What makes churches strong?

The strength of the United States of America never originated from our military might, economic structure, educational institutions, entertainment industry, or even our “American ingenuity.”

Our country has enjoyed strength as a nation because of our ideals, our values that have been traditionally and carefully taught in our churches over the 3+ centuries of our occupancy of this land.
The key to a strong America today is strong churches. We must never let go of the arsenal that makes churches strong! What makes churches strong?

1. The Truth as revealed in the Bible, God’s inerrant Word. God’s Word strengthens people (Joshua 1:7-9; Psalm 119:28; Ephesians 6:17). We must never compromise our commitment to know and apply God’s Holy Word.

2. The Lord Himself. We can do nothing without Him (John 15:5). The Lord, the living, true God, gives us strength (Psalm 18:1, 28:7-8; Isaiah 41:10; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13; I Thessalonians 2:16-17).

3. Our love for God and each other. The blessings to people who fear God are listed in Psalm 112. These bless nations. Jesus says in John 13:35 that our influence for Him can be staggering – “all men will know that we are His” – if we love one another. Chords of love are not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Love makes churches strong.

4. The Gospel. We must never dilute, deemphasize or disavow the eternal Gospel message! (Galatians 1:6-11) The Gospel transforms people while every other message is therapy. The Gospel is “the power of God.” (Romans 1:16)

5. Prayer. What a resource the Lord has given us in prayer?! James 5:16 tells us that the prayers of “the righteous can accomplish much.” The book of Acts reveals strong churches being devoted to prayer (Acts 2:42, 13:1-3, 20:36).

These are strength-essentials for churches. These are essential for Eastmont’s strength. Not only for the sake of Christ’s Kingdom but for the sake of our nation, we must be strong by holding fast to these essentials.