Not long ago, while studying the Acts of the Apostles, I received some ideas about the Church. I preached a message from those thoughts recently, so these ideas come from that Sunday morning service. I am not talking just about the Chapel, or about just St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, or just about the First Baptist Church. I am talking about every church worldwide.
What is The Church? The Greek word we get “church” from is ekklesia and it simply means “called out of or called out from ones.” the Church is made up of people everywhere who have allowed Jesus to become their Lord and Savior. We are “called out of” darkness, “out from” the grasp of the Evil One and be “born” into the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ! In the 117 times the word ekklesia is used in the New Testament, it describes a local congregation – a specific group of Believers in a specific location. So when we talk of “our Church”, we are on target with the Biblical definition.
The local Church should have three characteristics, at least in my mind. It should be radically different, evidently supernatural, and intimately relational. The Book of Acts described the Church as “ a radically biblical, caring fellowship of Believers, who are coordinated as one under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and who are committed to one another in love and loyalty, and who are called to declare and display the Truth and power of the Good News of the Kingdom to all who do not yet know Jesus Christ,” according to one of my Professors.
But, what is the Church to look like in Port O’Connor?
First, I believe the Church has been called to be radically different in lifestyle and fellowship than the surrounding culture. There should be something very distinctive about the character of our daily lives in marriage, family, values, priorities, friendships, etc. Our lives should radiate hope and confidence because of Jesus’ love and care that lives in us. One should be able to look at the lifestyle of people and easily pick out the Christians from those who have rejected Jesus from their lives. Simply living positively in an increasingly negative world is an excellent way for Christians to let their lights shine!
Second, I believe the Church has been called to be evidently supernatural. We should display an inner power that God has given to us as we respond to His directives. Please do not think that I believe Christians live perfect lives, because we do not – we live lives that have been forgiven! As a result, we do not carry around the paranoia of having to face our past. We are not trying to get people signed up to follow us, but to follow Jesus. We want to live such lives that others can believe that God is working in us and that He loves them!
But, in addition to the natural differences, we as Christians must allow God to work in us in supernatural ways. I have seen a lot of miracles happen in Chruch. When I was only 14 years old, I saw a young girl in our Church who was suffering from polio, remove her leg braces, get out of her wheelchair, and walk. Since that time, I have seen many more unbelievable events. But, the greatest miracle I have ever witnessed is when I see someone who is not living for Christ come to repentance and is “born from above!” A transformed life is the greatest thing I could ever hope to see repeatedly happen in Church.
When people come into a Church, the very presence of Jesus should be evident. We should allow God opportunity to work in His supernatural methods among us so the world will see a Real God, and not the phonies that many people are following!
Lastly, I believe the Church should demonstrate reconciliation to God and right relationships with one another. We as Christians are called to be counter-culture, divinely empowered, and living within the bonds of covenant.
In a world of broken promises, divided families, divorced couples, and estranged friendships, people are looking to see before they are willing to experience love that is real and closeness that lasts. We as Christians are family, and all that means in its highest and best application. Our reconciliation to the Father through Jesus Christ is but the first step in the Holy Spirit’s restoring us to wholeness and a loving closeness to others.
Everyone should be a part of The Church. God has given us talents that are needed to be shared with others. In such an atmosphere as The Church, we can submit to the building processes of Lord, Leadership, and Fellowship – exactly the way the Holy Spirit will shape us into the likeness of Jesus Christ!
