A Successful Church

"Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it...that he might present it to himself a glorious church" - Ephesians 5:25-27

I. A Scriptural Church
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God...for instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16).
Some churches fail because they do not accept the entire Bible as the Word of God, choosing only references compatible with their doctrine. A successful church in the sight of God is a Christ-centered, Bible-teaching, Bible-believing, and Bible-obeying church. It carries the conviction that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God."

II. A Serving Church
"If a brother or sister be...destitute of daily food...ye give them not...what doth it profit?" (James 2:15-16)
Many churches fail because they are self-centered. They do not reach out to assist those in need, but bestow their tithes and offerings upon themselves. God is pleased and brings blessings to churches that show concern for the needy, the suffering, and the hurting.

III. A Singing Church
"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19).
Not all churches are happy churches. A drab, dull, listless, and unfriendly church leaves one with the feeling of dejection and despondency...leaving people with no desire to return. Successful churches are alive with joyful singing, friendliness, and happy anticipation. One leaves with a warm, welcomed feeling; love and joy engender a desire to return.

IV. A Soul-winning Church
"The harvest is truly plenteous, but the labourers are few" (Matthew 9:37).
Many churches lack a burden and zeal for the unsaved. The members of these churches make little or no effort toward evangelism. The Great Commission admonishes Christians to spread the gospel to every person. Successful churches reach out to the lost and see people saved on a regular basis. Those who don't usually are a part of a dead church where there is no new birth.

V. A Spirit-filled Church
"And be not drunk with wine...but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).
Spiritual failure results in church failure. Affluence and social aspirations cause many churches to lose their spiritual fervor. God must have first place in our lives and in our church. A scriptural church - serving, singing, soul-winning, and above all, spirit-filled -- is a successful church.