What Makes a Sound Church?
Introduction:
Gossip is a huge problem in conservative
churches of Christ & it will keep many out of heaven. A divisive spirit is
alive & well inside the church. Tragic. Brethren need to be careful how
they reference other brethren and congregations they do not know personally
about. Often attach sound/unsound label w/o knowing all the facts. What are the
characteristics of a “sound” church? Just because a congregation identifies
itself as a noninstitutional church, does not automatically make it “sound.”
I.
Usage of “sound” to describe something in religion is biblical.
A.
1 Timothy 1:10 –
sound teaching
B.
1 Timothy 4:6 –
sound doctrine
C.
1 Timothy 6:3 –
sound words
1.
Thayer: the word is
used metaphorically as speaking of a person whose Christian opinions are free
from error.
2.
Teaching, doctrine,
words which are incorrupt.
D.
Titus 1:13 –
Christians are expected to be sound in the faith.
E.
So obviously, from
these passages,
1.
We can be either sound
or unsound.
2.
We can come to knowledge
of the truth and make some judgments as to how people apply doctrine &
execute their religious practices.
II.
A Sound Church is Not:
A.
Necessarily one with a
sound name.
1.
Revelation 3:1 –
Sardis had a name they were alive.
B.
Revelation 3:16
– Laodicea – lukewarm – sound – but sound asleep.
C.
Soundness is something
that is not always determined by men.
III.
A Sound Church is:
A.
One that adheres to
the gospel.
1.
1 Timothy 4:2 – preach the word…
2.
1 Timothy 4:3-4
– some will not endure this.
3.
Acts 20:28 – we
must declare the whole counsel of God.
4.
Eph. 4:15 –
speak the truth in love
5.
1 John 4:1 – test
doctrines….
B.
One that is not
content.
1.
Philippi serves as a
great example -1:3-5; 4:10-18
2.
Colossae – 1:3-6;
8-10
3.
Thessalonica –
1:2-4; 6-8
C.
One that seeks to be
scripturally organized.
1.
Philippians 1:1
2.
Where all know their
areas of responsibility in the congregation.
3.
Elders/deacons/members
all worship together – preserving the unity of the Spirit.
Conclusion:
A.
Are you part of the
Lord’s Church?
B.
I N V I T A T I O N