I love the church. When I say “church,” I’m referring to all New Testament-believing churches throughout the world.
I’m blessed to be part of two church families: the First Baptist Church of Starkville, where my wife and I sing in the choir in FBC’s 8:30 a.m. service, and Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Northwestern Webster County. I’m the pastor of Mt. Vernon. This May will mark my 30th year as a pastor.
More than 20 years ago, I prepared a message titled “Why I Love the Church” and I haven’t stopped preaching it. The sermon is based on Matthew 16, verses 13-21, a passage which records the greatest teacher with his disciples at Caesarea, Philippi, a venue I’ve visited. I was not only in awe at Caesarea’s rocky mountainous region but also because it was where Christ said, “Upon this rock, I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.”
My message has four main points: I love the church because of its biblical foundation, its beautiful fellowship, its basic function and its bright future.
I encourage you to read Matthew 16:13-21, then take the Vaughan’s Vocabulary quiz.
1. The four main points are
A. in synecdoche style.
B. euphemisms.
C. lyrics from a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers song.
D. alliterations.
E. onomatopoeic.
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2. In verses 18 and 19 I’ve found four symbols. Which one isn’t one of them?
A. crown
B. rock
C. church
D. gates
E. keys
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3. What’s the original word for “church”?
A. latreia
B. eklesia
C. Gospel
D. eschatology
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4. Why does the church meet every Sunday?
A. Most people are off work on that day.
B. Throughout the Bible, it stresses the need to hold church services on Sunday.
C. Disciples Simon Peter, James and John requested that Sunday be the day of worship.
D. Christ resurrected from the dead on Sunday morning.
Let’s see how you did in this week’s Vaughan’s Vocabulary. If you chose D for No. 1, you’re right. I like using alliterations in the main points. Words that begin with consonants make better alliterations.
No. 2 is A.
No. 3 is B. The word “church” came from the Greek word “eklesia” which means general assembly. It goes back to when the children of Israel became God’s people.
No. 4 is D.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Don Rodney Vaughan is the pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church near Eupora and is on the faculty of East Mississippi Community College, Golden Triangle Campus. Contact him at dvaughan@eastms.edu.
