Church Soundness in Doctrine and Practice

Is there a sound church in that area? Sound is a Bible word 2 Timothy 1:13; 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1, 8 From hugiaino, to be in health, well in doctrine, uncorrupt, safe, whole - Strong Metaphorically - Sound refers to: Doctrine - 1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1 Words - 1 Timothy 6:3; 2 Timothy 1:13; Titus 2:8 Sound in the faith (the gospel of Christ) - Titus 1:13

Sound may be used in an accommodative sense to refer to local churches However, sound is often misused May become a one-issue word, resulting in grievous omissions. Cf. Matthew 23:23 Soundness is not determined by what I, or any man, thinks. Man s ideas are not the standard - Acts 5:29 For me a church must be Bible-based, doctrinally sound, have programs for the young people or have people my age.

It is Not Determined by a Churchs Reputation Reputation vs. True Obedience Revelation 3:1, 17 It is not Determined Exclusively by the Doctrine it teaches! Ephesus had every reason to be sound in doctrine Acts 20:20; 26-31; 1 Timothy 1:3-4 But look at Ephesus years later - Revelation 2:1-7 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love - vs. 4

Mission of Titus To set in order - Titus 1:5 Divine Qualifications of Elders & Deacons Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28-32; Heb. 13:7,17 Regarding Organization A local church may be: Scripturally Unorganized - Acts 14:23 No qualified men to appoint Scripturally Organized - Philippians 1:1 Qualified men appointed Unscripturally Organized - 3 John 9-10 One man show and not qualified Unscripturally Unorganized - Titus 1:5 Qualified men who were not appointed

Judges 7:16-21; cf. Romans 15:4 every man in his place vs. 21 Note the Places: Evangelist - 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Elders - Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17 Deacons - Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:13 Saints - Philippians 1:1 Hebrews 10:25 1 Corinthians 15:58 All Brethren - 1 Peter 5:5-6; Ephesians 4:11-16

2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 4:1, 2 Sound Doctrine Produces Sound Churches Demanding Sound Doctrine, Edward Bragwell I am tired of going to gospel meetings and hearing fluff Some do not preach error per se but stop short of proclaiming the whole counsel of God. Motivational hype, and emotional manipulation Demands sound preaching on all subjects, even controversial subjects 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us - 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 Note also 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 In many places this is the forgotten command. Discipline is a work of the church! Must edify members in God s word! Must correct members who disobey God s word!

Matthew 5:8 Romans 12:1, 2 2 Corinthians 7:1 Titus 2:11, 12 1 Corinthians 6:9,10 Corinth had a member practicing incest and they were puffed up, having done nothing about the situation! 1 Corinthians 5:1, 2, 5, 11, 13

Love for God - Matthew 22:37 Love for one s Neighbor - Matthew 22:39-40 Love for Brethren - John 13:34-35; 1 Peter 2:17 Love for the Truth - 2 Thessalonians 2:10 3 John 1:4 2 John 1:1 3 John 1:1, 3 Psalm 119:97

Soundness (or spiritual health), as it relates to local churches, is not determined by its size any more than size determines a person s physical health. Every member of this local church should want this congregation to be sound in all the ways cited. But it starts with one becoming a Christian? Are you a Christian??

Alien Sinners Must Hear the gospel Romans 10:17 Believe the gospel Romans 10:10 Repent of their sins Acts 17:30 Confess Christ before men Matthew 10:32 Be baptized in water for the remission of sins Acts 2:38 An Erring Child of God Must Repent and pray Acts 8:22 Children of God Must Live faithful unto death - Revelation 2:10 12