Introduction A healthy church is a praying church—in personal, small group, and corporate settings. House Rules for the Church We need to make prayer a priority (v1a). We need to pray correctly (v1b). Supplication – we ought to approach God with desperation. Prayers – we ought to approach God with adoration. Intercessions – we ought … [Read more...]
Biblical Church Leadership, Hebrews 13:17
Introduction There are many today who want to cast off all forms of leadership and hierarchy in the church. There is some merit to pointing out the priesthood of all believers, but there is also a need to identify spiritual leaders commissioned by God to lead his church. Authority Issues There ought to be spiritual leaders in the local church … [Read more...]
Spiritual Maturity: Growth in Discipleship, 1 Corinthians 3
Introduction Growth and development is required in the workplace and in athletics, but is sadly ignored in many churches. Spiritual Maturity You need to be in step with the spirit of God (Galatians 5:16-17, Jude 10). You need to be nourished by the Word of God (Hebrews 5:12-14). You need to be given toward serving others. You need to … [Read more...]
Church Discipline
Introduction Church discipline is messy, hard to do correctly, and not very politically correct in today's culture. How should we think about church discipline? It is the mark of inclusion in the family of God (Hebrews 12:8) It is an essential component in the maturity of an individual (Hebrews 12:10) Its benefits are only appreciated … [Read more...]
Church Membership
Introduction There are many excuses not to join a local church, and avoiding it will save you some headaches, but it is assumed in scripture that we will be banded together in the all-important task of reaching the lost. Reasons to Join a Local Church Church membership reflects the depth of relationship that ought to exist among … [Read more...]