The lyrics of the song, “I am the Church” remind us that that “the Church is not a building” (see “Church” under “Measure of Meaning”). However, even though we are the Church, we must not confuse that with the misconception that the Church is all about us. All you have to do is watch and listen (to others and to the words coming from our own mouths) and you will hear the excuses we give for not participating in worship or in ministry.
“It’s too hot.” “It’s too cold.” “It’s too early.” “It’s too late.” “The guitar was too loud.” “The organ played too slow.” “Someone hurt my feelings.” “I have too many other things I’m spending my money on.” “I need to sleep late.” “I am going to the (insert sport here) game.” “I need to study.” “I can worship on the golf course/in the mall.”
I remember John Osteen (the late father of Joel) telling a story about seeing a member of his church one day and how the man began to explain why he was not going to go to church the next Sunday. He said, “I’m not coming to church. There are too many hypocrites there.” John smiled, pat the man gently on the back and said, “Might as well come on. One more won’t hurt anything.” The point made here is that we are all sinners, saved by grace, called to worship and serve God without excuses.
The Church is not about making sure we are comfortable in the building or that we might try to carve out time for “church” in our busy schedules. The Church is about humbly centering ourselves on the One Almighty God who creates, forgives, saves, restores, and calls us to love, to worship, and to serve Him as a unified body of Christ.
Because we live in a consumer era, someone has taken the time to create a church for those who do require specific elements in their church. This video shows us that rare perfect church where people have no reason to complain, or to work out struggles, or to show grace, or to grow in faith, or to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Due to technical difficulties, you'll have to click on this link to view the video.)
“It’s too hot.” “It’s too cold.” “It’s too early.” “It’s too late.” “The guitar was too loud.” “The organ played too slow.” “Someone hurt my feelings.” “I have too many other things I’m spending my money on.” “I need to sleep late.” “I am going to the (insert sport here) game.” “I need to study.” “I can worship on the golf course/in the mall.”
I remember John Osteen (the late father of Joel) telling a story about seeing a member of his church one day and how the man began to explain why he was not going to go to church the next Sunday. He said, “I’m not coming to church. There are too many hypocrites there.” John smiled, pat the man gently on the back and said, “Might as well come on. One more won’t hurt anything.” The point made here is that we are all sinners, saved by grace, called to worship and serve God without excuses.
The Church is not about making sure we are comfortable in the building or that we might try to carve out time for “church” in our busy schedules. The Church is about humbly centering ourselves on the One Almighty God who creates, forgives, saves, restores, and calls us to love, to worship, and to serve Him as a unified body of Christ.
Because we live in a consumer era, someone has taken the time to create a church for those who do require specific elements in their church. This video shows us that rare perfect church where people have no reason to complain, or to work out struggles, or to show grace, or to grow in faith, or to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Due to technical difficulties, you'll have to click on this link to view the video.)
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1 comment:
I think Thanksgiving is a great time to thank God for what we have and quit complaining. One of the catch phrases of the 60's was "if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. When you think about what our ancestors had about 100 years ago, you can appreciate what we have much more so. Certain illnesses that are quickly cured, were deadly back then. Getting to church wasn't as easy as hopping in hot shower and driving to church.
I also think some people get out of the habit of worshiping at church and quit coming or are highly critical of everything. Let's thank God for everything we have.
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