Jesus is Building a Five Star Church Text: Matthew 16:13-20 Thesis: The Church that Jesus is building is bigger and better than any human institution being built on the earth today or ever before. I. The service in Jesus’ church is of superior quality. A. Jesus is the perfect model of a servant. “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the as that of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:4-5 1. You must become a SERVANT before you can serve. The Vocabulary of Servant. a. “How can I help you?” b. “What are your needs?” c. “I am so glad you are here!” d. “May I show you the way?” e. “May I carry your bags?” f. “May I provide you food and drink?” II. The Spirit in Jesus’ Church is encouraging, uplifting and non-critical. A. The Church should be joyful and not critical. 1. The pastor is to preach the truth and not play the spiritual cop. 2. The parishioner is to model the Christ like life and not play the religious snob. B. The Church should be joyful and not full of gloom and doom. 1. Even when teaching “End Time” prophecy our main message should focus on the excitement of Jesus returning. “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28 C. The Church should be more encouraging than the world. 1. Jesus controls the Church and Satan controls the world. III. Jesus is the Head of the Church and Jesus loves His Church. “…just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…”Ephesians 5:22-32 A. Jesus loves you and has you present and future needs in mind. B. Jesus will return for his church. | 