Church Reformation: Making the Church Godly.
We can quickly tell when the church is not functioning well. However, most people don’t know what the ideal church should be like or what to do when the church is not functioning well.
Aim: How to make the church godly as part of our Jubilee celebrations.
Text Matthew 16:13-20; Acts 2:41-47
The first reading tells us that Christ will build His church, which means he has something in mind.
The second reading tells us the marks of a godly church (Acts 2: 41--47)
WHY MAKE THE CHURCH GODLY?
When Jesus said, I will build my church in Matt 16:18; he had something we should follow in mind.
We will all benefit if the church is perfect.
A church that is not good according to God will be no more
Marks of a healthy church: Gleaning insights from Acts 2:41-47
A praying church
Meeting together regularly
A teaching church
A Holy Spirit-Filled church (Acts 1:8)
A missionary Church- taking the gospel to other places
A welfare church (where the members’’ needs are catered for)
A Giving Church (members give offerings, tithes, and donations to the church)
The headship of Christ (Matthew 16:18; Eph. 1:22): Christ decides what to be done
Membership: Entry into the church:
Confession of Christ as Lord and Saviour- repentance, baptism, discipleship (Acts 2:38-41)
Conclusion: When the church focuses on Christ, the church becomes godly (2 Cor 4:5)!