Thoughts on Church

Thoughts on Church

As I wonder around my favorite Bible books store in Spokane,              I often consider starting a “Bible Translation of the Month Club”.

It must be terribly confusing for seekers who are going in for the first time to buy a Bible.  The term “God’s Word” sounds pretty straight forward ~ until you hit the 15 isles of various Bible translations. 

I suppose the same could be true for churches.  

When I was growing up, most churches had some sort of title that identified what they believed.  This made selecting a church to visit a fairly “safe” venture.  

Today, pretty much everyone is a “Community Church”.                            

So that term really doesn’t reveal very much about who they are. 

Again, it must be terribly confusing for seekers who are looking for a church (God’s house) and find a myriad of options with no identifiers to work with.  

So how can we decide between what is pleasing to God and what is “man centered”?  Here are a few suggestions to consider. 

#1. Sermons are from God’s Word.  PERIOD.  

The sermon is God’s message to His people.                                      The pastor must not attempt to manipulate people.                      

 It is God’s work in hearts that defines success.  

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”  Hebrews 12:2 NLT

#2. God’s church builds people. PERIOD. 

God’s plan is NOT for people to build a Church empire. 

I teach that GVCC is a “hospital” for the broken.                                People can walk in the door, sit down, and experience the love of God.  If they can’t experience the love of God in church ~                   then where?   

Ask the pastor if he has a Spiritual Growth Bible Study.   

            

There must be ongoing Bible Studies for people at different stages in their Christian life.  

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”  2 Timothy 2:2 NLT

#3. Church services are not for entertainment. PERIOD. 

We have 30 minutes of prayer & music ~                                         followed by 30 minutes of preaching from God’s Word.  

Think of searching for a station on your car radio.                                 You make an effort to search and fine tune until there is no static and you have a clear signal.                                                                   When you come to church, make an effort to remove all static that distracts you from hearing the message God has for you.  

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” James 4:8 NLT

#4. Church requires a long term commitment. PERIOD.

Being a follower of Jesus Christ is a life long journey that seldom produces “immediate gratification”. 

Picture the Christian life as a marathon ~ not a sprint.  

Look for a church that focuses on INWARD change                             not a OUTWARD response. 

 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38 NLT

#5. Church must encourage you to share your faith. PERIOD. 

Many people collect all they can, put it in the can, and sit on the can. 

However, when you were a child, someone taught you the little Sunday School song, “This little light of mine, I’m gunna let it shine, this little light of mine, I’m gunna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot          be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house, In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father."                     Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

These characteristics always mark a genuine church.