How do you identify great? Webster’s Dictionary gives eleven different meanings to the word “great”. While “notably in size” is the first one listed when it comes to churches that is not a good meaning. We all know of large churches that by Bible standards would not be great. Here is the definition for this article, “…superior in character or quality.” The church is great because…
THE CHURCH IS GREAT BECAUSE CHRIST DIED FOR IT. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph. 5:25). Paul reminds the elders of Ephesus, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). The denominational world classifies its churches based on the size but Christ’s church is based on the founder.
THE CHURCH IS GREAT BECAUSE IT PRACTICES NEWTESTAMENTWORSHIP. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). The denominational world classifies its churches as great based on how elaborate the entertainment is for its worship assembly. One tries to outdo the church across the street by having a larger band, more drama and more excitement. Some churches of Christ now are even going to a split services (traditional/contemporary) in order to compete with the denominational world. Oh, they have greater attendance but they are not a great church because they have abandoned what makes them great. To be “superior in character and quality” we must worship according to the dictates of the New Testament rather than the whims of men.
THE CHURCH IS GREAT BECAUSE IT IS DEDICATED TO THEPRINCIPLE OF SERVICE AND SALVATION. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10). The church follows the principle of saving souls. Some large churches now are establishing several congregations in different locations and taking in large amounts of money so their preacher can fly around in a jet, have several cars and homes and live the life of the rich and famous. Paul established congregations in order to save souls and those congregations became autonomous (Acts 13-22; Titus 1:5). Paul encouraged those congregations to give to help the needy saints (2 Cor. 9:1). Note the words of Jesus, “But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:43-45.
What makes a great church? One that is following the pattern of the New Testament.
Larry