WHAT IS THIS THING WE CALL "CHURCH"

In this question I am not referring to the institution created and commissioned by Jesus during His earthly ministry. Nor am I referring to the building where a body of Christ meets. I am referring to whatever it is that we mean when we say, "Let's go to church."

When we make such statements, do we really have in mind anything that would be familiar to Jesus and first century believers? For many it seems that the purpose of such words is to imply one is preparing to gather at a given facility to perform their duty for God. No wonder so many miss the true adventure of the Christian life!

When we gather with a local New Testament church for Sunday services, it is our privilege to:

• Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ for that is the reason the Apostles and early Christians began meeting on the first day of the week;
• Worship God Who is deserving of all honor and glory all the time;
• Praise Jesus with Whom we have been involved in Kingdom business throughout the last week;
• Prepare to be better servants by allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to us through the teaching and preaching of God's Word;
• Encourage and receive encouragement from fellow members as we engage in the battle for the souls of people for whom our Savior died.

Though this list could be expanded, it is sufficient to demonstrate the difference between the intended versus the reality. Attending the services of a God-honoring church is a wonderful part of the daily experience of a disciple of Jesus otherwise known as a Christian!

I pray that each reader will learn what meeting with Jesus for services in one of His churches really means.