Following Jesus 174

Following Jesus: The Progress of the Pilgrim.

What are the characteristics of a church which does not necessarily indicate whether it is biblically healthy? To begin with, money. Additionally, size, or the lack thereof, does not necessarily mean a church is biblically healthy or unhealthy. Finally, popularity. Then what are the indicators a church is biblically healthy? What then are the characteristics which make for a biblical atmosphere within the church for encouragement and blessing, which could be likened to Delectable (delicious, appetizing, delightful and appealing) Mountains? Let us examine Romans 1:1-15.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. (Romans 1:1-15 ESV).

Romans 1:1-15 show there are three basic characteristics which make a local church function in the way God intends. To begin with, in order for a harmony filled and healthy church environment there must be…

 Godly Leader(s). Vs. 1. “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.” Within this opening verse we see that godly leaders are to be servants, called to a particular office or position and set-apart to fulfill a particular responsibility. The qualifications and responsibilities of elders and deacons are found in I Timothy, Titus 1:5-9, I Peter 5:1-5, Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17, Acts 6:1-6. I Timothy 3:8-13.

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