What Does a True Church Look Like?

We are in the midst of revival services at Oakland this week. I have determined in my own mind not to call it "Revival" as is the tradition in our church and many others, as a series of meetings and true biblical revival are two separate things. We have been praying for that spark of true revival to be lit at Oakland, but that decision to pursue God's way is on us, so that He may send it. But I do find these meetings useful, as a different voice can echo things that have been taught, and sometimes the impact can be felt more through another than through the pastor.

Last night Rev. Chuck McKnight delivered a Spirit led message on what a true church looks like, and I thought I'd share his outline with you. The text is First Thessalonians 1:1-10:

The Appearance of a True Church

1) A true church is ENLIGHTENED: v. 4 speaks of a church grounded in the things of God. They have the knowledge of the truth and their sure election. They have a faith grounded in the word of God, and confidence in the promises of God.

2) A true church is EMPOWERED: v. 5 speaks of how a true church impacts the world, not through methods, or music or man-centered things, but rather through the power of God and the Holy Spirit. We are incapable of accomplishing anything for God apart from Christ(John 15).

3) A true church is ENERGETIC: v. 3 speaks of the church at Thessalonica's works of faith and labor of love. If a church is truly living for God it will not be lazy, but rather, excited and eager to do the work of God. They will look to serve, not be served.

4) A true church is EVOLVING: v. 9 tells us of repentance. Their is no way we can claim to be children of God indwelt and filled by the Holy Spirit and their not be radical change in our lives. The true church will continually turn from the things of the flesh and the world and become more Christlike.

5) A true church is an EXAMPLE: v. 7 says this clearly. When we leave the 4 walls of our church building we will live like a Christian, not like the world. Hypocrisy is one of the biggest sins in the church, as we often do not practice what we preach and claim to believe.

6) A true church is EVANGELISTIC: v. 8 praises this church for sounding the gospel not only locally but to "every place." A true church will have a deep burden to see others come to the same saving faith that they have. They will be actively engaging the world planting the seeds of faith. A true church does not reside comfortably within itself, it goes and makes "disciples." A church that does not do this is merely a gathering place for like minded people.

7) A true church is ENDURING: v. 10 says they wait and look expectantly to the coming of Jesus Christ. But in the meantime they faithfully do the work of the Lord. Their is no quit, just determined grit.

Does your church meet these expectations? I must admit as Oakland heard these words last night we do not. If a church does not mirror these qualities a change of heart is definitely needed. For you see, these things, are totally dependent upon us. Are we willing to live, worship and witness as Christ has commanded. Will we show true biblical love for God and others? If we do, revival can come. If we are not, well.......we can continue to have meetings every Sunday and Wednesday, but in God's eyes, we are not a true church.