Foundations of a (Biblically) Healthy, Well-Balanced Church

1. Matthew 25:34-40 Ministries Foundations of a (Biblically) Healthy, Well-Balanced Church A course of MATTHEW 25:34-40 Ministries 1060 Alexandria Drive, San Diego CA 92107 http://www.mt25v34-org mt25v34@gmail.com Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

2. Some Background to This Course • The Church is people • All people, including Saints, have a sin nature and, therefore, are prone to error and ‘bad’ (worldly) behavior • This applies to congregational leaders as well • Local cultural influences and practices reflecting the traditions of men often distract people from following Biblical principles • Therefore, there are no perfect congregations • Individual congregations have a calling from God • Individual congregations reflect Christ to the extent of their spiritual maturity, especially the leaders (which extends beyond those that govern) • Biblical principles are needed to govern congregational activities at every level • Congregations that fully follow Biblical principles and reflect Christ in their activities are healthy spiritually • Not all spiritually healthy congregations are also Biblically well-balanced (i.e., able to minister fully to all people from multiple cultures) • The Bible provides principles for monitoring and correcting congregational behavior, not merely individual behavior • Congregations must be true to their calling and Biblically healthy Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

3. Components of Biblical Health • Focus on Christ • True Worship • Congregational Prayer • The Word (Bible teaching & preaching) • Communion • Fellowship & In-reach • Local Outreach • Global Outreach • Opportunities to use God-given gifts & talents in Services of love 2 4 3 1 7 5 6 9 8 Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

4. Focus on Christ • True worship • Prayer continuously • Seeking the Mind of Christ in all decisions • Seeking the Heart of Christ in all service • Teaching the whole counsel of God, especially with regard to the Gospel of Christ, the grace found in Christ, the commandments and teachings of Christ, and the true nature of Christ • Abiding in Christ: “I am the true vine; if a man abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) • Living to glorify Christ in all things and to build His kingdom. • Developing disciples of Christ (especially leaders) Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

5. True Worship • All true Praise of God starts with Thanksgiving. • All worship leads to obedience to the will of God. • The connection from thanksgiving to obedience is joyful celebration. • Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) • Worship is not merely singing songs out of a hymnal or praise book. • The purpose of worship services is to bring the congregation’s hearts into a willingness to obey God’s Word, His expressed will. Every component of a worship service needs to contribute toward this goal. Does your congregation celebrate true worship? Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

6. Worship & Worship Services • In Spirit & In Truth (John 4:24) • Humbly • Reverently • Joyfully • Thankfully • Generously, giving glory & praise to God • Sacrificially • Prayerfully • Seeking fellowship with our Lord • Obediently • Willingly • Repentantly / with honest confession • Seeking to encourage & to edify others About Matthew 25:34-40 Ministries

7. Worship in Application & Action The ideal goal for each one of us is toinfuse worship throughout every partof our lives. If we are living joyfully, gratefully, &full of hope in Christ in all parts of ourlives, we will have an excellent witness& opportunities to share our faith withothers. Healthy congregations help their membersfulfill this goal. • In congregation • In solitude • At home • At work • At recreation • In service to the Lord • Serving the needs of people within and outside the church • The healthy church prepares each of its members to worship in all of these ways About Matthew 25:34-40 Ministries

8. Personal Worship • A Christ-centered focus brings about continuous joyful, prayerful, and thankful living day-by-day and independent of circumstances. • Most people need help to worship • Help to overcome false concepts of worship (focused on form rather than substance) • Hope fixed in eternity • Hope is a key component of faith (Romans 5 & Hebrews 11:1) and faith comes by hearing the Word of/about Christ (Romans 10:17) • Affirmation of the Love of God in Christ Jesus for the believer • Hope fixed in Christ in the midst of troubles (James 1:2-4) • Victory of sin and worldly thinking • Especially for chronic psychological and emotional conditions • For liberation from addictions • Help in fighting daily spiritual warfare • Help in obeying the will of God: constant reminders of His commandments presented with Grace and application of the Gospel • Encouragement to believe God and the Bible as the authoritative source of truth. • Reminders that God is our Creator who loves us Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

9. Pray!Prayer is communication with God through Christ Jesus.Prayer is the life-giving sap from the vine to the branches — most of prayer is listening rather than talking. (Refer to John 14:13-14; John 15:7; John 15:16.)Everything Jesus did was initiated in prayer. How much more so should we cover everything we do in PRAYER? Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

10. Prayer • All things must begin, consist, and end in prayer (focus on our need for Christ as in John 15:5) • Personal prayer should be continuous and habitual among the saints and obviously practiced among their families (1 Thess 5:17) • Congregational prayer should be offered frequently throughout the week. • Regular prayer services are more important than regular Bible studies (which are essential) • Congregational prayer should be purposeful • Prayer should be focused specifically • It is often useful to have a listener to hear what God is saying • Prayer should offer all participants equal opportunities • The congregation should offer special times of prayer for special purposes (e.g. commissioning missionaries, ordaining leaders, governmental elections, crises within the congregation, etc.) • Prayer is essential for fighting the spiritual warfare in which we are all engaged. Congregational prayer is massing firepower against the enemy. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

11. Prayer • Offering praise and thanksgiving • Communication with our Beloved Lord Jesus • For Church leadership—boldness, wisdom, health, & righteousness + specific needs • For the needs of Church members (even self) • For the Church as a Body—unity & boldness • For the nation & governmental leaders—Godly wisdom, fairness, & righteousness • For Israel & the peace of Jerusalem • For the community • For those to whom we are ministering, especially for the salvation of the unsaved • For unsaved friends & family • For each service of worship About Matthew 25:34-40 Ministries

12. Prayer Practice Principles • Prayer is communication with God (this is especially well communicated in John 14 & 15) • Communications are 2-way • Communications should be in proportion to the information we hold (God is omniscient, implying we should be mostly listening) • Models and attitudes are provided by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount and His prayer of John 17 • The attitude of prayer is more important than the substance • (Since we often do not know how we should pray) • In humility • Willing to obey God • With quietness of heart • With readiness to hear what God has to say (direct/command) • Believing that He hears us (and cares for us) • There are many different practices that are acceptable • Knowledge of God’s Word, especially His character, His promises, & His desires for us help us focus prayer more precisely. Does your congregation have healthy group prayer? Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

13. Prayer Discipleship • Most people learn to pray by watching others • They learn form rather than substance • They practice religiously rather than communicating with Christ • They do not know Biblical prayer principles • Teach prayer, especially to youth and in confirmation classes • The principles from the various prayer models in the Bible • How to tie Scripture to Prayer • Conforming our prayers to Scriptural principle • How to “be still” and listen to the Spirit • Ensure that everybody gets opportunities to develop their prayer life • It is essential to provide feedback about answered prayers • It is also important to teach about how to maintain faith in prayer even when the results are unreported, delayed, or perceived to be adverse • (a person was sick, the congregation prayed for their healing and they died: for a Christian, death is the ultimate healing.) • It is important to always maintain ties to the Biblical principles Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

14. Bible Teaching • Founded in preparation of prayer • During study in preparation • Prior to teaching, during teaching, after teaching • Exposition of the Bible based on Biblical principles of interpretation • Proclaiming the Gospel and the application of God’s grace • Exhortation to discipleship, to moral excellence, and to personal study • Relevant to the needs of those to whom we minister • Promoting the joy of Bible study About Matthew 25:34-40 Ministries

15. Biblical Teaching & Preaching • All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Meditate on the Bible day and night – you will be successful (Joshua 1:8) • “Go into all the world making disciples of all nations…teaching them all I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19) • “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How shall they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them!... (Romans 10:13-15) • The Bible emphasizes how greatly important it is to teach God’s Word. The preparation for teaching and preaching is even more in prayer than in Bible study (although the Bible study is essential). Are general members of the congregation able to share their faith and Biblicalprinciples with others? Are the congregational leaders able Bible teachers? Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

16. Suggested Prayer Points for Teaching • Pray – that you can glorify the Lord in your service. • Pray – for the people you are ministering to. • Pray – that you may be used by God to be a blessing to the people you are called to minister to. • Pray to know the needs of the people in detail. • Pray for God’s wisdom as you outline your service and select Scriptures to address the needs. • Meditate on God’s Word as you pray for the people – especially to see how the Gospel is to be revealed in the application of Grace to life circumstances.(Every work of service should declare the Gospel of Christ and demonstrate the application of His grace – in word and/or in work.) • Pray for the Lord to show you the application of the Scripture to the people’s situations – consider how the love and grace that is in Christ Jesus is depicted in the selected texts. • Pray that you may be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. • Pray that the Lord take all control. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

17. Some Essential Attitudes for Bible Study and Teaching • The Bible is inspired by God, inerrant in the original languages and authoritative for all activities of men, especially in the Church. (Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.) • God, knowing the hearts of all who will be present, knows the needs for the teaching to be presented. • The people need to be enabled by both teaching & example to enjoy studying the Bible for themselves (it is impossible to cover every personal need in congregational teaching; their personal study is needed). • The ultimate Teacher is the Spirit, but the human instrument needs to be enthusiastic in their preparation and presentation. • You must believe & practice what you preach/teach. Is your congregation enthusiastic & self-motivated in Bible study? Do they know the Bible? Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

18. Communion • For I received from the Lord that which I delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is My body which is broken for you, do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way, the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant n My blood, do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread or drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Cor 11:23-27). • 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 (& the Gospel citations) should be taught periodically to provide context for the celebration. • Are these familiar words to everybody in the congregation? Do they understand the sacrament they celebrate? Do they have the right attitude toward the Lord’s Supper? Is the sacrament too familiar (celebrated ritualistically instead of reverentially)? • Are new converts instructed in what the sacrament means? • Some congregations celebrate the sacrament weekly, some monthly, some have a special service weekly & a monthly or quarterly celebration for all members. There are many different methods for serving the sacrament. The underlying issue is this: do all members of the congregation know the meaning & significance of the sacrament & do they carry the correct attitude throughout the period between celebrations in congregation? Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

19. “In Remembrance of Me” • The sacrament of Communion provides a tangible remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ in our behalf. • Remembering is not just recalling the fact; it is affirming the relationship we have with Christ because of His sacrifice & resulting in our desire to obey Him (an act of worship). • A Communion service that is too religiously mechanical does not instill a proper memory of Christ’s sacrifice. • Many people do not participate in Communion in a way that they live with daily reminders of Christ’s love demonstrated on the Cross and His victory in His resurrection. Yes, He died for us, but He lives (“…until He comes”). He reigns with all power and authority and is coming again in judgment. • Communion should inspire grateful obedience to His will. Is the congregational celebration of Communion accomplishing the Biblical goal? Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

20. Personal Communion • Do members of the congregation celebrate Personal Communion (i.e., do they intentionally celebrate their personal relationship with Christ) continuously? • God’s design for marriage is a type for His intention for us to live in relationship with Him. How strong are marriages in the congregation? • As in a marriage, the relationship must mature through intentional development of intimacy. God is perfect in His relationship toward us. Is the congregation developing their relationship with Him? • Are issues that hinder relationship growth being addressed through Biblical instruction? • Healthy congregations coordinate the Biblical teaching with general counseling needs and “in-reach” to promote personal communion growth. Do the members each have a vibrant & growing personal relationship with Christ? Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

21. Stages of Relationship with the Lord • Sheep (He is the Good Shepard) • Slaves/Servants (Doulos) (He is the Master) • Subjects (He is the King) • Soldiers (He is the General) • Branches (He is the Vine; The Father is the Vinedresser) • Friends (He laid down His life for us) • Bride (He is the Bridegroom) • Sons/Heirs (Co-heirs with Christ) (He is the Father) Each stage brings a new level of trust, commitment, and intimacy. Where is the average member of your congregation? Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

22. Christian Fellowship • Let us consider how to stimulate each other to love and good deeds and encourage each other in the LORD. (from Hebrews 10:24-25) • Christian fellowship is not a bunch of people from the same congregation enjoying each other’s company at a party or in a sport. It is the purposeful attainment of the goal above: mutual edification. • Christian fellowship is the thoughtful response of our love for each other. • Caring for each other • Concern for each others needs • Desire for the spiritual growth and maturing of each other • Desiring for the development of the gifts and talents given by God • Desiring to give and receive help in walking in righteousness • Helping each other to grow in our calling in Christ • Responding to the needs of the congregation • Helping to grow the congregation materially, spiritually, and in ability Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

23. In-Reach • Every healthy congregation has effective “in-reach” enabled by both excellent Christian fellowship and counseling resources. • In-reach is meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all of the congregational members. • Excellent Christian fellowship provides the foundation through Biblical sympathy and encouragement • Excellent proclamation of the Word provides sound counsel • Congregational leaders should be excellent examples for others and able to counsel from the Bible. Is the congregational in-reach effective? Does it require leadership oversight? Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

24. Growth in Christ • Effective in-reach requires excellence in counsel: • Prayerfully (the Spirit knows what is needed to move people out of where they are “stuck”; we tend to make false assumptions) • By “coming alongside” the counselee • Wholly Christ-centered, focused on the grace of Christ • Using Biblical techniques (not those taught by the world) • Speaking the truth in love with gentleness & respect • Usually, multiple elders should be involved, not just one (multitude of counsel as all are in prayer) • Do not despise doctors, medications, or professional counselors – but trust in Christ, taking care not to trust in men. All healing is only from God, but sometimes through people. • Growth is a process, not something achieved in an instant. • Effective counsel requires an investment in personal relationship between counselors & counselee • This is especially true of marriage counseling Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

25. Local Outreach • Healthy, well-balance congregations are Church planting organizations always seeking to build Christ’s Kingdom. • Local outreach is an expression of our love for our neighbors – concern for everybody’s salvation and spiritual growth • Local outreach requires every member of the congregation to be confident in sharing their faith with people that they become acquainted with. • Local outreach demonstrates Christ’s love and care for the local community – it is not merely knocking on doors or proclaiming the Gospel to everybody within earshot. • By its nature, outreach means meeting people where they are at, both physically and spiritually, and presenting the Gospel in a way that speaks to them in their own cultural terms (not as a religious foreign language). • It means the ability to answer the heart questions of others. • Often, the opportunity is created by acts of service. • Sometimes the opportunity can be the simple act of caring, “How may I pray for you?” • Without local outreach, the congregation becomes a closed club and eventually dies as members die or move away. Healthy congregations have individuals constantly witnessing to others as well asopportunities for outreach as a group. Group outreach provides training for individuals. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

26. Some Outreach Ministries • Rescue Missions & homeless ministries • Youth outreaches (sports, academic mentoring, movies, etc.) • Christian School Clubs & after-school clubs • Neighborhood outreaches (such as picnics, car washes, etc.) • Convalescent care facilities (visitations & worship services) • Jail & prison ministries (including Angel Tree) • Support to the poor (home repair, clothing, etc.) • Feeding the hungry/food drives • Elderly visitations and support • Workplace ministries • Dramas, plays, musical programs (especially for holidays) • Support to families, financial training, child care, etc. • Counter-addiction ministries Personal involvementin such outreaches helpsdevelop spiritual gifts& promote spiritual growth There are a multitude of possible needs to be met and ways of reaching friends,neighbors, and co-workers. Works of service meeting needs are effective, butthe opportunity for witness/sharing the Gospel must be provided and planned. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

27. Discipleship Opportunities • Local outreaches are important to discovering the gifts, talents, & passions of members • Gifts need to be stirred up & developed in a Biblical manner • Leadership attributes need to be developed in all members (but to the extent they are able) • Voluntary sacrifice is critically important • Generosity with time & resources is necessary: teach on the Biblical principles of giving of self (as Christ gave of Himself) • Encouragement is essential (do not to discourage anyone nor anything that is potentially good) • Remember Hebrews 10:24-25 Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

28. Global Outreach (Missions) • Global outreach connects the local congregation to the rest of the world-wide Body of Christ • Needed for a healthy view of local culture • Aids in overcoming self-centeredness • Helps to realize how blessed we are • Fulfilling the Great Commission (everybody’s work) • Serving as Senders; participating with Goers • Encouragement during preparation & commissioning with prayer • Prayer & communications (email, letters, etc.) & encouragement; keeping the Mission before the congregation on a regular basis • Support financially & logistically (care packages supplying needs) • Welcoming & debriefing upon return • Short-term and long-term missions Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

29. Missions (Building the Body of Christ) • Long-term • Bible translation projects • Church-planting in un-reached cultures • Medical missions • Educational missions • Short-term • Church support & evangelism • Bible delivery • Leadership development & pastor conferences • Missionary support • Medical & educational • Outreaches & crusades • Radio, Television, & Internet Ministries • Every mission involves discipleship Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

30. Functional Service • Functional service provides many key elements for the congregation: • Serving the needs of the congregation • Serving the needs of the local community (a form of outreach) • Development of individual gifts and talents • Opportunities to put teaching principles into practical service • Growing Christian fellowship within the congregation • Fulfilling the Biblical mandates for serving the Lord by serving others summarized in MATTHEW 25:34-40 • Opportunities to develop congregational leadership • Helping individuals to discover personal areas of ministry they enjoy • Making the congregation fruitful • Making congregational members fruitful Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

31. MATTHEW 25:34-40 • The mandate: fulfill the need (serving Christ through serving others). • Feed the hungry, • Give drink to the thirsty, • Clothe the naked, • Greet the stranger, • Visit the sick and the imprisoned. • Each of these elements has both physical & spiritual manifestations • Spiritual needs are always met in Christ (through us, His servants) • Physical needs must be met whenever possible, but never neglecting the spiritual needs. (Meeting physical needs present opportunities for witness.) • Never meet a need by being an ‘enabler’ (one who allows the person in need to justify staying in his sin or self-pity) nor by forcing Bible verses upon one who is not open. • Be prepared for long-term commitment to service. • Fulfill real needs, not wants or expressed “needs” (discernment by the Spirit through prayer is needed for this). • Not an option – see James 2. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

32. Bearing Fruit (IAW John 15) • Glorify the Father (vs 8) • Prove to be disciples of Christ (vs 8) • Demonstrate the love of Christ for others (vs 9 & 10) • Be satisfied in your life & enabled to be joyful (vs 11) • Is your congregation bearing fruit? • Are all your members fruitful? • Do they have adequate opportunities? • Are they receiving adequate instruction? • See also Galatians 5, especially the manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

33. Anything we do to serve Christ must be with these attitudes: • To serve the needs of others in love in order to glorify God. • God is glorified when Christ is confessed and acknowledged • Serving another’s needs creates opportunities to witness. • Service without witness does not glorify God. • The actual service is not the fruit; the manifestation of Christ in us (and through us) is the fruit (as in Galatians 5) • To serve our Lord in gratitude for the gifts and talents He has given us. • To stir up our gifts • To develop confidence in sharing our faith • As an opportunity to train up others in service Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

34. Biblical Elements of Health Summary • Focus on Christ • True Worship • Congregational Prayer • The Word (Bible teaching & preaching) • Communion • Fellowship & In-reach • Local Outreach • Global Outreach • Opportunities to use God-given gifts & talents in Services of love – Functional Service Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

35. Biblical Balance • Able to minister fully to all people from multiple cultures: • Both genders • Of all ages • Single or married (or ‘in a relationship’) • All income levels (destitute through wealthy) • Employed, unemployed, employer, retired, in school • All education levels • All ethnicities (even multiple languages, where needed) • Each of these groups has common and distinct spiritual needs and brings unique gifts, talents, and resources • Every culture has some received form of Biblical truth and ethic • Every culture distorts truth through human (sinful) traditions and errant philosophies • Every person needs Christ and Biblical truth and wisdom in order to experience God’s purpose in life, satisfaction, fulfillment, peace, etc. (i.e., the presentation & modeling the application of the Gospel in a way that they see it through the eyes of their culture) Biblical health is a prerequisite for Biblical balance. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

36. Why Biblical Balance? (Isn’t Health Good Enough?) • Biblical health promotes the spiritual growth of individuals • Biblical balance promotes the growth of The Church (the Body of Christ) (although not necessarily one congregation) • Biblical health promotes the Church as salt & light in a society (a preservative & preventative to greater corruption) • Biblical balance promotes transformation of the society toward Biblical values • Biblical health brings blessing into The Church • Biblical balance brings blessing to the society; God is glorified even by non-believers. • Biblical health defines wickedness and evil behavior • Biblical balance delivers righteousness across cultures. (Promotes Biblical equality, mutual respect, human rights, civil rights, and deters crime through the Spirit of God rather than the failed efforts of humanism.) None of this can be accomplished separate from the Spirit of Christ! Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

37. The John 17:21-23 Principle (Unity) • Balance is achieved when all segments of a church (& The Church, across congregations) is functioning in unity and cooperation for the greater common good (in accordance with God’s will). • This requires intentional planning through prayer • This requires the Mind of Christ guiding & the Spirit empowering all ministerial leaders • This requires the sharing of resources & opportunities across all ministries, especially in discipleship • …That the world may know the Father sent the Son, and that [the Father loves those of The Church]… Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

38. Balance Also Implies Balance Between: • Speaking the Truth…in love (& with grace) • Learning and doing (James 1:22) • The message of grace & the (practical) application of grace • Suffering & healing • Deliverance, evangelism, discipleship, & fellowship • The old ways (comfortable) & the surprising new (excitement & joyful discovery) • Prayer, preaching, & practice • In-reach, local outreach, & global outreach • Discipline, justice, & mercy Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

39. Diagnosing & Correcting Unhealthy Conditions in the Congregation • Leaders must be intentional and diligent to continually monitor the spiritual health of the congregation • Especially for the propensity to trust self, not Christ • The falling into the traps of the local culture • Listening to the deceitfulness of the world • The adversities of spiritual warfare (and physical consequences) • The health of the Family of God • Health of a congregation is different from that of individual members. But, congregational health is the foundation upon which individuals grow. Weak congregations lead to weak members; very strong congregations promote the spiritual growth of members. • Congregations respond to leadership, prayer, & group discipleship • Individuals respond to teaching, counsel, fellowship, and in-reach • The Bible provides some tools in the letters to the Churches in Revelation 2 & 3 In each case, the ultimate solution is restoring the Focus on Christ in the right way. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

40. Revelations 1-3 Overview • Chapter 1 opens with Christ revealing Himself in a detailed vision (vs 12-20) • Each detail ties to prophesies of Christ in the Old Testament • Verse 20 actually explains the meaning of the vision • Chapters 2 & 3 contain 7 letters to 7 real churches that were under John’s authority while he was in exile on Patmos, having real issues, which have dominated different periods of the Church Age and still affect individual congregations today. • Each letter has the same basic form: • The name of the city in which the church was located (the meaning is tied to the problem or issue in that church as well as to Old Testament prophesy of authority/judgment of God) • A title of Christ which is the solution to the problem, tied to Chapter 1 & OT • A commendation (silent for Sardis and Laodicea) • A criticism (gracefully absent for Smyrna and Philadelphia) • An exhortation • A promise to the Overcomer (interchanged in order with the closure following Pergamum) • A closure: “He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” • The issues may also affect different congregational members (but with different consequences & more subject to counsel & influence of fellowship) Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

41. Ephesus = Maiden of Choice, Darling • Title of Christ: He that holds the 7 stars in His right hand & who walks among the 7 golden lampstands – i.e., the Head of the Church • Commendation: good works, good labor, great patience, good discernment of true representatives of Christ versus liars • Criticism: Left thy first love (i.e., Christ) • Exhortation: Remember Christ and the joy of serving Christ as at the first; continue hating evil heresy • Promise to the Overcomer: eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

42. Practical Ephesus • Generally the 1st stage from losing focus on Christ; the symptoms of goodness are still all in place. The joy of service is waning and routine is starting to reign. Obedience is driven by law rather than thankfulness to Christ. Grace is diminished (in practice). • Sometimes this is brought about by too much local tradition or practices, replacing the heart of worship with routine practice. • Ensure that the Gospel is presented in each teaching or preaching with application of the grace of Christ to practical life situations. • (Can be brought on by self-centered leaders) • Doctrinal emphasis of Ephesians is useful – everything is in relationship with Christ. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

43. Smyrna = Myrrh (Death) • Title of Christ: The First & the Last, who was dead, and has come to life • Commendation: good works, enduring tribulation, blasphemed by false religious leaders • Criticism: N/A • Exhortation: do not fear coming tribulation, be faithful unto death – I will give you the crown of life • Promise to the Overcomer: not hurt by the second death Note: this is the only Church that has been in continuous existence since the 1st century.It is modern day Ishtar, Turkey. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

44. Practical Smyrna • Characterizes a congregation aware of its presence in a hostile culture (especially a hostile religious community). Fear (of lack of acceptance or of adversity) may be present. • Be careful that the fears do not prevent outreach and acts of service to the community. • Be careful that the fears to not create isolation or a fear to associate with non-believers. • Build congregational prayer, especially for the lost and local culture. • Do not be afraid to undertake outreaches merely because funds do not exist or because governmental approval may be needed. Pray. Not only can God provide, but the answered prayer will encourage. • Emphasis on the love of Christ for us as demonstrated in the Cross is helpful. Build strong Communion. • Exhortation to our hope in Christ (in contrast to hope in this world) and our desire to be conformed to His image is needed. • Doctrinal emphasis of Philippians is useful. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

45. Pergamum = Mixed Marriage • Title of Christ: The One who has the sharp, two-edged sword • Commendation: holding fast to Christ even where Satan dwells & in spite of martyrdom • Criticism: allow false teachings & compromise with the world • Exhortation: repent, I am coming quickly to make war (and to judge) the false teachers • Promise to the Overcomer: obtain hidden manna and a white stone with a new name Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

46. Practical Pergamum • Often characterized by a congregation that is successful in engaging local culture and has political influence. The danger is that the political power becomes an end in itself rather than a provision of God. This leads to willingness to compromise (doctrinally) with the local culture in order to maintain influence. • It is important to be salt & light in the local culture and to be engaged with the culture. This means that avoiding the false philosophies of the culture is essential. • Help the congregants by providing a Biblical perspective on cultural and political issues. Encourage and equip members to vote and share their faith with confidence and grace. • Strong congregational prayer as a foundation to undertaking actions in the culture is essential. • Congregational leaders must be actively engaged in fellowship with influential people in the congregation to ensure that the focus is always Christ-ward and Biblical. • Instruction in holiness is useful. • Doctrines in 1 & 2 Corinthians are useful. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

47. Thyatira = Continual Sacrifice • Title of Christ: The Son of God who has eyes like a flame of fire and feet like burnished bronze • Commendation: good deeds, love faith, endurance • Criticism: tolerate arrogant God-opposed leaders & false prophets (who have led people into acts of immorality and idol worship – they will be judged) • Exhortation: hold fast until I come • Promise to the Overcomer: to you who keeps My works to the end, I will give power over the nations; you will rule with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces as I have received authority from My Father, and I will give you the morning star Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

48. Practical Thyatira • This is a difficult condition since it involves the corruption of the congregational leaders by their pride and power. • Often, these congregations are very legalistic (lots of rules and regulations). The practice of grace is lacking. • Usually, two or more congregational leaders (not necessarily those in authority) need to stand on Biblical principle and rebuke the leaders that have gone astray. • Involvement of leadership in pastoral prayer groups is useful (being careful to ensure that the fellowship is dominated by prayer and concern for the health of the Church and does not supplant actual prayer). • The doctrines of Galatians are useful. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

49. Sardis = Remnant • Title of Christ: He that has the 7 Spirits of God • Commendation: N/A • Criticism: you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead • Exhortation: be watchful and strengthen what remains lest it die. Remember how you have received and heard and hold fast. I will come unexpectedly (to judge). • Promise to the Overcomer: you will be clothed in white robes; your name will not be blotted out from the book of life. I will confess your name before the Father and His angels. Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations

50. Practical Sardis • This type of church usually has a high reputation for excellence in preaching and teaching. However, there is no practical service or application of the teaching. There is little to no outreach. • There can be a form academic snobbery and spiritual pride over those “who have not our excellence of teaching” • Congregational prayer that includes a focus on the needs of the local culture and the salvation of unbelievers is needed. • Involvement in workplace ministries is useful. • Involvement of lay leaders in convalescent homes and jail/prison ministries is useful. • Intentional forms of outreach and services that are practical and humbling (cleaning schools, weeding gardens, removing graffiti, feeding homeless on the streets, etc.) are useful. There must be an emphasis on demonstrations of Christ’s love rather than talk. • The doctrines of Romans are useful (but must be taught with an emphasis on correct relationships between us and God, between believers, and with those in the world). Toward Biblically Healthy Congregations