June 1, 2008

What We Believe
About the Church: What is Success?
Steve Lane

A. Introduction

Why a building?
Are we OK? Are we failing? What is success? What are we doing wrong?
Pragmatism: If it works, it must be good. If it doesn't work, it must be bad.

When a ministry draws its principles from business and marketing techniques, something has gone wrong.

1 Timothy 3: 14 - 15
Mega church

2 Timothy 4: 3 - 4
Market-driven ministry appeals to the mood of our age.

Emerging church

Ashamed of the Gospel, by John MacArthur

B. What are Biblical Goals for a Church?

Should numbers be a part of our goals?

2 Timothy 3:16-4:8
Be faithful in preaching and teaching biblical truth; be bold in exposing and refuting error; deal with sin, with opposition, division and worldliness; be an example of godliness to the flock; be diligent and work hard; invest in the lives of others; be willing to suffer hardship and persecution in the service of the Lord.
C. Evaluating the Church

Acts 2: 42
Ephesians 4: 11 - 12 Discipleship
1 Thessalonians 1: 4 - 9

Or, do you divide your life up into slices to give the Lord?
Are we/you leaving a trail of those in whom you have invested your life?

1 Thessalonians 2: 1 - 6
"...delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well."

D. "I will Build my Church"

Matthew 16: 16 - 18
Ephesians 2: 19 - 20 Built on the Apostles' teaching.
Acts 8: 35 Over and over

1 Peter 2: 5
We are to be faithful. He will add to His church.