For example, when someone asks me what church I am a member of, I often reply, "I am a member of the Lord's church." Perhaps I might say, "I am a member of the church you can read about in the Bible." Again, I could say, "I am a member of the body of Christ", of the "church of Christ." Now that last one gives them what they want. Now they can categorize me into their own opinion about what they think I believe.
I would like to examine this within the light of Scripture, what does the Bible say about the idea of The Lord's church?
Matthew 16:18 - "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
Acts 2:47 - "Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
Acts 20:28 - "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."
Ephesiasn 1:22-23 - "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."
Ephesians 5:23-25 - "For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her."
If the Lord built the church, added to the church, purchased the church, is head of the church, and if the church is His body, and it is subject to Him in everything, doesn't it makes sense that it belongs to Him? I think the real problem lies with those who have attempted to organize a church to be something other than the Lord's. Unfortunately, they have accomplished their goal.
But as for me and my house, we will continue to let the church be His, and urge and teach others to flow into it. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Josh. 24:15).
"...or despise Ye the church of God?" ~ 1 Corinthains 11:22
I think you are right, when we answer by stating we are a member of the church of Christ, a lot of people tune out after that. It is best to keep the conversation going.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Matthew. I often hear negative comments about the church, many which seem to break us down rather than build up. But I often let my mind drift to the apostles, and how they daily interacted with Jesus. How diverse, confused, and wonderful these men were. And how patient and loving Jesus was of them. May we be like them in the church as well.
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