How Would You Measure the Strength of this Church?

_______________________________ D A V I D      S A I N

The strength of the church should not be determined by the size of the membership. Being large or small in number does not automatically insure spiritual strength.

Neither should the strength of the church be measured by the reputation of the church in the community. The church might enjoy the favor of some people because the church tolerates wickedness or false doctrine. Conversely, the church might be very unpopular with religious neighbors because of a faithful, uncompromising stand for correct doctrine. Therefore, the "image" of the church is not, within itself, a safe measurement of the strength of the church.

Four Ways to Measure The Strength of The Church

The church should be measured by the people's attitude toward Jesus. He is "Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). Does the church obey him as the Lord? Is he praised as the Savior? Is he honored as the living, reigning King?

The church should be measured by the people's attitude toward sin. Christians are to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them" (Ephesians 5:11). The church should be measured this way. Does the church "talk" righteousness but "walk" in unrighteousness? Does the church take a firm stand against the wickedness of the world? Is sinful living ignored and tolerated within the church?

The church should be measured by the people's attitude toward sinners. Jesus commanded, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . . " (Matthew 28:19). The church is to teach the gospel to all men. So, measure the church by our efforts to fulfill this God-given responsibility. Are we really concerned about people who are not saved?

The church should be measured by the people's attitude toward the Bible. Paul declared the scriptures are "profitable for doctrine, for reproof for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So, the strength of the church is to be determined by asking. "Is the Bible taken as the final authority in all spiritual matters? Is it taught faithfully in every class and sermon? Does the church 'contend earnestly for the faith' (Jude 3)?"

Bible Bowl 1999

Our "congratulations" to the young people who participated in yesterday's Bible Bowl that was hosted here at Orange Street. Both the "junior" and "senior" teams won first place in their respective divisions. The kids were prepared, confident and great!!
Congregations from Jackson Ave. in Bartow, Inverness, Sixth St. in Lakeland, Lars St. in Plant City, Sebring, and Venice were present with 120 participants and a total of 175. Runners-up were Venice (junior team) and Sixth Street (senior team).
We also want to thank all of the adults who helped in the various aspects of the day. We have truly set a standard for the congregations that will host the event in the future. Venice will host Bible Bowl 2000. Great job everybody.

Ladies Work Group

The Ladies Work Group is planning meet for their monthly luncheon tomorrow morning (Monday) at 11:45AM, at the Downtowner Restaurant in beautiful downtown Auburndale. All of the ladies of the congregation are invited. Please sign-up (so we'll know how many are coming) on the sheet in the foyer.

Pre-Teens

The pre-teens of our number are asked to meet at 5:45PM (15 minutes before the regular evening worship) here at the front of the auditorium. Brother Gaylon West conducts a short class and devotional for our youngsters each Sunday evening. The cooperation of the parents is greatly appreciated.

In Sympathy

We offer our prayers for and extend our deepest sympathies to sister Josephine Foster in the death of her son, Calvin Foster, this past week. It is our prayer that God will provide his peace and comfort in this time of deepest loss and sorrow.

Men's Leadership Class

Bill Norton will be conducting a class for the men of the congregation starting this coming Wednesday evening (Sept. 15). The title of the class is "Vision in Church Leadership" and is scheduled to run for about 6 weeks. All of our men are encouraged to attend and participate in the class.