Finding the Perfect Church Graeme Sterne July 2005

You were called to belong, not just believe Called sons and daughters (family) There are over 50 ‘one anothers’ Sin separates; grace brings together

Grace Bono U2 2000 Grace, she takes the blame She covers the shame Removes the stain It could be her name. What once was hurt What once was friction What left a mark No longer stings Because grace makes beauty Out of ugly things.

What does it mean to belong to a church? Attending regularly Baptized Signed up member Giving money Serving Loyal

What does it really mean to belong to a church? Fellowship = ‘koinonia’ = community => ‘committed relationship’ = > ‘holding things in common’ e.g. What fellowship do you have with darkness?

There are examples of believers who had to live alone … Moses, David, Jacob (on the run) Elijah, John the Baptist Abraham But these are exceptions rather the rule

When you’re on your own you develop some strange ideas… Elijah – I am the only one left Abraham – I have to lie or they will kill me and take my wife Moses – I can’t speak very well John the Baptist – fashion statement

So it’s not surprising that believers look for a church to belong to But how do you choose? What if the church you belong to doesn’t do much for you? Which are the best churches? Is ours ok? Why do we come here?

There’s no perfect church We are part of the Body Churches are made up of imperfect people. That’s how we qualify! Every church has its strengths and its failings Even ‘good’ churches are changing

How should you choose a church? A place where … We can relate to the believers there The Lord is honoured and the Gospel is proclaimed The Bible is honoured and preached We can serve other believers The members of our family are encouraged to walk with God

In regular contact with ordinary, imperfect believers we learn some important things We learn to forgive We learn to apply the one another’s e.g. love, pray for, accept, carry We learn that it’s more about giving than receiving We find a place to use our gifts We find others of like mind We are kept on the path

The difference between being an attender and a member is … Spectator Consumer Member Involved Contributor You become a member by committing to a specific group of believers

What does it mean to be a member at ACPC? To forgive (as we have been forgiven) To apply the one another’s e.g. love, pray for, accept, carry each other’s burdens To look for ways to contribute to others (rather than receiving) To use our gifts To link up with others of like mind To keep each other on the right path

Here are some ways to contribute Start with a forgiving attitude Look for a way to encourage someone e.g. pray with them; ask how they are doing; follow up something they told; have someone over for a meal … Find a way to help out – music, food, cleaning, teaching the children, leading a group, share the Gospel with our team Be open to challenge and be challenged