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[ this is Part 2 of a 2 part article ]

We have just moved through the month of February - a month when people often celebrate “love.”  But it is important to differentiate between what is genuine (and healthy) love and what is not.  The world promotes many ideas of “love” that are not actually healthy for those of us who are susceptible to consume such ideas.

In any individual, relationship, or organization, health is an important element to consider and evaluate.

In 2018, we took a look at what I presented as Essentials for Church Health.  Over the course of several weeks, we viewed what God’s Word says concerning the church and her good health.  If we are to experience healthy church growth as we seek to walk, worship, & witness together in a manner that is friendly, faithful, and focused these things are non-negotiable – they are essential.

Essential #6 – We have a Biblical Understanding of Worship (John 4:23-24; Heb. 12:28-29).

  • Worship is the activity of glorifying God with our thoughts, actions, and voices flowing from a heart filled with adoration for Him and leading to obedience unto
  • The church member’s life should be characterized by worship of God in every area, including “gathered worship” with brothers and sisters in Christ, regularly.

Essential #7 – We have a Biblical Understanding of Discipleship that Leads to Obedience (1 Thess. 2:8).

  • Understanding and walking in the ways of the Lord concerning the ways in which we are to follow Jesus and lead others to follow Jesus is essential to the good health of the church.
  • Disciples of Christ follow in obedience to Christ and make disciples of Christ.

Essential #8 – We have a Biblical Understanding of, and Submission to, Church Discipline.

  • For those who claim Christ as Lord, there is an expectation of transformation.
  • Church discipline (which is both formative & corrective) is an element of discipleship that is an intentional effort to teach and, when necessary, restore to right fellowship one who professes Christ but who is openly (and without repentance) living as though they have not been born-again.

Essential #9 – We have Authentic, Intimate Fellowship.

  • Healthy congregations are in active fellowship, which is authentic & intimate, with the Lord and one another. When God called us into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, He also called us into fellowship with the whole family (the church).

Essential #10 – There Exists Among Us an Overflowing Generosity.

  • Healthy churches recognize they have been greatly blessed, and who, in turn, overflow with generosity!

Essential #11 – We are Totally Surrendered to the LORD and Committed to His Bride: the Church.

  • Healthy congregations are those who are composed of wholly devoted (totally surrendered) followers of Jesus Christ. We recognize our flesh desires to rule, but through the transformative, supernatural power of the Holy Spirit we commit ourselves to the Lord and one another.
  • This realization leads us to give, serve, and sacrifice for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ, the reaching of the lost, the building up of the broken, and (ultimately) the glory of the LORD.

What do you think? 

How are we doing? 

What needs to be adjusted in order for us to grow in our health in King Jesus?

 

Be friendly to those around you (be reminded of what friendship really means).  Be faithful to the LORD and His ways (and faithful to His Bride:  the Church).  Be focused on your mission and the day that will come when this will be no more and we will be like Him!

Pastor loves you, church!