We Don't Go To Church - We Are The Church

"not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another" - Hebrews 10:25

Martie and I heard a great sermon some time back.  The preacher was from Indonesia.  Christians from other countries, particularly Third World countries have a different perspective on the brand of Christianity from what is prevalent in the United States.  He said that we define Church in one of three ways.  1. As a Gas station.  That is where we go each Sunday to “fill up” spiritually so we can get through another week. 2. As a Cinema.  We go each Sunday to watch a show, maybe have an emotional response to what we see or hear, but take away nothing that might influence how we live. Or 3. As a super-market.  A one stop shop.  We have a need that must be met … we go have that need met. The bottom line in all three, it is all about us and what we get out of it .. for us. And we are never satisfied. Actually, attending the church service is a celebration, not the be all end all.  It is a gathering of His Church.

I remember a rhyme I learned as a child. Folding my hands together and intertwining my fingers I would say "Here is the church and here is the steeple. Open my hands as see all the people." The world should not have to go to a building to see the Church. Many if not most Christians in the United States don’t understand what the Church, that has Christ as the cornerstone, is all about.  The main purpose of the Church is to expand the Kingdom and to bring glory to God.  Not make me comfortable and feel good. The local church building is an equipping center not a haven from a sinful world. The reason Jesus wants you to be a disciple is so you can be a fisher of men (people) like Jesus, not merely to make you a better person, better than your neighbor.  Jesus said “Go!”  Jesus said “Pick up your cross and follow Me.”  Do what Jesus did.  Jesus said “Lay down your life for others.”  Jesus said “Love God with everything you have.”  Jesus said “If you love Me, then do what I say.”  When Joshua wrote that he must obey God's Word and then he would be prosperous and successful, does your mind of material wealth as success? (Joshua 1:8-9) That is your flesh speaking.  The Word says do not love the world or the things of this world.  Love God.  So how does that fit your idea of Christianity and the Church?  The proof of your belief is not in what you say you believe, but in how you live that belief out day by day.  

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone