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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

What is Gods Church?

People in the world have their views and opinions about what a church should be like.  In many churches today we have "well intentional dragons" that want the church to grow, but have such a strong opinion  on everything from the church decor, to the Pastors sermons, to who and what needs to be controlled.  These people mean well, but somehow seem to forget who is the Head of the Church.  Let's face it, the church at one time had a strong voice in the community.  It does not appear to be that way now.  Paul had given a sermon while in Ephesus against "polytheism."  This sermon took place at the great theater which caused a riot.  Poly is Greek meaning "Many" - Theism is Greek meaning "God."  The riot was caused because there were merchants that needed to sell goods.  A lot of people then believed in Idolatry, false Gods and many Gods.  The paganism Paul was confronted with throughout the crowd, did not want to hear or learn the truth, because it would mean a loss of business for them, like with the silversmiths.  Today, Hinduism has a belief in over 300 million Gods.  Paul knew there was only one true God.  He faced violent opposition because he spoke so boldly for the Kingdom of God.  Paul feared for church members and he had a right to do so.  The work Paul did in Ephesus and in other cities literally bought him to tears.  No.  He was not a weak person, but one who diligently did the work of the Lord, for which he was beaten, imprisoned, and left for dead.  Paul was intensely involved and concerned about the well being of the church and the behavior of the congregation at Ephesus.  Today we can see Satan's handy work as he demolishes churches one at a time.  In Ephesians 4:2,3, - He told the congregation that sin keeps them from reaching the Kingdom of God.  He never forgot his conversion that was given to him in grace from the Most High.  This was on the road to Damascus to frind Christians to persecute.  As we do the same it is a strike against Christ.  Paul did not want to see others slip into darkness.  Yet, like today, the power of persuasion seems to take hold on the young and others in the Christian church.  Galatians 4:19 - when Paul address the church of Galatia, he calls them; "my little children."  Paul learned the hard way to respect Christ and the church for which he is the groom and the head.  Paul's sadness came to him, because he knew that there would be people throughout history that would reject the Savior.  He could foresee great devastation that would afflict people in pain and in suffering, which was not necessary.  Should we cry out for Christian churches today?  What about for our nations as they lead us into our weakness and virtual destruction?  Our churches are to image what God woulb be and how God would act.  But, even our churches are falling short today.  Nevertheless, there are people that will not and do not believe in Christ.  They are some of the worse critics of the church today.  Even worse, may be the very people that make up a congregation that defile the name of the Lord.  John 13:35 tells us that ; "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."  If we do not care for each other, as members of the church or it's leaders, then you can not possibly care for anyone entering the church for the first time.  Gods love for the church is the kind of love that a mother will have for her children.  In the Old Testament we see this as Israel looked upon it's citizens as her children.  It is an important role for the love of Christ to show throughout the body of Christ which is the congregation.  A church should attain a character that is nurturing the needs of others.  God's church extends out side the walls and into the community and in other countries.  It is a mission of exhaustive work that glorifies the Lord with no personal gain or fame.  It is a 24 hour fellowship of love, hope, and charity.   Church members follow the Savior.  The Almighty is a first priority.  Matthew 22:36-40, Christians are to reflect, resemble and emulate the love of the eternal God and wait for the day that His Kingdom comes to earth.    We should  share the love of  God willingly and with humility.  You see, we are the biggest gift that a church can give to itself, because it is believers that come together to glorify faith in Christ.  This is Gods church.  Because, it is the spirit of the truth that edifies people and that is contagious.  The truth equips the Christian with the ammunition they need to grow the body of Christ.  Paul reminded the churches then and today that we need to live as a model for the life of the Lord is at hand.  He felt people should have humility and a lowly mind which would show in our love and devotion to the Father, our God Almighty.  The church does not judge, condemn, pick a part, needle, control or give false witness to the Lord or any members of it's body.  Christ and His church will not be allowed to crumble if the body of Christ shows deep the dear love on has for Jesus.  It is a church that is not cold and unfriendly or with an air of arrogance.  God's church is carrying out the fundamental task in ministry for the purpose of the Lord.  It is the confirmation of ones inner self as they witness in the word of testimony, constantly renewing and reforming and restoring themselves and others through the word of scripture.  Only as this takes place, then can we fully appreciate and understand what the leaders position is that God places them.  It is His truth that will convert others in the same way that Paul was converted on that faithful day on the road to Damascus.

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