a servant. b. Recognizes: I Peter 5:4. 2. He is loyal to himself. a. Concerned for his own soul: Acts 20:28. b. Leads to concern for others. 3. He is loyal to his family. a. Teaches and guides them: I Timothy 3:4. b. Prepares them to be God's people. 4. He is loyal to the church. a. Must be: Acts 20:28. b. Supports her efforts to do what is right! 5. He is loyal to the government. a. The disciple knows: Romans 13:1. b. Recognizes need for submission to the author: God. C. Those men who serve, in any capacity, must be truly consecrated. 1. No mere "attender." 2. Participates and supports greatest work on earth. 3. Prime consideration: pleasing Christ. 4. When you see such men: "There goes a Christian-- no mistake about it!" 5. His life, speech and ATTITUDE shine forth to light the way of truth.(He earns the respect of others by how he conducts himself.) 6. The qualifications for priests eliminated any blemished--spiritually blemished cannot serve presently in God's church. D. In spite of all efforts for good--expect some to oppose. 1. Happened with Saul: I Samuel 10:27. 2. Some cannot accept leadership: but why? III. Conclusion. A. You can be a part of the greatest institution from God: His church. B. To live as a Christian(man or woman) prepares one for eternity. Do you really want to go to Heaven?-jy