And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42, 46-47 (NKJV)
In a previous devotional message titled, "The 4 Essentials To Spiritual Growth-Part II" we leaned that one of the essential to Christian Spiritual growth was getting planted in a "Good Church," and to attend Church services regularly.
So for today's devotional, we want to take a look at some things that make up a "Good Church." Before we get into some of those characteristics of a "Good Church," we to make sure of one very important essential. And that is that the Church must be teaching in line with what the Bible clearly teaches.
If any Church teaches something that is not clearly taught in the Bible, then we should look for one that does. This is how false teaching, heresy and cults have been formed, because Church leaders have convinced those in attendance that they have some special divine revelation other than what is clearly in God's Word.
Simply put, God doesn't change, and God's message never changes.
The Bible is God's message to and instruction for his people of all ages. It is never outdated because God never changes and the truths he has revealed to his children in his word never change. Scriptures declaring this principle include the following:
Malachi 3:6 "For I am the LORD, I do not change;"
Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
We want to make sure that any potential church that we may consider has certain beliefs that are plain to see. We can usually find out what each church believes by visiting their web page. I would like to list a few things that should be visible via a website, and that should be found to be true within any potential "Good Church.
1. The Bible is the inerrant and infallible Word of God.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God 2Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)
This simply means that the Bible is true and it does not contain any false teachings, and it is consistent in its doctrine. It is a fundamental belief of every Good Christian Church, that the Bible is God's Word.
2. The Bible is God's outline for guiding us in our walk of faith.
...and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)
Every "Good Church" should base its teachings, practices, and ministry on the Word of God, because it will guide every Christian believer in how they should live their life.
3. God has called every Christian to participate in the Great Commission.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV)
We are all called to share our faith in Jesus Christ, and as such, a "Good Church" will encourage its members to participate in the Great Commission.
4. Jesus Christ is God
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (NKJV)
A "Good Church" believes that the Bible is in fact, the inerrant, infallible Word of God will teach that Jesus Christ is God in human flesh. This is a belief that makes up the cornerstone of Christianity.
In Part II of this message, we will look at a 5-more essentials that would be taught at a "Good Church."
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional about the basics that should be taught at a "Good church?"
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you attending a good church? Does your Pastor encourage that you bring your bible, and then have you open them up and study through the Word together?
APPLICATION: Don't take any mans word when they are teaching about God. Open your Bible and study it to know that what you are being taught is in fact, righteous.
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