1. What is a sound church?

2. “Sound”
“Healthy; not weak, diseased, or impaired (body); firm, safe, secure (house); based on truth or valid reasoning (God’s word); accurate, reliable, sensible; morally strong; honest, honorable, loyal (Christian).”

3. A “Sound” Church Is Not Just…
…not liberal
…or sound in doctrine
…or sound materially (financially)
…or sound by reputation
…or sound in some ways (active)

4. A “Sound” Church… 1. Desires A Scriptural Organization
Scripturally unorganized (Acts 14:23).
Scripturally organized (Phil 1:1).
Un-scripturally organized (3 John 9).
Un-scripturally unorganized (Titus 1:5).

5. A “Sound” Church… 2. Has Members Who Know Their Place
Gideon’s army (Judg 7:21).
Nehemiah’s wall builders (Neh 4:15).
Christians using gifts (Rom 12:4-8).
Every part does its share (Eph 4:15-16).

6. A “Sound” Church… 3. Wants The Whole Truth Taught
Paul taught the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
Apostles called names (2 Tim 2:16-18; 3 John 9).
Jesus seemed insulting (Luke 11:44-46).
Evangelists must preach the Word in season and out of season (2 Tim 4:1-5).

7. A “Sound” Church… 4. Is Evangelistic Minded
1 Thess 1:6-10 – 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia (home) & Achaia (regionally), but also in every place (internationally). Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

8. A “Sound” Church… 5. Is Pure
Heb 12:14 – Pursue peace with all people, & holiness, without which no one will see the Lord…
Rom 12:2 – …you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God...
Titus 2:12 – …denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, …live soberly, righteously, and godly...

9. A “Sound” Church… 6. Is United
Phil 1:27 – …you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel…
1 Pet 3:8 – …all of you be of one mind…
Rom 14:19 – …pursue things which make peace
Eph 4:3 – …endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

10. A “Sound” Church… 7. Always Pressing On To Perfection
Phil 3:12 – Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

11. A “Sound” Church Is Scripturally organized
…where every member knows his place
…where the whole truth is taught
…one that is evangelistic minded
…pure in life
…unified in heart
…and pressing on to perfection