2. Gods Desire is for Each Local Congregation to be Strong Acts 15:32 - Church at Antioch Acts 16:5 - Churches of Iconium, Lystra, etc. Eph. 3:16 - Church at Ephesus Col. 1:11 - Church at Colosse

3. StrongWeak Churches Varying Degrees Doctrine Leadership Separation From World

4. ? ? Questions That Must Be Answered What is a strong church? Why is a strong church so important? What difference does it make where I attend?

5. Clarifying What We Are Discussing Are Not Talking About Denominations Liberal / Institutional Churches of Christ Are Talking About Non-Institutional Churches of Christ

6. A Strong Church I. The Need for a Strong Church

7. The Need Concerns pleasing God / of Christ Effects individual strength / weakness Weak churches breeding ground - error Weak churches fertile soil for worldliness Weak churches are problems waiting to happen

8. The Need Concerns pleasing God / of Christ Effects individual strength / weakness Weak churches breeding ground - error Weak churches fertile soil for worldliness Weak churches are problems waiting to happen

9. A Strong Church II. The Marks of a Strong Church I. The Need for a Strong Church

10. The Marks Distinctive Preaching Strong Leadership (Elders) Faithful, Committed & Godly Members Discipline is practiced Stand against sin & worldliness Stand on current issues

11. The Marks Distinctive Preaching Strong Leadership (Elders) Faithful, Committed & Godly Members Discipline is practiced Stand against sin & worldliness Stand on current issues

12. A Strong Church II. The Marks of a Strong Church I. The Need for a Strong Church III. Looking for a Strong Church

13. Looking For... Close (location) People there you know or like People are friendly Wrong Approach Wise Approach Is this a strong church? Do they deal with sin and error? Do they practice discipline? Do they accept anyone - w/o Q? Will I be weaker or stronger?

14. A Strong Church II. The Marks of a Strong Church I. The Need for a Strong Church III. Looking for a Strong Church