What does a healthy church look like?

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. - Acts 11:19‭-‬30 ESV

Rev. Won Ho

What is a church supposed to be about? We don't have to guess our make something up. The word speaks about this.

The word is being spread through the world. But

Faithful to Evangelise

The scattering of believers was not of their choice. They were pushed out by persecution. They shared their faith with other Jews. But then they ended up in gentile territory. So they shared the good news with them. Cross cultural and out of their comfort zones. How are we at witnessing? Are we sharing Jesus with those around us?

So where are the opportunities to share the faith? Make small talk with those in our circle. Talk about what happens on Sundays. Invite people to church service.

Faithful to Embrace

Barnabas is glad to embrace the gentile believers. He is kind and generous. He was encouraging. He saw the church at Antioch and recognized that it was the grace of God.

How do we handle other's success? Do we see the blessing of God as grace? Are we glad for God's grace? Are we glad when our enemies repent? Or are you glad when others fail?

Faithful to Edify

Barnabas exhorts faithfulness. He not only pushed​ for evangelizing, but also pursuing faithfulness towards God. Barnabas goes off​ to find Saul. Why? To teach and grow the believers, not just win people to Christ. This is the concept of discipleship. Are we hungry for more of God's word and wisdom? We spend a fair amount of time on hobbies, interests, college education, and career progression. How about theology and church history? How are doing in leasing in these areas?

Faithful to Extend generosity

Are we extending a hand to those in need? Do we support the work of missionaries? This is healthy.

A church can do all these things and still fail to grow. Why? Verse 21 says this: "And the hand of the Lord was with them." We are called to be faithful, but God is the one who causes growth.