What is your view of the Local Church?

One of the greatest misunderstood truths today surrounds the definition and purpose of the local church. Our ability to discern the true meaning and purpose of the local church and it’s relationship to our own lives will greatly determine the outcome of our lives. Pretty huge statement…but true!

 

In Christendom, controversy is wide spread concerning exactly what the church is to be and what it is actually supposed to do. There are those that believe the church to be the ‘universal’ expression of God’s purpose (big ‘C’) and that the local church (little ‘c’) is simply man’s interpretation and attempt to regulate and control God’s people. There are others that believe that the local church (little ‘c’) is God’s eternal purpose and his final instrment and the universal church (big ‘C’) is a culmination of all the local churches. Two extremes, both with huge ramifications as to how they are lived out in our lives.

 

Outside of the world of Christian debate there are those that don’t claim, nor desire to be called a Christian. They stand on the outside, looking in to our world, beliefs and lifestyle with their own opinions of the church and are asking a pretty big question that we had better be able to answer, “Why does the church even exist?” Many of them would define the church as irrelevant, introverted and religious. Others would say the church is a place for weak, feeble-minded people who are simply out of touch with reality.

 

As we continue to drown in the sea of personal opinion and global debate as to what the church is to be and do, it might be wise to see what Jesus thinks the church is and supposed to be. Jesus made a very thought provoking statement to His disciples regarding this thing called the ‘church.’ He did have an opinion! He says in Matthew 16, “This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not evern the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open andy and every door; no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven…”

 

Jesus seemed to think, as well as promise, that there would be this ‘thing’ called the church, and that it would be a part of God’s ultimate purpose and plan. In fact, the entire Bible has much to say about this area of controversy. Maybe, just maybe, there is something in God’s plan and Word that should get our attention as to what ‘HE’ thinks about church, its definition and purpose. Are you game?

 

Over the next few months, I would like to dialogue with you out in blogsville the issue of, “the local church.” As we journey together, I would welcome some thoughts from you as to what you think the local church is to be? Is there a Univeral church only, or is there a plan explained in God’s Word for the local church? And, if there is a local church, what does it look like? Give me your thoughts and lets see if we can together get this thing straight once and for all. Our lives depend on it, as well as the lives of all those who need Christ. The lines are now open! Let ‘er rip.

Reasons Why I need the Church

There are so many opinions flying out in society today regarding whether the church is really something we need or not. Many today feel they can get the “God-fix” just by hanging out in the woods, working in the yard, or just reading a good book on the back deck. Although, one might encounter God in each of these encounters, I would have to say that there are many other reasons why one might need a vibrant, life-giving local church experience in their life.

I think we do not only need the local church, but should love it! Jesus gave Himself for her. As Christians we might want to follow His example, as that is what the term ‘Christian’ means.

Rick Warren says, “A Christian without a church home is like an organ without a body, a sheep without a flock, or a child without a family. It is an unnatural state.”Without a local church, our lives are incomplete. You may have needs that aren’t being met through your local church, but God intends for it to provide the following needs:

• An environment of spiritual growth.
• An atmosphere of God’s presence.
• A place to belong to a genuine community.
• A family to help meet your needs.
• A place of covering and protection.
• A place for accountability and safety.
• A place for wisdom, direction, and counsel.
• A place to make a difference.
• An opportunity to pour your life into others.
• A safe atmosphere to raise families.
• A place to give of finances, time, and energy.

If you can think of anymore or would like to give me your thougths, let ‘er rip!  Marc

Jesus Loves the Church

Pause for a moment and ask yourself these questions: “Do I love my local church?” “How passionately involved am I in both serving and supporting my local church?” Hopefully, these questions are more of an encouragement than an exhortation.

What if we were to ask Jesus the same questions today? “Jesus, do you love the Church?” Scripture answers that one quickly, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Eph. 5:25, TNIV). Next question: “Jesus, how passionately are you involved in serving and supporting the local church?” Again, Scripture answers, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Heb. 7:25, TNIV).

It seems pretty clear. Jesus died for the church, and He also lives, always interceding, for her. Jesus loves the Church. As a young boy at the age of twelve, Jesus’ parents thought He was lost, so they went on a massive search to find him. Three days later they found Him. Where? In the Jewish Temple! He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49, TNIV). His answer states the obvious.
On many occasions Jesus referred to the Church as His bride. I have been to many weddings in my life, perhaps hundreds. While the crowd stares at the beautiful bride walking down the aisle, my eyes are set on the groom. Oftentimes he is crying, overwhelmed with emotion, as the love of his life walks down the aisle to be presented to him. As an illustration to help us attempt to comprehend Christ’s love for the Church, God compares it to a man’s love for his bride. In his book, Stop Dating the Church, Joshua Harris says, “Is it possible that God didn’t get His inspiration for loving the church from marriage, but the one reason He created marriage was to illustrate His love for the church? God invented romance and pursuit and the promise of undying love between man and woman so that throughout our lives we could catch a faint glimmer of the intense love Christ has for those He died to save. What a passion He has for His church. The strongest argument I know for why you and I should love and care about the church is that Jesus does.”