"Attending Church: Makes a Strong Church"

Attending Church – Makes A Strong Church

Matthew 16:13-20 (NKJV)

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14  So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15  He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16  Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17  Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.  18  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.  19  And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20  Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.

What makes a church strong?

We can’t tell the strength of it by looking at the building or even at the size of the congregation. The only way to make this determination is to find out what Jesus says is essential for His church. After all, He’s the builder. When He asked His disciples who they thought He was, Peter quickly answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” It’s upon this statement of faith that Jesus builds His church. If this truth is removed, the foundation crumbles, and the church becomes simply an institution. Christ is also the One who guards, protects, and grows His church. Because He’s omnipotent, all the forces of evil will never be able to destroy it. Although the church has been persecuted throughout history, the gates of Hades have never overpowered it. Even death cannot stop it because the blood of the martyrs actually strengthens the church. The body of Christ accomplishes its work under the authority of almighty God. He’s the One who guides events and decisions according to His predetermined will in heaven.

Since we are part of the body of Christ, we need to understand the characteristics of a strong church, such as Spirit-filled leadership: When Jesus gave His followers the task of making disciples of all nations, He knew they weren’t equipped for the job. That’s why He told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit to fill and empower them. In the same way, no church staff is adequate for the work God has called them to do unless they, too, are filled with the Holy Spirit. He’s the One who gives them divine guidance, strength, and ability to accomplish His purposes.

Doctrinally sound messages that meet people’s needs: To be doctrinally sound means the church’s beliefs originate from God’s Word, and the teaching is not a matter of opinions, preferences, or feelings but is based upon Scriptural truth. However, this doesn’t mean we have to agree on the interpretation of every passage. No one has absolute clarity on every issue, but there are enough clearly revealed truths upon which we can agree.

Uncompromising convictions: Strong churches are composed of people with steadfast convictions. They are not afraid to stand against public opinion in order to uphold the unwavering truth of God’s Word.

Strong emphasis on faith and prayer: When a church has people who are filled with faith and committed to prayer, the power of the Holy Spirit flows through them and strengthens the church. That’s why we need to cultivate the habit of starting our days with God’s Word and prayer. It’s in those quiet times alone with the Lord that we develop an intimate relationship. As we listen and talk to Him, He gives us understanding of His Word and guidance for the day ahead so we’ll know what to do, where to go, and how to live. We’ll learn to walk by faith, believing what God says in His Word. However, if we neglect our relationship with Him, we’ll drift because our minds and hearts won’t be in step with Him.

Worship services that allow people to experience God’s presence and renew their commitment to obey and serve Him: Sunday mornings are a time to gather with other Christians and focus our attention on the Lord and His Word. In a strong church, the teaching, prayers, and songs exalt and honor God. The worshippers come with a prayerful and teachable attitude, ready to hear what the Lord wants to say. It’s also a time for fellowship. What makes church so special is that we are worshipping God together with other believers. The Lord doesn’t want us to stand alone, but to be interdependent. The words of Hebrews 10:25 urges us not to neglect the assembling of ourselves together.

Faithful and generous giving: A strong church not only worships the Lord with words and songs, but with financial resources. In fact, anyone who’s chosen to obediently follow Christ will be a giver because the indwelling Holy Spirit motivates generosity. When we listen to God’s Word and believe it, we’ll understand that it’s a privilege to contribute to the work of the church. Furthermore, since the Lord blesses, provides, and protects us in so many ways, we’ll want to give the first part of our income to Him—even in the tough times.

Strategically organized to reach their God-given goals: The work of the church does not happen accidentally or in a chaotic environment. It requires planning and order to effectively accomplish God’s will. Even the first church demonstrated organization. Despite the huge addition of 3,000 new members, Acts 2 says that no one was in need.

Acts 2:44-45 (NKJV)

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,  45  and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

Although organization lies beneath the surface, it’s what enables the church to serve and worship the Lord in a manner pleasing to Him.

Filled with people who serve in the strength of their spiritual gifts: God has given believers spiritual gifts with which to serve the body of Christ.

Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;  7  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;  8  if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

When we all operate in the area of our gifting, the church is strengthened because all the needs are met. That’s why we each need to discover our spiritual gifts and begin using them to accomplish what the Lord created us to do.

A vision for a lost world: Jesus Christ gave His church the job of spreading the gospel throughout the world. When a body of believers is committed to this task, the Lord opens doors of opportunity to accomplish His will.

Close

Many years ago, when I was back in seminary school. I read a book where the author (David Wilkerson) prophesied in his book: set your lips to the trumpet, that in America the denominational churches will close up at alarming rates. He wrote this book years ago and today in every denomination church closings are at an unprecedented high mark. But he stated that those churches that operate in the power of God will flourish even in the midst of Spiritual decline in America. I say, let’s be that strong church, let’s take the church outside the walls, let’s take the church into the homes, and let’s take the church to the streets of the city.