Guess what! The church was not man’s idea. It was God’s idea! Jesus said, “…Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 Because of hypocrisy, rejection, or lack of relevance there are people who are saying, yes to God, but no to His church. I’m not sure that I blame them, but how can we say yes to God and no to His idea? Saying no to the church because you had a bad experience is like saying you’ll never eat again because you went to a bad restaurant.
In the book of Ephesians, Paul compares the church to a kingdom in demonstration, a body, a family, a temple, a bride, and an army. Individually, corporately, and universally the church is God’s community. Don’t give up! Find a church you can say “yes” to.
Hebrews 10:25
“Forsake not the assembling of ourselves together… and so much the more as you see the day of Christ approaching.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
The church is more than a religious organization. It is more than a building with stained glass windows. Corporately, it is an organism made up of every believer from every nation throughout all ages. Individually, it is every person who is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
- If you are a believer, answer the following questions: “Do you not know that your body is the temple, the (very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit who lives within you?” I Corinthians 6:19 (AMP) If you were the only church some people would see, what opinion do you think they would form about the church?
- Let the church “be” the church! If your lifestyle doesn’t exemplify your testimony, you are bringing harm to the church of Jesus Christ.
- Become an integral part of a Bible believing church. It is an incredible support system and source for spiritual growth.
“I was glad when they said unto me let us go to the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1
