Rediscover the Church

In recent years there has been a mass exodus from churches. Why? There are many reasons, but the most obvious reason is that people have incorrectly concluded that the Church is irrelevant to their lives. But that sentiment is changing. Why? Because people are realizing that they really need God. Think about it! There are no jobs; cuts on many government programs, the middle class is becoming extinct; employers are primarily concerned about there bottom line; domestic violence has increased; the slave trade is live and well in America, and we're losing a generation of people to secular humanist- the belief that there is no God, and that's just for starters. The big question people outside the Church is asking: "Is God for real?" The answer to that question can only be fully answered by the Church. People can learn a lot about God outside the Church. For example, on the web, library, books, and reading the bible. But they can't truly experience God without the Church. The Church is exclusive! Its builder and maker is God; unless Christ builds it, the builders and laborers will work in vain. The Church has exclusivity because Jesus Christ is the head and He gives instructions through the Holy Spirit to the body- the Church. Rediscovering the Church isn't just for non-Christians. Believers also need to rediscover the Church. Christians have treated the Church like they treat their jobs- they're attempting punch a time clock with God. But we don't punch a time clock with God, because attending Church is a matter of faithfulness. The New Testament book of Hebrews 10:25, tell us that we must not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing. Church should be rediscovered for three simple reasons: It's a command (2) It's a place of worship (3) It's a place of spiritual growth. If you are struggling to find the Church relevant in your life, remember that it is the only place where you can truly experience God, and that is worth it all!

A Community of Believers

Let's dream. Imagine that you were given an opportunity to join a community where you are able to easily connect to everyone in the community. You could share you ideas and dreams, visions, spiritual gifts, and regularly get what you need spiritually, emotionally, and materially. Furthermore, lets add that you would be a part of a community of people that were your extended family. Would you join that community? Would you feel comfortable being in that community on a regular bases? Would you regularly invite your friends and acquaintances to join you in that community? I would! My answer is yes to all of the above. Well, you get a sense of what it was like with the 1st century Church in Jerusalem. Acts 4:32 tells us that the community of believers were so unified in such away that God add daily to there numbers. Why? Because they behaved like the true church. They were grace filled-meaning the love of God was strong in their hearts and they were sold-out to the idea of a community where the power & the presence of God was evident. Sounds crazy? It's not! The Old Testament believers lived in that kind of community. They were officially called "The Children of Israel."  They were known as the people of God. And yes there were requirements to live in that community, and the requirement can be reduced to one word: Obedience! The only requirement then and now to live in that kind of community is obedience to the will, plan, and purpose of God. Let me conclude by saying I want to live in that community now! The 21 century Church will need to be grace filled in order to be relevant in the 21 century. We all have spiritual, emotional, and material needs, and God promises to meet all of our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. But here is the kicker, he meets all of those needs through the Church- the people of God. Uncaring Christians will soon become irrelevant in this ever changing world. Why? Because talk is cheap.  We can't just point people to an invisible God and say he's going to solve all of your problems. He has equipped the Church with power, boldness, and favor.  These three characteristics is all that the church need to do greater work.