Greetings Saints,
What concept comes to your mind when you hear the word church:
Ø An edifice with stained glass windows?
Ø A group of people singing, praying, and listening?
Ø An organization that involves itself with a number of worthy projects?
Ø A company that plans activities for various age groups from toddlers through senior citizens?
While each of these may be viable expressions of what a church does, are these accurate definitions of what a church is? If Christ were to give us a description of what a church is, how would his understanding contrast with our current notions?
The image of the church in the Book of Acts stands in distinct contrast to what transpires in present day churches. The above mentioned images are not wrong, if they are used to strengthen the body and to train them in righteousness. To strengthen the body allows considerable flexibility in what this entails.
The Book of Acts describes a church that is focused on how it impacts its neighboring community. It describes a church that does not function without prayer nor without the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
In our efforts to be a viable entity, it is necessary that we return to the roots of the church. Jesus told the disciples to wait until they were empowered by the Holy Spirit and we modern day disciples would accomplish more than we could imagine if we were to follow this same advice. However, in our "Mickey Dees" world, patience and sacrifice fall victim to greed and desire.
Without sacrificing the aforementioned items of what a church does, is it possible to center its efforts on prayer and listening to while also obeying the Holy Spirit?
Joyfully Serving,
Pastor Kermit