This Is How You Have Good Church | 1-11-26 | Church as Unusual Series | Rev. Reginald Wise

Happy Second Sunday YouTube Family! Today, we continue with the second sermon of the Blueprint Series: This Is How You Have Good Church. Deriving from Mark 1.21-31, Pastor Wise challenges the traditional ruler we often use to measure a successful worship service. Instead of focusing on superficial metrics like attendance, the quality of the music, the emotional energy of the crowd, or the performance of the preacher, Pastor Wise testifies that the true measure of service is the presence and movement of God.

Pastor Wise outlines a spiritual rubric focused on genuine transformation, urging us to move beyond superficial rituals and seek a life-altering experience with Christ that extends far beyond the sanctuary walls.

Pastor Wise gives us three essential questions to determine if "good" church actually happened:

1. Did Jesus Show Up? Pastor Wise emphasizes that the most important person in any service is not the preacher or the choir, but Jesus Himself. He points out that while you can invite Jesus once you arrive, it is even better to bring Him with you into the sanctuary. A "good" church service isn't measured by attendance or performances, but by whether the presence of Jesus is felt. If Jesus shows up, lives are changed and broken things are put back together.

2. Was Anyone Delivered by Jesus? Drawing from the scripture where Jesus rebukes an unclean spirit in the synagogue, Pastor Wise notes that even devils know how to shout and can be found in church. Every person is in need of some form of deliverance—be it from addiction, bad relationships, or a wayward heart. True worship results in freedom because who the Son sets free is free indeed. Pastor Wise challenges us to leave church differently than we came in by seeking personal transformation.

3. Did People Leave with Jesus? After leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to Simon and Andrew's house and healed Simon’s mother-in-law. You haven't truly "had church" if the experience ends at the benediction. Church should happen after church. Pastor Wise warns us against being "churchy" in the sanctuary but failing to show Christ-like character at home or work. He encourages us to take Jesus into every space we inhabit, as miracles and breakthroughs follow Him wherever He goes.

Have a great week, family—see you next Sunday!

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Watch the Full Blue Print Series Here:    • Church As Unusual | The Blueprint Series  
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Video Chapters
0:00 Scrolling Announcements
6:58 Holy Ground
9:58 Welcome and Opening Prayer
13:07 Worship Service Begins
20:25 New Members, Announcements and Upcoming Events
35:00 Worship Service Continues
50:59 Blue Print Series Introduction
51:55 Scripture Reading and Prayer
54:50 This Is How You Have Good Church Sermon Starts
1:01:42 1. Did Jesus Show Up?
1:07:38 2. Was Anyone Delivered by Jesus?
1:14:51 3. Did People Leave with Jesus?
1:19:59 Call to Salvation and Join the Church
1:33:26 Benediction