The Marks of a Mature Church
MATURE CHURCH
A “Mark” is a visible impression or trace on something. It could be something as simple as a line, a cut, a dent, a stain, a bruise, or a badge. Put another way, a “Mark” is a visible sign that carries a distinguishing factor. In I Corinthians 3:1-3, the apostle Paul gave us some “Marks,” or distinguishing factors as it relates to Christian immaturity.
- Babes in Christ
- Carnal (Worldly)
- Envying
- Strife
- Division
As we move into the year 2022, with our theme, “The Marks of a Mature Church” I want to highlight 5 Marks or distinguishing factors of a Mature Church as is outlined in our Theme Scripture Acts 3:1-15. The marks or distinguishing factors are as follows:
A Mature Church Imparts EXPECTANCY (verses 1-5)
A Mature Church Imparts HEALING (verses 6-7)
A Mature Church Imparts JOY (verse 8)
A Mature Church Imparts WONDER (verses 9-10)
A Mature Church Imparts WITNESS (verses 11-15)
The Church’s maturity will be realized and we can exhibit these following marks when we align ourselves with the Scriptures according to Ephesians 4:13-16. The Church’s maturity will be shown when we:
- All come in the unity of the faith
- When we come into the knowledge of the Son of God
- When we become a perfect (mature)
- When we come into the stature of the fulness of Christ
- When we no longer govern ourselves as children
- When we are not tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine
- When we speak the truth in love
- When we grow up into Him (Jesus) in all things
- When the whole body is fitly joined together, and every joint supplies nourishment, strength, and encouragement, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, and the increasing of love flows through the body to reflect that of our Christ.
Let us start believing and expecting God’s goodness today as we show and share God’s distinguishing marks of a mature church and thereby “Save Souls and Change Lives.”
