How to Know If Your Church is Alive.

Does your church define itself as alive because you clap, jump, sing, dance, and have "joy."

Or...

Does it look like the church in Acts 2:41-47.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need.
Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

So, how to tell if your church is alive? Is it soundly teaching the Word? (And the best way would be verse by verse). Just it teach GOD'S truth? or man's? Does your church encourage fellowship with other believers? Do you share meals together? Does your church pray together on a consistant basis? Are people being soundly converted? Are they growing in holiness, righteousness, joy and love? Do they reverence and fear God?

Just a few things I was thinking about today. Don't get me wrong. I like churches that are more upbeat. There's nothing wrong with it. HOWEVER, just because your church is upbeat, doesn't mean it's alive. All it shows is that people know how to act stupid.