What Makes A Congregation Acceptable to God? Revelation 3:10-11 I. Introduction. A. Philadelphia was commended by God: Revelation 3:10-11. B. What she had been doing and refraining from doing made her pleasing to God. C. Not all churches of Christ are the same: How can one decide which is right before God? 1. The standard is the word of God: Acts 17:11. 2. Philadelphia and all other churches measured by the word: Revelation 3:6(same yard stick). II. Body. A. There are many characteristics that could be possessed by a church that would not in itself make her acceptable to the Lord. 1. Name. a. "Church of Christ" not patented. b. Used even by denominations. c. Certainly must use right description. d. Calling a fish a fowl will not make it so! 2. The Plan of salvation. a. The Mormons, certain denominations. b. Even a small child can memorize this. c. It could be nothing more than tradition. 3. Acts of worship. a. To many: no instruments of music--must be OK. b. Could add: Humming. c. Formalism and ritualism. 4. Zeal. a. Surely--to be characteristic of God's people: Titus 2:14. b. Yet: Romans 10:2. c. Could be zeal for one's own way rather than the Lord's. 5. An emotionally charged atmosphere. a. Impressive indeed. b. To be emotional: Colossians 3:15-16. c. But--physical reactions do not make right. 6. Number of converts. a. Hitler(Stalin, Muslims) were successful. b. It is not quantity--it is quality. c. Better to convert one than transfer 100s. 7. A smooth well-ordered assembly. a. Decency and order are in order. b. The denominations have this. c. Remind one of staged production? 8. Reputation: Revelation 3:1. B. There are some characteristics that will go a long way toward insuring acceptability. 1. Devotion to Christ, His church, and His word. a. Literally: :Taking hold well, careful as to the presence and claims of God, reverencing God, pious, devout. b. Such as: Acts 8:2. c. If devout--not just to Christ as a person--but everything about Him. d. Goes beyond physical attachments: Luke 14:26. 2. Attitude. a. Determination to be faithful, at all costs: Revelation 2:10. b. Use what possess to God's glory: Revelation 3:8. c. Possess patience: Revelation 3:10. d. Humility: I Peter 5:6. 3. Willingness to weigh everything by the word of God. a. So long as one is receptive and learning, there is hope: Mark 12:37. (1 Closing one's mind bars growth. (2 Laodicea was not only indifferent, she was not interested in learning/doing better! (3 Note: Revelation 3:8. (4. This often is the separating line: a final act. b. In worship. (1 Must constantly re-examine. (2 But--must participate. c. In work. (1 Can only do what pleases Christ. (2 What appeals to humans may not impress God. d. In organization. (1 The simplicity: Philippians 1:1. (2 Staffed churches. 4. Constant opposition to false teaching. a. Pergamum's mistake: Revelation 2:14-16. b. And Thyatira: Revelation 2:20. C. There is the constant danger of concentration in one area to neglect of others. 1. Paul proclaimed the whole council. 2. Ephesus: Revelation 2:2-4. 3. One of the greatest dangers among conservative minded churches. 4. Cannot let us when opportunity is presented. III. Conclusion. A. Can forfeit right to wear name of Christ unless we are vigilant in the ways of truth and righteousness. B. A little here...a little there...can overcome a local church and lead them away from the scriptures.-jy