Get links to my best stuff in your inbox
 

Spiritual Characteristics Of The Lord's Church

By
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags:

In Revelation 2:1-29 and Revelation 3:1-22, Christ “commends” some congregations and “condemns” others. A consideration of these commendations and condemnations lead us to the conclusion that our Lord desires the following spiritual characteristics of His church:

  • The church is to be obedient to His word (Matthew 7:21; Romans 2:13; James 1:22; 1 John 3:7).
  • The church is to be energetic (Acts 8:4; Acts 20:20; Titus 2:14).
  • The church is to endure against opposition (Matthew 10:22; Revelation 2:10).
  • The church is to be sound in doctrine (1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 1:13; Titus 1:9).
  • The church is to be tireless in their labor for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
  • The church is to be courageous even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10 – NIV).
  • The church is to be loving in disposition (Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 2:17).
  • The church is to exhibit righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17; cf. 2 Corinthians 1:4; Gal. 5:22; Ephesians 5:9 – KJV).
  • The church is to be confident, always trusting in God (1 Timothy 4:10).
  • The church is to serve the needs of others (1 John 3:17-18).
  • The church is to grow spiritually and numerically (2 Peter 3:18; Acts 2:41; Acts 4:4).
  • The church is to be pure and penitent (Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 John 1:9).
  • The church is to refuse to tolerate false teaching (Gal. 1:6-9).
  • The church is to discipline wayward members (1 Corinthians 5:1-13).
  • The church is to be zealous and stable (Titus 2:14; James 1:5-8).
  • The church is to practice self-evaluation (2 Corinthians 13:5).
  • The church is to have Christ as an abiding presence (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).

The Lord expected these spiritual characteristics to exist not only in the 1st Century church, but expects them to exist in the 21st Century church as well.

Related posts: