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A “Sound” Church
A “Sound” Church
A transformation begins. The assignment is, “Read Acts and make a list of the marks of a sound church.” Busily, the group starts answering this one, detailed, question.
When class resumes, the teacher asks for their answers. The majority within the church have been “raised in the pew” and expectedly give answers such as,
• Preaching and teaching true doctrine.
• Contributions used only for needy saints.
• Praying as a church.
• Singing as a church.
• Observing The Lord’s supper on the first day of the week as a church.
Basically, “the 5 acts of worship”.
One man sits silent. He is a new convert from the world and had not been “raised in the pew”. The teacher then asks him what answers he found. Sheepishly, and much to the surprise of the congregation, his answers are nothing like what had already been given.
He lists:
• Working together harmoniously.
• Sacrificing financially for one another.
• Evangelizing the lost.
• Suffering for Jesus.
• Emphasizing the resurrection.
• Rejoicing when mistreated.
• Disicipled spiritually.
• Fearing the Lord.
• Filled with the Holy Spirit.
The list continues.
The ones “raised in the pew” sat silent.
Both lists are important. The marks of a sound church are deeper than what happens in between four walls. “Raised in the pews” brings mimicking forms. Raised in Christ brings transformation.
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