We recently completed a 9 week teaching series covering the topic What is a Healthy Church, using the book Nine Marks of a Healthy Church as an outline.  We decided it would be helpful to make this accessible to all those who did not attend or who are interested in this topic.  We found the process of studying, teaching and interacting on the marks of a Healthy Church to be very enriching.  So begins the first part of a nine part series.

What is a Healthy Church?

Why should we look at the topic, “What is a Healthy Church?”  As we begin our series it seems that this question must be answered.  We are going to spend nine sessions on this topic, so why should we take that kind of time to look at what God has to say about the Church?  Are we trying to get the Church up to speed on what techniques we can use to get more people in the building?  Are we attempting to jump on the latest church growth bandwagon idea?  No!  We are turning to this topic for a number of reasons. 

First, because the church is of great value to Christ.  In Acts 20:25-32, Paul recognized Christ’s tremendous love for the Church.  As he speaks emotional, parting words to the Ephesian Elders he charges them to protect and care for the flock.  Of particular importance in this discussion is the way in which Paul describes this flock in verse 28:

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Notice that the Church, “the flock” is described as that “which he obtained with his own blood.”  Paul wants to leave the Elders with a profound sense of the worth and value of Christ’s body.  God Himself, in flesh, paid a tremendous price for the Church.  Paul expresses Christ’s love for the church to the Ephesians, as well (Eph 5:25-28).  In this case, the charge is to husbands to love their wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (v.25).  Christ’s love and sacrifice for the Church is a model for husbands.  Christ expresses His commitment to the church in Matthew when he tells the disciples you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matt 16:18) and then again just before His ascension when He says, I am with you always, to the end of the age (28:20).  All of this reveals the tremendous value of the Church to Christ.  So, if the Church is of such great value to Christ, it follows that we ought to know more about her and what Christ’s design is for her.

Second, we are studying what a healthy Church is, because the church over the centuries has lost her way.  I say church in the broader term of formal visible institution.  Wrong ideas about the nature of the church have led to historical travesties.  The Roman Catholic idea that the church is defined by the succession of Peter as Bishop, the doctrine of papal infallibility, and other doctrinal errors have led to corruption, evil, and a marred picture of Christ and His Bride.  The more recent heresy that the Church age is over and that the Holy Spirit is not operating in churches today, as promoted by Harold Camping, has misled many.  The idea that Church can be conducted in the home with only one’s family members has deprived many of the needed ministry and giftedness of the body of Christ.  Perhaps most popular of all, the churches that seek to attract people with worldly entertainment, creativity, and pragmatism, have also contributed to a corrupt idea of what the Church of Jesus Christ really is.  Therefore, it is crucial for us to look to the Bible for answers regarding the nature of a biblical church.

Third, we are studying what a healthy Church is, because this has been an historical pursuit since the Reformation.  The leaders of the Church have sought to understand the nature of the Church for centuries. 

The Augsburg Confession of 1530, drafted by Philip Melancthon, Article 7 states: “This church is the congregation of the saints in which the gospel is rightly taught and the sacraments are rightly administered.”   Other leaders such as Thomas Cranmer, John Calvin and other Reformers, sought to rightly define the nature of the church.  The Belgic Confession (1561), Article 29: The Marks of the True Church states:

“The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks: The church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel; it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them; it practices church discipline for correcting faults. In short, it governs itself according to the pure Word of God, rejecting all things contrary to it and holding Jesus Christ as the only Head. By these marks one can be assured of recognizing the true church– and no one ought to be separated from it.”

So, we stand in good company with those in history who have conscientiously sought to rightly understand the biblical nature of the Church.

Finally, we are studying what a healthy church is, because GTCC is a young church that desires to reflect the biblical nature of a true church, that Christ might be glorified, that the members would be edified, and that the community and world around us would see a display of God’s glory through His Church, as a result.

We have used the book, Nine Marks of a Health Church, by Mark Dever, as a guide.  It offers discussion on categories that we believe are vital for us to examine.  The articles will not follow the exact format of the book, as other resources will be drawn from, however the list of topics in the Table of Contents is as good as any we have seen and will serve us well as we study this topic.  We encourage you to order the book and read the sections that are covered in these articles. 

Mark 1: Expositional Preaching 

Our first topic is simply that a healthy church starts with Expositional Preaching.  The reason for this is that the Word of God is the foundation of everything else the church does.  The Sunday Morning message is at the heart of the life of the church.  What is preached from the pulpit Sunday Morning is what the largest gathering of the Church will hear.  And so, it is a kind of fountain head.  This priority is confirmed in a number of ways biblically:

1.  God promises power through the preaching of the Word of God (Isa 55:10-11; Heb 4:12; Jer 23:29; Rom 1:16; 2 Cor 10:4-6).

2.  Preaching the Word of God is the priority of the church (Mark 1:35-39; Acts 6:4; 2 Tim 4:1-2; Matt 4:4; Isa 61:1-3, cf. Lk 4:18-19).

3.  The Head of the Church is Christ, who is the Living Word (Jn 1:1-3,14; Heb 1:1-3).

4.  Preaching the Word of God protects the Church (2 Tim 4:3-4).

5.  The Word of God is worth suffering for (Col 1:24-29; Rev 20:4).

6.  The Word of God is sufficient for living as a follower of Christ (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:3-4).

 “We can create a people around a fully-graded choir program.  We can find people who will get excited about a building project or a denominational identity.  We can creat a people around a series of care groups…We can create a people around a community service project.  We can create a people around social opportunities for young mothers or Caribbean cruises for singles.  We can create a people around men’s groups.  We can even create a people around the personality of a preacher.  And God can surely use all of these things.  But in the final analysis the people of God, the church of God, can only be created around the Word of God.”  Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, 50

 When asked about his accomplishments as a Reformer, Martin Luther said, ‘I simply taught, preached, wrote God’s Word: otherwise I did nothing…The Word did it all.’ Luther’s Works, 51:77.

 What is Expositional Preaching?  If it is so important to the life of the Church, if it contributes so much to a Church being healthy or unhealthy, what exactly is this kind of preaching?  Consider the following definitions:

“A textual sermon takes a verse or short passage as a jumping-off point to a subject that may or may not be the focus of that text.  By contrast, expository preaching focuses predominantly on the text(s) under consideration along with its (their) context(s).” Richard L. Mayhue, Rediscovering Expository Preaching

 “expositional preaching is that preaching which takes for the point of a sermon the point of a particular passage of Scripture.” Nine Marks

 “Expositional preaching is the kind of preaching that, quite simply, exposes God’s Word.  It takes a particular passage of Scripture, explains that passage, and then applies the meaning of the passage to the life of the congregation.” What is a Healthy Church

 “expository preaching is essentially the practice of explaining the meaning of a passage of Scripture.”  Graeme Goldsworthy, Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture, 120

 “Expository preaching is ‘Bible-centered preaching.’  That is, it is handling the text ‘in such a way that its real and essential meaning as it existed in the mind of the particular Biblical writer and as it exists in the light of the over-all context of Scripture is made plain and applied to the present-day needs of the hearers.’” Sidney Greidanus, The Modern Preacher, 11

 Of all these definitions, I favor the one found in the more concise version of the Nine Marks book entitled What is a Healthy Church?  Expositional preaching “takes a particular passage of Scripture, explains that passage, and then applies the meaning of the passage to the life of the congregation.”  Notice that the emphasis is on deriving the point from the passage, not finding a passage to support the point one wants to communicate.  It is not simply a verse by verse running commentary on some passage of Scripture.  It is not just the explanation of the text in its own context.  Sermons need to move from meaning to application in our context.  A Topical Sermon could be expositional, but much of the time in these sermons the preacher knows what he wants to say and then finds the texts that support his thesis.  It is also not about a style of preaching: “it is not so much about how a preacher says what he says, but how a preacher decides what to say.” Nine Marks, 65

 Why is expositional preaching so important?  Why is it so central to a healthy church and a thriving congregation?  First, when preaching from the biblical text systematically, the Holy Spirit determines the topic, rather than the preacher.  That does not mean that it is inappropriate from time to time for the pastor to wisely assess the needs of his congregation and preaching on a particular topic.  But regularly preaching through books of the Bible, expositionally, protects the pastor from ever appearing to be following a hobby horse doctrinally or fingering individuals out in a particular sermon.  This is also the manner in which the revelation was unfolded.  We are far more likely to find the true meaning of the text as it is understood in its proper Genre, in its historical setting and situation, and in the flow and context of the argument.  And conversely, we are far more likely to take a passage out of context when we are looking for numbers of passages throughout the Bible to support our particular point.  We are far more likely to be surprised and overwhelmed by God as the text is unfolded in its context.  Even the preacher isn’t always sure what he is going to find.  This freshness is vital in preaching.  As the Bible is preached expositionally, the congregation will naturally learn good Bible study methods.  The congregation will also learn more about the different Genre in both Testaments.  There will be a sense of continuity and completion.  Expositional preaching also teaches the congregation that God’s truth is not simply an encyclopedia of religious topics, but an historic, progressive revelation.  Expositional preaching equips the hearer by learning large chunks of Scripture, instead of short pithy sayings that could be out of context.  These are some of the reasons why expositional preaching is so vital to the Church.

 The foundation of expositional preaching appears to be a strong commitment to the verbal plenary inspiration of Scripture.  Every word is inspired of every book of the Bible.  Therefore, we want to be careful that our life and ministry are not characterized by a scattered approach to Scripture.  In fact, many of the errors of Cult Leaders stem from a hermeneutic that is not rooted in the systematic study of Scripture as it is revealed in Books of the Bible. 

 With all that having been said, topical preaching can be effective in serving the church.  After all, Jesus taught topically in the Sermon on the Mount.  The letters written to the different churches in the New Testament addresses a variety of topics.  However, today as we study the Scripture we learn much more about the Sermon on the Mount as we understand the context of Jesus preaching it, as it unfolds.  Similarly, we understand the letters of the New Testament more thoroughly as we look at the letter as a whole, understanding the background, flow of argument, and purpose of the letter.  So, the church can and does benefit from periodic topical expositional sermons.  We would simply agree with Nine Marks  that the steady diet of the church should be Expositional Preaching…for the reasons stated earlier.  This allows pastors to have the opportunity to address important issues that they see as vital for the spiritual life of the congregation, while at the same time ensuring that the long-term benefits of consistent expositional preaching are enjoyed.

 So, the first mark of a healthy church is Expositional Preaching.  Consider what your responsibility is as the listener to Expositional Preaching.  A good resource to consider as members of the congregation is the book What is a Healthy Church Member by Thabiti Anyabwile.  In part 2 of this series: What is a Healthy Church, we will look at the second mark of Biblical Theology.

Billy Rosano, one of the elders of the church, has a fantastic blog. It’s called Tracts & Treatises. Check it out and add it to your favorites!

The third chapter in the book A Lifting up for the Downcast, by William Bridge, is entitled: “Saints Should Not Be Discouraged, Whatever Their Condition Be.”  Had I not seen the table of contents, I think I would have been most discouraged by that statement.  In all honesty, discouragement is a reality for many Christians.  That does not mean that is the way it should be, but a book that simply tells me that I should not be discouraged may not be as helpful as one that recognizes that Christians do face discouragement and then begins the difficult work of biblical encouragement.  Thankfully, the whole purpose of the book is to recognize and minister to the downcast saint, understanding that though we have every reason not to be discouraged, we can easily find ourselves discouraged.

In approaching the subject of encouragement there were a number of directions that seemed appropriate.  The Psalms that deal with our emotional struggles are always an appropriate place to find refuge and help.  I especially enjoy the brutal honesty of Psalm 42, Psalm 73, and Psalm 77.  I have also found tremendous help in the powerful passage on comfort in 2 Cor 1:3-7.  But I as I thought about the needs of our local assembly, I decided to look at Hebrews 10:24-25, partly because I we can sink our teeth into it.

The main point we will see in this text is: The priority of disciplined devotion to the body of Christ.  The body of Christ must deliberately determine to minister to one another.  Yes, encouragement can and does happen as we live life together as a body of Christ.  However, we are exhorted to do more than just let life happen.  We are called to be “ministers of reconciliation”.  We are to comfort and encourage one another purposefully.

We should first look at the characteristics of a New Covenant Life.

Our reconciled relationship with God through Christ should compel us to live differently.  We are new creatures and therefore the characteristics of our life, priorities and attitudes will be transformed.  Consider Hebrews 10:19-25.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

There are three characteristics of our new life that are emphasized in this text.  They are the result of our “confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus (19).  First, Our life should be characterized by a nearness to God (22).  We are exhorted to draw near.  The result of our confidence in Christ should be an increasing pursuit of Him.  Christians should be characterized by a hunger to know Christ more and live for Him more.  Second, our life should be characterized by perseverance in the truth (23).  Living by God’s Word and promises unswervingly demonstrates a nearness to him.  This is what a New Covenant life looks like.  In the trials and triumphs of life, Christians will persevere in the truth.  Third, our life should be characterized by a devotion to one another (24-25).  Jesus said it simply in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”   

These three points reveal to us what Christ crucified and raised from the dead should look like in our every day lives!  Our focus for the rest of our time will be on the third point: Our life should be characterized by a devotion to one another.

We must discipline ourselves for devotion to the body of Christ (10:24-25).  Again, this sounds odd.  We are comfortable thinking of discipline in terms of athletics, the discipline of study, the discipline of prayer, and the discipline of verse memorization.  What does it mean to discipline ourselves for devotion?  That appears to be what is answered in these two powerful verses.

We must carefully consider one another (24a).  This means fix our attention on one another or to consider closely.  I use the phrase “discipline ourselves”, because that is usually what is required to think carefully.  There is always room for spontaneity, but just as with most things, what we are disciplined to do: gets done.  This is the dominant verb in this passage.  Everything else supports it.  We need to spend time thinking about our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Our purpose in considering one another is to love and encourage (24b).  Our aim in thinking about others is to deliberately seek to encourage and love them.  As we love and encourage, we discover that this biblical spiritual fruit will reproduce!  Or, as our passage states, we will “stir-up” one another.  The word “stir-up” is often used negatively to mean irritate, or incite violence, or stir-up contention.  We know the kinds of things that irritate us or provoke arguments and disputes.  But, here it is positively used; implying there are things we can do to incite love and good deeds.  What is more apt to stir-up love and good deeds, than love and good deeds themselves?  Here we see the multiplying effect to love.

So, it all starts with considering one another carefully.  This could be as simple as viewing your church directory as a powerful ministry tool.  Billy and I usually pray for a portion of the directory when we meet.  Some have told me that they divide the directory up into seven sections and pray through the directory each week.  Take the directory with you where you go.  Pray for people as you drive to work, as you sit in the doctor’s office.  Consider how you might to them good.  Make a phone call of encouragement.  This is your family!  These are your brothers and sisters.  This is the next generation.  These are needy people!  We are needy people!  Look at who you know.  What needs do they have, you can pray for?  What blessings, you can praise God for?  When was the last time you spoke to them, prayed with them, or shared a meal with them?  How can you be an encouragement to them?  Look at those you do not know.  How can you get to know them?  What needs have you heard about to pray for?  Who is new?  Who are those most in need of encouragement?  This is carefully considering one another.  How can you stir someone up to love and good deeds if you don’t get to know them?

What is the single most important way to love and encourage the body of Christ?  Ministering during the gathered meetings (25): “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

The corporate meetings of the church, especially on the Lord’s Day, are home base for ministry.  Most of the body is present on Sunday mornings.  Biblically, this is a crucial time of ministry for the entire body, not just the pastors and teachers.  This is how we carefully consider one another, love and encourage each other.

Notice the structure: “not neglecting…but encouraging”.  How do we stir one another up? “not neglecting…but encouraging”  We must come prepared to minister and to serve one other.  “not neglecting” has the idea of forsaking, abandoning, or leaving someone in dire straits or helpless.  The same word is used by Jesus on the Cross.  “My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46)  We are God’s primary instruments of love and mercy.  We are born “again” for this.  We have been newly created and molded by God for this ministry.  Every Sunday hurting people come to this place.  Every Sunday helpless, needy people are in our midst.  We should know; we are those people. 

Notice the contrast to neglecting, or forsaking the meeting together.  It is not just attending the meeting that the Word of God calls us to, “but encouraging one another.”  The word here is very fitting: it means to encourage, comfort, console, and exhort.  That is a broad range of meaning.  Aren’t all of these needed in the life of weak, helpless sinners?  We need encouraging, we need comforting, we need consoling, and we need exhorting.  Isn’t it amazing that we the helpless are commissioned to be agents of help?  Only by the grace and strength of  God our help.  Therefore, we come Sunday mornings not primarily as consumers, but as servants.

As New Covenant people, bought by the blood of Christ, we are called to live out the reality of our New Covenant life.  This means deliberately seeking to love and encourage one another.  Our starting point is at the gathered meetings…taking time to minister and get to know each other.  As the body of Christ, we need to discipline ourselves for devotion to one another.