𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘?

WHAT DOES YOUR CHURCH LOOK LIKE?
Club House or Prayer House?

Key Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

In our day, many churches look alive but are spiritually shallow. Buildings resemble clubs more than places of prayer. Scripture warns us that form without truth leads to deception (2 Timothy 3:5).

Right division reveals that the Church, the Body of Christ, is not built on entertainment, emotions, or earthly promises—but on Paul’s Gospel of Grace (Ephesians 3:1–9).

Today we will examine NINE CLEAR DISTINCTIONS between a CLUB-STYLE CHURCH and a BIBLICAL PRAYER HOUSE, rightly divided.

PURPOSE — ENTERTAINMENT vs. EDIFICATION
1 Corinthians 14:26

A. Club Focus – Entertain the crowd
B. Church Focus – Edify the saints
C. Clear Aim – Build believers, not hype emotions
Dispensational Insight:
The Body of Christ gathers for edification, not attraction (Ephesians 4:12).

PROCLAMATION — FEEL-GOOD vs. FAITHFUL
2 Timothy 4:2–3

A. Popular Messages – Tickling ears
B. Pauline Mandate – Preach the Word
C. Proper Tone – Doctrine before emotion
Right Division:
Truth may offend, but grace transforms (Romans 1:16).

PRIORITY — MUSIC vs. MESSAGE
Colossians 1:28

A. Club Priority – Lights, sounds, performance
B. Church Priority – Christ proclaimed
C. Correct Order – Message over mood
Pauline Emphasis:
We preach Christ, not concerts.

PRACTICE — MOTIVATION vs. MEDITATION
1 Timothy 4:13

A. Club Practice – Motivational speeches
B. Church Practice – Scripture reading & teaching
C. Consistent Pattern – Study, not slogans
Dispensation of Grace:
Spiritual growth comes by doctrine, not inspiration.

POWER — SIGNS vs. SCRIPTURE
2 Corinthians 5:7

A. Club Desire – Signs and wonders
B. Church Walk – Faith, not sight
C. Current Program – Revelation completed
Truth:
Sign gifts belonged to Israel—not the Church Age.

POSITION — MAN-CENTERED vs. CHRIST-CENTERED
Colossians 3:1–3

A. Club Position – Elevates personalities
B. Church Position – Exalts Christ
C. Correct Focus – Our life is hidden in Him
Pauline Doctrine:
No man glory—Christ alone (1 Corinthians 1:31).

PROMISE — EARTHLY vs. ETERNAL
Ephesians 1:3

A. Club Promise – Earthly blessings
B. Church Promise – Heavenly blessings
C. Clear Distinction – Israel vs. Body of Christ
Rightly Divided:
Our hope is above, not below.

PROGRESSION — SOCIAL vs. SPIRITUAL
Ephesians 4:14–15

A. Club Growth – Attendance & activities
B. Church Growth – Maturity in doctrine
C. God’s Goal – Stability in truth
Dispensational Goal:
Grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18).

PILLAR — ENTERTAINMENT vs. PRAYER & WORD
Acts 2:42 (application, not doctrine)

A. Club Pillar – Fun and fellowship only
B. Church Pillar – Doctrine, prayer, teaching
C. Proper Balance – Word-centered assembly
Pauline Application:
Prayer flows from doctrine—not replaces it.

CONCLUSION

A church may be full, loud, and popular—yet empty of truth.
Right division exposes the difference between a crowd-pleasing club and a Christ-honoring church.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:11

CALL TO ACTION

Rightly divide the Word
Choose doctrine over drama
Stand with Paul’s Gospel
Walk in grace, not hype
Be the Church—not a club

FINAL THOUGHTS

A true church is not defined by lights, crowds, or emotions—
but by sound doctrine, right division, and Christ alone.

What does your church look like?
Club House… or Prayer House?