The Church is in the Business of Making Men Good

In today’s world, the role of the church is crucial in addressing the fundamental issues that society faces. The essence of the message is that the church is not merely a place for religious gatherings but a sanctuary for transformation, healing, and connection. This blog explores the vital aspects of joy, community, and the transformative power of the Gospel within the church.

The Core Problem in America

One of the most striking assertions made is that the greatest problem in America is the church itself. At first glance, this may seem like a negative statement, but it carries a profound truth. The church is the only hope for America and indeed for every nation because it holds the key to addressing the root problem: sin. Political issues, corporate greed, and social injustices stem from a deeper moral failure that only the Gospel can resolve.

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The church’s mission is to cultivate good men and women who can stand against corruption and injustice. Only through the teachings of Jesus Christ can individuals be transformed to embody integrity, righteousness, and justice. The church must reclaim its role as a moral compass in society, guiding individuals to embrace these values.

Understanding Christianity

To grasp the significance of Christianity, it is essential to differentiate what it is and what it isn’t. Christianity is not about pharisaical religion, which focuses on external appearances and rigid rules. The Pharisees, while appearing devout, were criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy. They looked good on the outside but were filled with “dead men’s bones” inside.

This serves as a cautionary tale for today’s church. Many congregations may inadvertently fall into the trap of creating a façade of righteousness while neglecting the deeper, transformative aspects of faith. The church must foster an environment where individuals can wrestle with their faith and doubts without fear of judgment.

The Importance of Authenticity

Authenticity in the church is vital. It is crucial to create a space where people feel safe to express their struggles and doubts. The church must be a community where love and acceptance reign, allowing individuals to explore their faith genuinely. Only in such an environment can transformation occur.

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The church should not just be a place for indoctrination but a community that encourages critical thinking and personal growth in faith. The goal is not mere conformity but genuine belief based on personal conviction and understanding of God’s love.

Creating a Safe Space

For many, the church can feel like a judgmental space where they are scrutinized for their pasts or struggles. This perception must change. The church should be a refuge, welcoming all individuals regardless of their past choices. The message of Jesus is one of grace and forgiveness, and the church must embody that spirit.

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When people feel they can come as they are, they are more likely to encounter the transformative power of God. The church must communicate that it is not about what individuals need to give up to belong; rather, it is about experiencing God’s love and grace that leads to genuine change.

The Role of Joy in the Church

Joy is a significant indicator of a thriving church. When individuals experience God’s presence, joy naturally follows. This joy should be evident in the relationships cultivated within the church community. The church must prioritize fellowship, allowing individuals to connect deeply with one another and with God.

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Engaging in worship, prayer, and acts of love enhances this joy. When congregants come together in unity, they create an atmosphere where God’s presence is palpable, leading to a fulfilling spiritual experience.

Building Connections

Connection is fundamental to human existence. The need for community and belonging is innate. The church must recognize this and strive to create an environment where relationships flourish. Whether through small groups, communal activities, or outreach programs, fostering connections is essential.

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People are drawn to relationships, and the church should be a place where they can find meaningful connections. The example of electricians in Denmark illustrates that individuals seek community over mere vocational training. The relationships formed within the church can provide the support and encouragement necessary for personal and spiritual growth.

Addressing Society’s Needs

Today, many individuals are searching for genuine connection and fulfillment. The church has an opportunity to meet this need by offering a space where people can experience the love of God and build meaningful relationships. The Gospel provides the only true satisfaction that the world craves.

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As the church fulfills its mission, it can address the loneliness and disconnection many feel in society today. By creating a culture of love and acceptance, the church can help individuals find their place within the family of God.

Transformative Power of the Gospel

The Gospel is the foundation for transformation. It is through the love and grace of Jesus that individuals can break free from the chains of sin and find true freedom. The church must emphasize this transformative power, helping people understand that they are not defined by their past but by their identity in Christ.

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When individuals encounter the Gospel, their lives can change dramatically. The church should encourage testimonies of transformation, showcasing the impact of God’s love in real-life situations. This not only inspires others but also reinforces the church’s mission to be a place of healing and restoration.

The Church as a Family

Ultimately, the church is a family. It is a place where individuals can belong, grow, and thrive together. By fostering an environment rooted in love, acceptance, and authenticity, the church can fulfill its mission to make good men and women. This transformation occurs not just through teaching but through relationships and shared experiences.

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As members of the body of Christ, it is essential to support one another, encourage growth, and extend grace. The church must be a beacon of hope and light in a world often filled with darkness and despair.

Conclusion

The church is indeed in the business of making men good, but this goodness comes from a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. By prioritizing joy, authenticity, and connection, the church can fulfill its mission to transform lives. It is essential to remember that the church is not merely a building or a service; it is a living, breathing community of believers united in love and purpose.

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As we move forward, let us strive to be the church that God intended—a place where individuals can find belonging, experience transformation, and be empowered to make a difference in the world around them.

The Church is in the Business of Making Men Good

(Sermon Outline)

1. I am becoming more convinced that the greatest problem in America is the church of Jesus Christ.
   1. At face value that is an extremely negative statement, but communication is about trying to understand where someone is coming from.
   1. I am convinced that the church is the greatest problem in America because it is also the only hope for America. 
   1. The problem in America is a sin problem and only the gospel of Jesus Christ deals with that.
   1. For example, a very serious issue in the US today is corporations owning national politics.  It is a perversion of justice and it is accomplished by taking bribes.
   1. Where do we get people who know what justice is and have the moral integrity to not be corrupted?
   1. The answer is found in restoring the church so we can transform the world.  That means we need to understand what the Christianity is and isn’t.
2. What Christianity isn’t – Pharisaical Religion
   1. Who the Pharisees were
   1. Accidental pharisees
   1. Matthew 23:27–28 (NKJV) — 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
      1. True religion is about life and not forms
      1. The Christian bubble
      1. Indoctrination (According to Google – the process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically) and external conformity.
      1. How do we measure transformation? Amount of growth.
   1. Matthew 23:13 (NKJV) — 13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
      1. There is a world of life in Christ that Pharisees do not enter into and hinder others from doing so.
3. What Christianity is – The place where good men are made
   1. The modern issue of blaming guns rather than shooters.  We do the same with politics and business.  Everything is a blessing or curse according to the character and morality of the men and women who have authority over it. 
   1. THEREFORE, THE NUMBER ONE QUESTION TO GIVE US HOPE FOR THE FUTURE IS, WHERE ARE GOOD MEN AND WOMEN MADE?
      1. Family?  There are good and bad families so something precedes families
      1. The family of God first and foremost.  – Our connection there to Christ and eachother!
   1. Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV) — 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
   1. 1 Peter 4:3–4 (NKJV) — 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
   1. 1 Peter 1:22–23 (NKJV) — 22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
   1. John 13:34–35 (NKJV) — 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
4. The Fellowship of the Saints
   1. 1 John 1:3–4 (NKJV) — 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
   1. The importance of fellowship, relationship and connecting
      1. Discussion with Renshi
      1. Discussion with Lee
      1. The people we journey through life with become precious to us even if we fail to express it often.
   1. COVID may have set up another great harvest if we figure out how to give living water to a thirsty world.
   1. A deep need for belonging
   1. The effects of the fall and redemption
   1. Parasites take, Christian give and receive.
   1. We need to prayerfully wrestle with God for a vision of how to build the church to reach the harvest.
   1. The ultimate measurement of the church is not profession of doctrine, but transformed life – that it makes men good.
   1. 1 Timothy 6:3 (NKJV) — 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,
5. The church is in the business of making men good.
   1. That statement would be considered heretical in many churches.
   1. In other churches it would become grounds for Pharisaical.
   1. We need to avoid both of those pitfalls and develop the household of God to reproduce the life of Christ – that family of God that makes men good.