We are glad you came today to worship the Lord!

1. We are glad you came today to worship the Lord!

2. “Is that a good church?”

3. “Is that a good church?” What makes up a good church in peoples' eyes?

4. “Is that a good church?” • What makes up a good church in peoples' eyes? • Availability? • Is it open, close, parking, transportation, right service times, etc.

5. “Is that a good church?” • What makes up a good church in peoples' eyes? • Availability? • Doctrine? • Denomination, preaching, teachings, practices, Biblical views, etc.

6. “Is that a good church?” • What makes up a good church in peoples' eyes? • Availability? • Doctrine? • Fit? • Worship style, social make-up, nice people, size, singing, etc.

7. “Is that a good church?” • What makes up a good church in peoples' eyes? • Availability? • Doctrine? • Fit? • What do they offer? • Youth, children’s church, young married groups, small groups, etc.

8. “Is that a good church?” • What makes up a good church in peoples' eyes? • Availability? • Doctrine? • Fit? • What do they offer? • So all of these and more, are used by people to determine if we have a "good Church."

9. “Is that a good church?” What makes a good church in God's eyes?

10. “Is that a good church?” • What makes a good church in God's eyes? • Do any of the above things matter to God?

11. “Is that a good church?” • What makes a good church in God's eyes? • Do any of the above things matter to God? • Yes, doctrine does matter and our love matters

12. “Is that a good church?” • What makes a good church in God's eyes? • Do any of the above things matter to God? • Yes, doctrine does matter and our love matters • I also believe that He cares about anything we do that reaches the lost

13. “Is that a good church?” • What makes a good church in God's eyes? • Do any of the above things matter to God? • Yes, doctrine does matter and our love matters • I also believe that He cares about anything we do that reaches the lost • We see several things that God draws to our attention… Works; Doctrine; Location; Financial problems; Love; Repentance; Opportunity; Faithfulness; Hearts’ Condition

14. “Is that a good church?” Revelation 3:7-22 ( NKJV ) 7“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David,He who opens and no one shuts, andshuts and no one opens”:  8“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.  9Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.  10Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.  11Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 

15. “Is that a good church?” 12He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 13“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’ 14“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:  15“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  16So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.  17Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—

16. “Is that a good church?” 18I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.  20Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  21To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”

17. “Is that a good church?” Just what matters to God?

18. “Is that a good church?” • Just what matters to God? • Earnest in practice of the Great Commission - His last directions • Matthew 28:18-20 ( NKJV ) 18And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

19. “Is that a good church?” • Just what matters to God? • Earnest in practice of the Great Commission - His last directions • Enlisted in His service as redeemed believers - His primary reason for coming

20. “Is that a good church?” • Just what matters to God? • Earnest in practice of the Great Commission - His last directions • Enlisted in His service as redeemed believers - His primary reason for coming • Excited about His return and coming kingdom - Enough to tell people about Jesus

21. “Is that a good church?” • Just what matters to God? • Earnest in practice of the Great Commission - His last directions • Enlisted in His service as redeemed believers - His primary reason for coming • Excited about His return and coming kingdom - Enough to tell people about Jesus • Esteems the Lord above all things – to the point they are obedient listeners

22. “Is that a good church?” • Just what matters to God? • Earnest in practice of the Great Commission - His last directions • Enlisted in His service as redeemed believers - His primary reason for coming • Excited about His return and coming kingdom - Enough to tell people about Jesus • Esteems the Lord above all things – to the point they are obedient listeners • Extensive in their praying - One of God's touchy spot when it comes to churches

23. “Is that a good church?” Just what matters to God? Prayer: Matt. 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. Matt 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. The idea here is enduring in prayer, steadfastly in prayer, constant in prayer, devoted in prayer, persistent in prayer.

24. “Is that a good church?” Just what matters to God? Prayer: The idea here is enduring in prayer, steadfastly in prayer, constant in prayer, devoted in prayer, persistent in prayer.

25. “Is that a good church?” Romans 12:1-21 ( NKJV ) 1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.  4For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,  5so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.  6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let usprophesy in proportion to our faith; 

26. “Is that a good church?” 7or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;  8he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.  10Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;  11not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;  12rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;  13distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 

27. “Is that a good church?” 16Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  18If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  19Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.  20Therefore    “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;    If he is thirsty, give him a drink;For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

28. “Is that a good church?” How do we make up a good church? 

29. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service

30. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service • Don’t be like the world

31. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service • Don’t be like the world • Be changed by Him

32. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service • Don’t be like the world • Be changed by Him • Use our God-given gifts (for Him)

33. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service • Don’t be like the world • Be changed by Him • Use our God-given gifts (for Him) • Be sincere in our love

34. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service • Don’t be like the world • Be changed by Him • Use our God-given gifts (for Him) • Be sincere in our love • Be disgusted with evil

35. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service • Don’t be like the world • Be changed by Him • Use our God-given gifts (for Him) • Be sincere in our love • Be disgusted with evil • Grab a hold of good and don’t let go

36. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service • Don’t be like the world • Be changed by Him • Use our God-given gifts (for Him) • Be sincere in our love • Be disgusted with evil • Grab a hold of good and don’t let go • Really care about each other

37. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service • Don’t be like the world • Be changed by Him • Use our God-given gifts (for Him) • Be sincere in our love • Be disgusted with evil • Grab a hold of good and don’t let go • Really care about each other • Serve the Lord with great diligence

38. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service • Don’t be like the world • Be changed by Him • Use our God-given gifts (for Him) • Be sincere in our love • Be disgusted with evil • Grab a hold of good and don’t let go • Really care about each other • Serve the Lord with great diligence • Be hot for the Lord (fervent in spirit)

39. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service • Don’t be like the world • Be changed by Him • Use our God-given gifts (for Him) • Be sincere in our love • Be disgusted with evil • Grab a hold of good and don’t let go • Really care about each other • Serve the Lord with great diligence • Be hot for the Lord (fervent in spirit) • Serve Him

40. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Present ourselves to God for service • Don’t be like the world • Be changed by Him • Use our God-given gifts (for Him) • Be sincere in our love • Be disgusted with evil • Grab a hold of good and don’t let go • Really care about each other • Serve the Lord with great diligence • Be hot for the Lord (fervent in spirit) • Serve Him • Rejoice in His hope

41. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Don’t be like the world • Be changed by Him • Use our God-given gifts (for Him) • Be sincere in our love • Be disgusted with evil • Grab a hold of good and don’t let go • Really care about each other • Serve the Lord with great diligence • Be hot for the Lord (fervent in spirit) • Serve Him • Rejoice in His hope • Continue in prayer – do you have enough time for prayer?

42. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Use our God-given gifts (for Him) • Be sincere in our love • Be disgusted with evil • Grab a hold of good and don’t let go • Really care about each other • Serve the Lord with great diligence • Be hot for the Lord (fervent in spirit) • Serve Him • Rejoice in His hope • Continue in prayer – do you have enough time for prayer? • Let hospitality be your nature

43. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Be sincere in our love • Be disgusted with evil • Grab a hold of good and don’t let go • Really care about each other • Serve the Lord with great diligence • Be hot for the Lord (fervent in spirit) • Serve Him • Rejoice in His hope • Continue in prayer – do you have enough time for prayer? • Let hospitality be your nature • Treat even those who persecute you well

44. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Be disgusted with evil • Grab a hold of good and don’t let go • Really care about each other • Serve the Lord with great diligence • Be hot for the Lord (fervent in spirit) • Serve Him • Rejoice in His hope • Continue in prayer – do you have enough time for prayer? • Let hospitality be your nature • Treat even those who persecute you well • Be a friend with those around you – rejoice, weep, etc.

45. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Grab a hold of good and don’t let go • Really care about each other • Serve the Lord with great diligence • Be hot for the Lord (fervent in spirit) • Serve Him • Rejoice in His hope • Continue in prayer – do you have enough time for prayer? • Let hospitality be your nature • Treat even those who persecute you well • Be a friend with those around you – rejoice, weep, etc. • Don’t be an elitist, but humble instead

46. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Really care about each other • Serve the Lord with great diligence • Be hot for the Lord (fervent in spirit) • Serve Him • Rejoice in His hope • Continue in prayer – do you have enough time for prayer? • Let hospitality be your nature • Treat even those who persecute you well • Be a friend with those around you – rejoice, weep, etc. • Don’t be an elitist, but humble instead • Quit getting even (repaying evil for evil)

47. “Is that a good church?” • How do we make up a good church?  • Serve the Lord with great diligence • Be hot for the Lord (fervent in spirit) • Serve Him • Rejoice in His hope • Continue in prayer – do you have enough time for prayer? • Let hospitality be your nature • Treat even those who persecute you well • Be a friend with those around you – rejoice, weep, etc. • Don’t be an elitist, but humble instead • Quit getting even • Overcome evil with good

48. “Is that a good church?” So, how can each one of us help make our church a good church?

49. “Is that a good church?” • So, how can each one of us help make our church a good church? • Remember… it starts with you! You need to be doing these things that helps our church be a good church

50. “Is that a good church?” • So, how can each one of us help make our church a good church? • Remember… it starts with you! You need to be doing these things that helps our church be a good church • Know the Lord, serve the Lord, Love the Lord, Love His people, Live Godly