So now that I have moved back to my hometown, I've been having some interesting thoughts on the church, especially my home church. Right now, my church is thinking about starting a contemporary service targeting ages 20-49 where our church seems to be lacking. Now I don't know about you, but I love me some awesome contemporary worship songs. I also like a comfortable environment. But here is my question for you all... Why do we need church? Let's look at this from a Biblical standpoint shall we?
1. The Very Beginning of the Church
Acts 4:32-37: Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
2. Discipleship and Encouragement
1 Timothy 5:1-3: Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
3 Honor widows who are truly widows.
Titus 2: 1-8: But as for you, teach what accords with sound[a] doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
3. Outreach
Mark 16:15-16: And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
All of Paul and Barnabas and other Christians' missionary trips! Including going to their own synagogues and meeting places to preach the gospel! They also apparently met one on one with people.
4. We Need to Meet
Acts 20:28: Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God,[a] which he obtained with his own blood.
Hebrews 10:19-25: Therefore, brothers,[c] since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Conclusion
God is a God that interacts with His creation, and He wants us to be same way with each other. If there is no change of heart and no desire to serve others, we probably need to check our hearts and see who we're really serving. There is A TON the American church can do (not including all the other churches around the world!), and most of us are just sitting around and checking off church on our lists of things to do each week. How unfulfilling and wasteful is that? Do our jobs matter more than the people around us? If so, I think we need to check our hearts. Do we put more emphasis on a building than the people in it? If so, I think we need to check our hearts. Do we not die to ourselves daily like Jesus did? If so, I think we need to check our hearts.
I understand this is not easy, and I am guilty like so many others. I'm working hard to grow more in my faith and obey Jesus's Great Commission. My friend Katherine and I are starting to think of more ways we can reach out to the community - especially those who are our age in a country where morals and truth are almost completely gone. It can be something as simple as talking to a fellow peer at a coffee shop. It doesn't have to be a super extravagant event in order to reach out to others. A lot of times, it's the personal things that matter most.
I hope I've given everyone something to chew on no matter where you are on this particular issue. I just wanted to give my two cents worth as well as the Word's opinion (which matters a whole lot more than mine!) I also believe prayer can greatly impact any situation, especially since it gets your mind thinking on the things above and not so centered on yourself. It takes discipline, and that's what makes these kinds of things so difficult!
Peace to you all!
Keri Lynn
Katherine, my new roommate for the year! :)
JD as Emperor in China! He looks rather regal! haha.
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