And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
Jesus Christ is building his Church and nothing will stop it. Today we are told that the church is dying – but that is a lie. Actually, statistics prove that the number of Christians in the world is growing. It is true that there may be fewer people who go to church in the West but in Africa, South America, and Asia more and more people are becoming Christians and going to church. The Body of Christ is not dying. For the Church to die would mean that its Head, Jesus Christ, would die. He already died for his Church once. He will not die again. Christ is building his Church (true believers) and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. So, if Christ is building his church now, how can I be a part of the building process? Here is what I have learned:
- Go to church. Personally, I have not attended a church for the past year because I am old and prevented from going because of the coronavirus. But I have been in church by myself as I have streamed my own church service every Sunday. By the time this blog is published I will have had my second shot of vaccine and I will be able to go back to church. How about you? Christ wants his body to worship him together so please Go to church!
“And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:22-23
- Go to the best church you can. It is important to go to a church where the pastor preaches the Word of God. I am grateful that God has put me in churches where I hear the Bible faithfully preached. But there are so many “good” churches where preachers’ sermons are topical instead of expositional. Please check out your church to see if the preacher is preaching through a book of the Bible. You need to know what the Bible says, not just what the preacher says. If you need to change churches, do so. If the Bible is not preached in your church, you will not grow spiritually, and God will not bless that church.
“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” Colossians 1:18
- Pray that churches that do not teach the uncompromised truth of Scripture will close. False teaching in churches is deadly. Better no teaching than false teaching. A church that is wishy-washy should close instead of making its members think that they are fine just because they go to a church and are made to feel good. Church is not about “feeling good”. Church is about worshiping God and learning to know him through his Word. Please pray that churches that do not do those things will close.
“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” Acts 20:28
Do not be discouraged. Christ is building his Church and you as a Christian can be part of the process by not only going to a good church yourself, but by inviting others to go with you. Most people begin to go to church because somebody invites them. You may need to pick them up the first time or make a way for them to get there. Since I do not drive anymore, I am grateful that I have loved ones who see that I get to church. Let us do all we can to help build the true Church of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Thank you, Rosemary for this encouraging word! I had forgotten about Matt 16:18, and have been very discouraged over the state of our churches. You gave some very good advice, here. I never thought to pray for a church to close, but I think you are right about that. May God bless you as you attend church in person, very soon. I will pray for you to breeze through that second covid shot.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement you have given me to get back to church. I haven't been in a year since Covid fears began. I miss church and the teaching, music, fellow believers, and worshipping corporately. So thankful you are getting your 2nd vaccine.
ReplyDeleteRosemary,
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminder of inviting others to church. I have been out and about for ages. And many plans for travel in future. Still praying over need for vaccine. Best wishes on yours! Beth
Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThis is a timely and well-put note of encouragement for us, the Church! May God richly repay your faithfulness to build up the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 9:8-10!
Love,
Beth S.
This past Monday the RBS Group discussion had many doctrines and one if them was the Church and worship. These ladies were without a pastor for more than 2 years. Their church remains closed and all services are held on the phone and they miss seeing their friends. They were critical of some of their church traditions that are not Gospel centered. Possibly with that discussion they will have input when their church reopens. This is a great time for change. Thanks for sharing Rosemary. I pray for the Church to be strong enough to meet the needs of our nation.
ReplyDeleteVivian, it sounds to me like your RBS ladies need to find another church! Often I have counseled people that their job is not to try to change a church, but to work in it. If that is impossible, then they need to go to a different church. BUT keep them coming to your Bible study!
DeleteI appreciate your wise counsel Rosemary. :)
ReplyDeleteI am thankful to have a church that has been open since last year. We have a wonderful expositional Pastor who teaches directly from God’s Word and is currently teaching through the book of John.
One of the blessings I see coming from this pandemic is the ability to share live-streamed services on Social Media - with people who may not go to church or know Jesus. God is on the move!