In our Connect Group on Sunday, Josh Mudford led us in a discussion on how we can avoid the traps of “Churchianity” and focus our Sunday mornings on being more about Christianity.
He asked us to ponder the question, “What is a successful Sunday?” Worded differently, he asked us to ponder, “How can we look back on the morning and know the events made God smile?”
4 Things to Make a Successful Sunday
1. Salvation
Salvation is the gift of being saved by faith through grace from the wrath of God because Christ died for us. Obtaining salvation is more than just going to church.
First, we must hear the gospel. Second, we must believe the gospel and have faith in what we learn. Third, we must repent from our sins. Fourth, we must believe in Jesus and trust in God for the plan He has for our lives.
**** Romans 5:8-9 ****
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
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One idea shared during our discussion was holding accountability meetings where we make sure we are reaching out to people, greeting people, and getting outside of our routine so that others around us in Church who are not yet saved can come to know Christ through our kindness and actions.
2. Sanctification
“Sanctification” in the Bible is translated from of the Greek word hagiasmos, which means “holiness” or “a separation.” As we grow individually in our Christianity, we set ourselves apart from the world and learn how to live the way Christ lived.
**** 2 Peter 3:18 ****
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
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One idea shared during our discussion was as we study the message in church and discuss what we have learned with others, it is important that we respect the individuality of our walk with Christ and the individuality of the paths others are on, too. It is also important that we are authentic and real about who we are, what are story is, and where we are growing or struggling.
3. Edification
“Edification” in the Bible is translated from the Greek word oikodomé, which means “the building of a house.” Since a church is only a church if it has people to make up the body of Christ, then edification means all members of the church work together to help one another grow to be more Christlike.
**** Ephesians 4:11-12 ****
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
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One idea shared during our discussion was finding more ways to share the individual struggles we are going through and discuss them during our Connect Groups. In doing so, we help each other overcome many of the obstacles we put before our true faith in God.
4. Glorify God
Glory is translated from the Greek word doxa which was a word used to express the worth of a person. Giving glory to God means we express praise for his mercy, grace, love, righteousness, sovereignty, humility, and every other virtue He deserves bestowed upon Him.
**** Psalm 66:17 ****
Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
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One suggestion shared in our group was having more testimonies during the Sunday services. Testimonies not only allow others in the church to see that we are all broken and have fallen short of the glory of God, but that God works mighty miracles when we allow Him to. Testimonies improve our understanding of God and encourage others through true and current stories of how God has helped those in our own community. They are teaching opportunities packed with an opportunity to glorify God to the fullest.
What thoughts do you have? What did we miss that would make a “Successful Sunday”?