(The following is an excerpt from Sue Deardorff which is an article by a friend of hers Sherry March) “The church is not a human invention…The church is established by Christ, protected and nourished by Christ, governed by Christ, and exists for the glory of Christ. Because of this, the church is also not optional…The church is fundamental to the identity of everyone who belongs to Christ.” Megan Hill from Growing Together; Taking Mentoring Beyond Small Talk and Prayer Requests
While walking with His disciples Jesus asked them, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They gave several answers like “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” When Jesus asked who they say He is, it was Simon who responded, “You are Messiah, Son of the Living God.” And then, Jesus blessed Simon because God had revealed to Him this truth. He said, “And I tell you, you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:13-18 NIV)
The Church. “Established, protected, governed and nourished by Christ for His glory.” It stands strong. Oh, not the buildings, though they are a tribute to Him. Not the interpretations, though they are many and varied. Not the size or the music or the location or the preferred Bible translation, though they offer something for every taste. The Church exists because we exist and we exist to serve and glorify Him. Churches come in all shapes and sizes and materials. But as our key quote makes clear, The Church is us. The people of God. “Now you are no longer strangers to God and foreigners to heaven, but you are members of God’s very own family, citizens of God’s country, and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” (Ephesians 2:19 The Living Bible)
When I read “the church is not optional” it made me pause. In our fast-paced, jam-packed schedules, going to church is quite often optional. Today’s technology offers services in every denomination, every language, anywhere, any time. We don’t have to rouse ourselves early on Sunday morning, we can catch the message on our phones, over coffee, in our pjs, or on the way to the golf course, or sitting on the beach, or weeding the garden. Church on the go. But there is a better way, the way of Scripture. “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT)
When we attend church, we gather with community. When we are the Church we are His disciples, loving and living, following and serving the family of God for His glory. Our minds are filled with Biblical teaching, our hearts are filled with belonging and believing, our souls are nourished and filled with His Spirit. We become the Body of Christ.
As The Church, let’s go to church on that holy day. Let’s serve the body by using our talents and gifts where needed. Let’s build the church by inviting others to come with us, introducing Jesus to seekers and stubborn holdouts alike. Let’s worship together with hymns and chorus, raising joyful voices in praise to our Lord and Savior. Blessings, Sherry March
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