Strong churches versus weak churches
SCRIPTURE READING MT. 7:24-27 (THIS VERSE TIES IN NICELY WITH MT. 16:18).
1) An important contrast is suggested in Mt. 16:18.
2) This contrast is between what is strong and what is weak; it is between what can fail and what cannot fail.
3) Jesus and His teachings provide a true and solid spiritual foundation; men like Peter cannot and do not.
4) Jesus is a secure rock because He never dies, but all men do die (Heb. 9:27).
5) God’s word will never fade away (1 Pet. 1:23), but the words of works and men can and do fail.
6) This study will consider some things that make some congregations strong and others weak.
7) Weak congregations: “This is impossible for us. We are too small, too weak”
8) Strong congregations, even if they are small in size or funding, do not have a defeatist attitude.
9) Strong congregations have faith (Rev. 3:7-8) and this faith includes conviction.
10) In 2 Cor. 4:13 – “I believed, therefore did I speak.”
11) Acts 17:6 says the early Christians “turned the world upside down.”
12) Strong organizations have people who are zealous and absolutely committed in sharing their beliefs.
13) Paul said (2 Tim. 4:6, NKJV) – his life was being “poured out” in his service to God.
“UNITY” (NOT ACHIEVED BY GAL. 5:15).
“TRUTH.”
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2) They allow us to be “complete” (2 Tim. 3:17).
i) Peter made a similar point in 2 Pet. 1:3.
ii) Peter said God has given us what we need for “life and godliness.”
iii) The “Spirit’s sword” (the Word of God, Eph. 6:17) provides us with a fool-proof standard.
iv) Rom. 1:16; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Cor. 2:2; 1 Cor. 15:1-4.
“LOVE.”
1) 2 Jn. 1-4 – LOVE and TRUTH – READ
2) 3 Jn. 1:1-3 where “love and truth” also appear together – READ
3) True love cannot be separated from truth.
“PRAYER.”
1) In Acts 12 we read about God’s people being persecuted.
2) Acts 12:5 says “fervent” prayer was made for this man who had been taken to jail.
3) Strong churches are fueled by people who are willing to pray, and pray “without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5).
4) When it comes to having a strong church or a weak church, the decision is not up to me.
5) The decision is also not up to God. We decide what kind of congregation we will be.
6) What is our choice?
