| Whatsoever
Things Are True
by Dan Coburn Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church pastordan@mtida.net "I want a healthy Church!!!". But what exactly is that? What is a healthy Church from man's perspective, and does/might that differ from what God deems a healthy Church? The worldly trend is to lower expectations with regard to Church. Nugget: Is Church a noun or a verb? Sure we are the "body of Christ" in his absence (Eph. 5), but we also have a purpose or mission. Question: If we are not endeavoring to fulfill His mission, are we still His Body? Some decent, seemingly benign things can distract us - jobs, sports, hobbies, children's activities --- the list is long. The truth of it however, is that a Healthy Church has High expectations of its members. When the world (of late) is allowed to set our agenda, or has higher priority in our lives than the Primary Vessel (God), the Church has forfeited it's right and even ability to Glorify Him. Read that last sentence again. "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Eph. 3:21. When we in part or parcel, give the world priority w/regard to time and money, we rapidly approach James 4:4. "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?". This is not simply spending time in a building although it is certainly included. This Church has come to the realization that its founder, Jesus Christ, demands not A place in your life, but First place. "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have preeminence." Colo. 1:18 Sounds like a High Expectation to me. Let's turn the Spiritual Switch. It is God's will that we meet, gather together to worship, fellowship, break bread, study, encourage, edify, etc. That said, where might you go? I'm not recruiting, or proselytizing, but I am challenging you to get plugged in. Here's the criteria. Find a Church that 1) preaches Jesus, and 2) challenges you. It may not be a Baptist Church (there I said it), but it must meet #1 and 2. Don't look for or stay at a Church that always make you comfortable. The warmANDfuzzy will wax old. Don't settle for TV preaching. Some of it is good, some great, but they won't give you a ride when you break down or visit you in the hospital. Nor, can you be an encouragement to others in the body like you can when you commit to a group of like minded believers. Nugget: Your Church has flawed leadership, and flawed members. That's what happens when you let people in Church. The test is loving them through it. God has high expectations for you. Do you for yourself? |
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