What Is A Healthy Church by Mark Dever

In a world where it seems so many are looking for "something special" in a church whether it be the music, the programs, the activities, the type of people, the style of preaching, etc., this books clearly lays out what we should be to the church. A very sobering statement in the introduction says that we as Christians or members are "responsible before God for what your church becomes, not your pastors or other leaders- you". Anyone looking for a soft sermon, a feel good message or self-help pep talk would be more satisfied tuning in to Oprah at 4 than to visit the church described in this book. The two greatest commandments to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself should be lived out first and foremost within the church!! Within the body! Don't you love this analogy?!? We are ONE BODY! A Christian joins a local church "because it's the expression of what Christ has made him - a member of the body of Christ." "If you have no interest in actually committing yourself to an actual group of gospel-believing, Bible-teaching Christians, you might question whether you belong to the body of Christ at all." We have the opportunity in the body of Christ to display the Gospel to the world, when we are committed to a people that is unlovable and we love them anyway. As we grow in the faith, young and old alike, we must realize our responsibilities to each other to serve, encourage, confront and teach. "A healthy church is a congregation that increasingly reflects God's character as his character has been revealed in his Word." One of the most moving phrases is, when you join a church you are saying, "I am now your responsibility, and you are my responsibility." More often in today's church, Christians refuse to get involved in the lives of others. May all Christians grow in the body to reflect the glory of God. We are the body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, His love, His passion! We therefore, should make Christ our love and our passion!!!