Welcome!
Today: Why Church?
Passage: Mat 16
18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[c] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[d] will not overcome it.[e] (Mat 16, NIV)-emphasis added
Living at a time when most church(es) are failing to meet the standards, many are asking, “Why Church? Why can’t we stay home and just praise God?”
Like how some people home-school their children instead of sending them to a school, why not stay home instead of going to church?
There are certain reasons, why we better go to a church if possible
First, church is established by Jesus Christ. The visible church and the invisible “body of Christ” are different, but the visible church has its significance. The cross of Christ is about a vertical (God –man-God) and a horizontal (man-man) relationship
The church, designed and built by Jesus Christ, is maintained by the Holy Spirit. Strengthened, encouraged and making it grow
31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. (Acts 9, NIV)-emphasis added
The Holy Spirit takes responsibility for the qualitative (strengthen and encourage) and the quantitative growth of the church
But this can happen only if the leadership as well as the church is at the disposal of the Holy Spirit and sensitive to Holy Spirit(Also, Eph 3:10-11)
Paul speaks about the importance of speaking to each other, in Church:
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one
another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. (Eph 5, NIV)-emphasis added
Jesus came down and lived among the people, talked, and ate with them He built bridges with people, not walls. He broke down the walls instead
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, (Eph 2, NIV)
Some people don’t like to meet with people or talk to them, even after coming to church. One appointment with Jesus will cure that sickness
May God help us brake down the walls of seperation and build relationships
Have a blessed day
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for speaking to me about the importance of the Church. As the devil is attacking churches in various ways, I am praying for your divine intervention in keeping it together and make it grow. Amen
“Ch-ur-ch” is “ch-ch” when “ur” missing there!