Church Growth God's Way 10: Being Likeable

The last ingredient in the Acts 2:42-47 recipe for “Church Growth God’s Way” is simply enjoying the favour of other people. According to Galatians 5, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit makes the born-again believer likeable in a way against which “there is no law.” In other words, even though the Spirit and the flesh are contrary, ALL people are attracted to people who are loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. Since we are the only “Bible” that a non-Christian will ever “read,” God chooses to attract the unsaved world to Himself through the likeability of His people. If we are hated by the world, it should be on account of our “goodness” (because our light exposes darkness and brings conviction), not our badness (hypocrisy). This message also sheds light on the importance of church discipline in assuring that our churches are known for their integrity, because the salvation of OTHERS may hang on our good works (Matt. 5:14-16).