Descriptions of a Healthy Church
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
“go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Acts 2:38-41 (NIV)
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
Descriptions of a healthy church
1. Devotion to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God.
Acts 2:14 (ESV)
“Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them”
Acts 2:42 (ESV)
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching”
2. Devotion to one another.
Romans 12:10 (ESV)
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
"serve one another humbly in love.”
James 4:11 (NIV)
“do not slander one another.”
1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)
“clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
3. Devotion to God’s flow of leadership.
1 Peter 5:2-4 (NIV)
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
