In the above passage we see that Jesus Christ is deeply concerned and passionate for his church. This is on two levels, one being the universal church, that is all the churches from all times and locations. The other is the local church where we see a people covenanted together for the gospel taking the Lord's Supper together and performing baptism. I would like to share a few common mistakes people make when thinking about the church. Please remember that the local church is an expression of the universal church. We cannot claim entrance into the universal without entrance into the local body of believers, with the very rare exception of someone coming to Christ just moments before death. Here are a few things the church isn't:
· The Church is not a BUILDING! The first century church met in houses for their gatherings (Acts 2:46; 20:20). Our buildings are at best tools, or as I like to think of them, tool boxes. The tools that God uses for his kingdom and purposes are the people, not a building! The above passage does not mean that Jesus gave himself up to develop real estate.
· The Church is not a CLUB! I do love Sam's Club! Buying in bulk is amazing for savings. In order to be a member, you must pay your yearly dues. Once you pay your yearly dues, you become a card carrying member able to enjoy certain prices, hours, and free samples! The church on the other had does not require simply paying dues; it requires you! We give to the church out of a heart that is thankful for what has been done for us in Christ. We do not pay our way in, we are given the free gift of grace. Sam's Club is driven by what pleases the members most; the church is driven by what Jesus Christ wants most for his bride.
· The Church is not just an INSTITUTION! We benefit greatly from our schools and government agencies. But the church is more than just an organized institution, she is a group of people who function as a family! The family is an institution that God organized and established with Adam and Eve, but we don't think of it in those terms. We think of the family in terms of people: grandparents, aunts and uncles, parents, and children. Knowing that parents make mistakes and kids will be kids. In a similar way, church leaders will make mistakes and church members will be church members.
The church is a group of people that have covenanted together and rallied around the mission of glorifying God in all parts of life. The local church is the stage that God has set for you to live out the gospel you now believe. The church is a body of believers who need one another to do all that Christ has called us to do! The church is much more than just a building, club, or institution.
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