What makes a great church ?

Acts 4:31-37

If someone were to ask what makes a great church, I am sure that we would get a variety of answers.  Some would say that popularity makes a great church. Other people might say a church that has vast property and assets is a great church.  Still others might say a well-liked pastor makes a great church. 

I believe the secret can be found in our scripture.  The church at Jerusalem is a very good example, so let’s look at this church and see if we can learn why it was such a great church:

1.  They had a great purpose.  What was it?

      A. To share the gospel with a lost and dieing world.

            - The main purpose of any church should be to point people to
               the One who can give them eternal life.

 B.  In Acts 1:8, they were told to be witnesses.

       - The sermon that Peter preached on the day of Pentecost was a
     very simple message; he just told the people what Jesus could
     do in their lives.

        -   We are to tell others about Jesus. 

2.  They had great preaching (Acts 4:31).

      A.  All preaching should do three things.       

              1.  Exalt Jesus Christ. 

         I am afraid that all too often programs, promotions, and other
    things become more important than exalting our Lord and
    Savior.        

              2.  Expose sin. 

                   Now, in our so-called “modern” society, hardly anyone wants
                   to hear anything about SIN, and many churches never speak
                   on the subject.  

               3.  Edify the Saints (Eph. 4:10-13).   

                    So many Christians seem to be discouraged.  There is no
        greater source of encouragement than to hear a message
        from God’s word.  

3.  They had great power (Acts 4:33).  

     A. There is no greater power than that which comes from God.  This is the same power that spoke the world into existence; that kept Daniel safe in the den of lions; that protected the three Hebrew children; and turned water into wine.  What a powerful God we serve!    

B. Our power with God depends on our walk with the Lord.  Many people today don't want this kind of power because it will mean a change in their lives.  

4.  They had great people (Acts 4:32).  

     A.  They were willing to forsake all for the Lord.  Peter, James, and John left their fishing business.  Matthew gave up a very great position to follow Christ.      

B.  Thank God for the people in our churches that are willing to do whatever they can to advance the cause of Christ.  

5.  They had great praise (Acts 2:46-47).  

     A.  If there is a missing ingredient in most churches today, I think that it might be praise.  Today most seem to think that they don't have anything for which to praise the Lord.  Remember, you should always praise the Lord for your daily blessings and salvation.  

          The story is told about a lady that didn’t have much worldly goods.  Her health was often bad and she seemed to always have troubles. One day she told her pastor, "I only have two teeth in my mouth, one on the top and one on the bottom.  The pastor said, "Well praise the Lord that they meet." 

I hope that this message has been an encouragement to you.  If you are a child of God, let's get busy and try to make our church a great church, not so that someone can brag on it but so that someone would brag on the founder of the church, our Lord.   

To be a part of a great church you must first know the Lord.  If you have never accepted Jesus, please click on How to Be Saved.  

May God bless you is our prayer.