In today's diverse religious Doctrines and Divisions, it's essential to understand what constitutes the true, biblical Church of God. This sermon explores the Bible's teachings on the characteristics, purpose, and unity of the Church, helping us discern the authentic body of Christ.
Biblical Foundations:
1. Jesus Christ: The Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20)
The Church is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is the cornerstone that holds the building together.
2. The Apostles' Doctrine (Acts 2:42)
The early Church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, setting a precedent for our beliefs and practices.
3. Unity in Diversity (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
The Church is comprised of diverse members, united in Christ, with each playing a vital role in the body.
4. Love and Forgiveness (John 13:34-35, Ephesians 4:32)
Jesus commanded us to love one another and forgive each other, reflecting His love and grace.
5. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
The Church is called to make disciples, baptize, and teach the nations, spreading the gospel and God's kingdom.
Characteristics of the True Church:
1. Christ-centered (Colossians 1:18)
2. Bible-based (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
3. United in love (John 17:21)
4. Empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)
5. Committed to disciple-making (Matthew 28:18-20)
6. Submits to Christ's headship (Ephesians 1:22-23)
7. Experiences fellowship and communion (Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 10:16)
8. Practices forgiveness and reconciliation (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 18:15-17)
9. Demonstrates love for one another (John 13:34-35)
10. Serves and ministers to others (Matthew 20:26-28, Galatians 5:13)
11. Seeks unity and oneness (Ephesians 4:3-6, John 17:21)
12. Honors God's commands and teachings (1 John 2:3-6, 2 John 1:6)
13. Welcomes and includes all believers (Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:11-22)
14. Practices baptism and communion (Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
15. Supports and cares for one another (Acts 4:32-37, 1 Corinthians 12:25)
16. Seeks spiritual growth and maturity (Ephesians 4:11-16, Hebrews 6:1-3)
17. Trusts in God's sovereignty and provision (Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:19)
18. Shares the gospel and makes disciples (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8)
19. Experiences God's presence and power (Acts 2:1-4, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5)
20. Longs for Christ's return and glory (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 22:20)
The true, biblical Church of God is a community of believers united in Christ, built on the foundation of Jesus, the apostles' doctrine, and the Holy Spirit's power. We are called to love, forgive, and make disciples, reflecting God's love and grace to the world.
Key Scripture: "Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).
Some traits of a dead church/ lukewarm church based on biblical teachings:
1. Lack of spiritual vitality (Revelation 3:1)
2. Neglect of God's Word (Matthew 4:4)
3. Absence of prayer and communion with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
4. Focus on external appearance rather than inner spiritual life (Matthew 23:27-28)
5. Ineffective witness and lack of evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20)
6. Division, strife, and lack of unity (1 Corinthians 3:3-4)
7. Love for the world and compromise with sin (1 John 2:15-17)
8. Neglect of discipleship and spiritual growth (Matthew 28:18-20)
9. Lack of love and compassion for one another (John 13:34-35)
10. More concerned with traditions and rituals than a living relationship with God (Matthew 15:8-9)
11. No evidence of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
12. No desire for spiritual growth or revival (Psalm 85:6)
13. Content with mediocrity and complacency (Revelation 3:15-17)
14. Failure to discipline and correct sin (Matthew 18:15-17)
15. Led by unbelievers or unspiritual leaders (Jude 1:4)
16. Unwilling to take a stand for truth and righteousness (Ezekiel 3:17-21)
17. More focused on temporal things than on eternal things (Matthew 6:19-21)
18. Content with mediocrity and a lack of excellence in worship and service (Colossians 3:23-24)
13. Lack of accountability and discipline within the church (Matthew 18:15-17)
14. More focused on pleasing men than pleasing God (Galatians 1:10)
15. Unwilling to take risks and step out in faith (Matthew 14:22-33)
The Remedy for Revival:
1. Return to God's Word and obey it (2 Timothy 2:15)
2. Revive personal and corporate prayer (Acts 2:42)
3. Focus on inner spiritual life and holiness (Matthew 5:6)
4. Unite in love and humility (Ephesians 4:3-6)
5. Share the gospel and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20)
6. Seek spiritual growth and maturity (Hebrews 6:1-3)
7. Separate from the world and sin (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Let us heed Jesus' warning and examine our hearts and our church. Are we spiritually alive or dead? Do we need revival? Let us return to God, renew our commitment to His Word, and seek His presence and power in our lives and in our church.
Scripture to Meditate: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 3:6).
