Church! Church? Church...

One of the most controversial topics in today's society is church. In past, I am not one to really express words on matters that can bring about conflict but God has really poured into my heart the beginning of a journey to dig into the idea of church, gathering as a community, ecclesia, etc.  This is meant to cause no offense to beliefs or opinions, just a writing that breaks down the raw background of church and where we may be standing today.

Looking around town you see all different denominations of churches.  Some welcoming you in, some....well not.  You hear about their Sunday services, midweek prayer meetings, and certain families that have been attending their church for over 50 years.  You are invited to a friend's baptism at a Catholic church.  You, being raised in a Protestant home, don't feel too comfortable in this environment.  You don't recognize their prayers, can't follow along with the ceremony, and feel a sense of separation, standing firm in your own pride to represent your church. To this same baptism, a non-denominational Christian walks in.  They see priests dressed in robes and automatically may be feeling judgemental.  They can't share in the Eucharist because they weren't baptized in a Catholic church.  The ceremony goes on, the reception takes off and everyone is joining in conversation and socializing.

According to the Bible, which I will bring in specific scriptures later, the reception may have been the most "churchy" part of the event.  This isn't meant to blame or poke the finger at anyone, but just a writing of awareness to the true facts of what society has brought to church. At the reception here is fellowship, celebration, a feast, and more of an opportunity for openness and bonding.  When I was growing up in the Catholic church, I thought the priests were better than me.  They were special people that could talk to God, and I couldn't.  In turns out, I was turning to them for all of things I was meant to turn to Jesus about.  I was looking to them instead of to my own personal relationship with God.

After my father died, a family counseled me and opened my eyes to what church really is all about.  We are the church, the Ecclesia, a group of people coming together that belong to the Lord.  The origin of church stems from the Greek word kuriakos, meaning "the Lord's." Just because one does not attend a Sunday church service, does not make them any worse off than the other person who may attend church meetings all week.

It all begins with relationship, a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Understanding that this relationship is not a convenient on/off switch, but it is a union between the Creator and His creation.  An everlasting covenant sealed by the blood Jesus shed on the Cross. Through this Cross, Rising up so that we are marked with the pouring out of His Holy Spirit.  A powerful message, that is proclaimed ALL through out the Bible.

Church organizations around the world are doing amazing and miraculous things.  They are guiding people to a relationship with Jesus Christ, they are spreading the Good News with His Love and Sincerity.  This is just to encourage you to not forget, there are thousands of churches out there who need  help, who are suffocating, suffering, and need His children to open their doors and let in the light.

This is a writing of encouragement, to recognize that denominations are a great historical and family tradition.  They are amazing to be a part of, but just don't forget about all of the people in the world that are ALL a part of His Church.  I read something and it said "It isn't about building numbers in the church, it is about bringing the children to His Kingdom."

That homeless man, that girl who was kicked out of her house for getting pregnant, your stubborn step-father, these are all people who need Jesus just as much as you do, God holding "no favoritism or partiality."  The Sunday Service at church is a great time to come together as a Body of Christ, to praise and worship as One Spirit, but God has just really been pouring into my heart about bringing real "church" to the everyday world.

Your quiet time, your "rest in Him" is where He fills you. Don't let yourself feed off of other people instead of Jesus Christ.  I am guilty of it at times.  It is an easy trap to fall into, and as humans we are lazy.  God wants all of you, wholeheartedly devoted to Him.  Through that relationship, He heals you (Mark 1), transforms you, (Romans 12), in a union that nothing can ever separate (Romans 8).

Don't ever feel like God is not with you.  He doesn't abandon you and come back when He feels like it.  Most of the time that is our minds and our own self just not letting Him in.  Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)  He is not just present on Sundays, but with you always, wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9).

This is just the beginning, God is building a new wave of followers in His name, to pour out a Spirit of Faith based on the foundation of His Love and Purpose for us beyond the walls of any building.