Sermon by Missionary Samaroo Sookraj
SUB: A Thriving and Healthy Church April 21, 2002 p.m.
TEXT: Acts 9:31
Intro: 1) Many churches through the centuries have looked to the New Testament church in the Acts as a model of what Christ's church should be like.
2) In Acts 9 we see an example of a healthy and thriving church.
3) The purpose is to see whether we are like this.
1. 5 Evidences of a Healthy Church
A. Peace. Phil 4:7
i) There is a peace that God has created for His people.
ii) It is beyond human comprehension .
iii) It is a heavenly resource.
a. God's peace will surpass our own natural reasoning, our own experience, our own logic
b. God's peace will cause you to stay the course no matter what
c. Ps 29:11 This peace is not produced by accomplishment, it comes from relationship, It is a gift, a benefit. .
d. Ps 85:8The Lord is speaking peace to His church (imparting)
e. Rom 8:6 You can tell if a congregation is flowing in the spirit or in the flesh by the peace in that house
f. Isa 26:3 We should experience peace in every facet of our lives
B. Edification. Edification means to promote growth within someone by teaching, encouragement and deeds
i) Produced by love for the brother or sister. 1 John 4:7,8.
ii) It is the mark of an unselfish church.
a. Romans 14:19 This should be our pursuit in regards to how we treat our brothers and sisters in the church
b. Ephesians 4:29 Our words and actions should impart grace (God's love) to others
c. 1 Timothy 1:4 Edification is not manipulative or self-serving
C. Walking In Fear of The Lord. Proverbs 1:7 It is reverence, a state of awe, an understanding, a respect for our God and His commandments
i) This is where revelation begins
ii) Out of a reverential fear of our God spiritual growth begins Psalms 111:10
a. The Fear of the Lord causes us to do His commandments
b. It is a "good understanding", a higher revelation
c. The fear of the Lord brings a purity to the church Psalms 19:9 Proverbs 14:27
d. You will see life in a church that has the Fear of the Lord
e. If you do not possess the fear of the Lord, you are an easy target for the devil
f. The fear of the Lord should be taught from the elders by exemplary lifestyles. Psalms 34:11
g. It will cause the church to want to avoid even the appearances of evil ? Job 28:28
h. The fear of the Lord strengthens & protects the church Proverbs 14:26
i. It brings blessing, prosperity and increase Proverbs 22:4
D. The Comfort of The Holy Spirit
i) God has made the down-payment of our inheritance, He is the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:14)
ii) The Holy Spirit is a tremendous resource that much of the church ignores John 14:15-18
a. We are not left as orphans, We have the spirit of truth, the comforter, the counselor, bringing revelation from the throne of God
b. The Holy Spirit literally saturate us with God's grace Romans 5:5 Romans 15:13
A healthy church will abide, will flow, will listen, will yield to the Holy Spirit
5. Multiplication
i) God is a god of increase Acts 6:7
a. This is not just about numbers of people, but every area of our lives our understanding, our faith, our witness, our finances, our children, our marriages Genesis 47:27 Exodus 1:7 Exodus 1:12 .
ii) It is God's joy to increase His people Isaiah 9:3
CONCLUSION: 1) It is good to be in a healthy, thriving church
2) We have a responsibility to one another and to Him to keep this church healthy
