DRAWING NEAR

 James 4:8 (NIV)

Come near to God and he will come near to you.

               In my devotions today I read the introduction to C.S. Lewis’ book The Four Loves. He set the stage for his exploration of love, but he also introduced an interesting concept that I would like to explore.

               Lewis makes the point that there is a difference between nearness-by-likeness and nearness-by-approach. We might best understand this idea by looking at the relationship between a father and son. When people look at a father and son they will notice the likeness of appearance. When I have been with one of my sons, people often say that they can tell that we are related. This is nearness-by-likeness. But a father and son may or may not be near to one another. They may be estranged or very close. My son and I have begun meeting for breakfast on a semi-regular basis. We are growing in nearness-by-approach. Nearness-by-likeness is relatively static. Nearness-by-approach is dynamic. It can move in both directions. Two people may draw closer to one another, or they may draw away from one another.

               The idea of nearness-by-likeness and nearness-by-approach is an important concept in our relationship with God. By virtue of being human beings, we all reflect a likeness to God. Genesis 2 tells us that God created us in His likeness. Every human being carries this likeness within himself or herself. Our ability to reason and create and manipulate our world are all reflections of our likeness to God. Whether we acknowledge God or not, we still are near to Him in likeness. This is the sense when people say that we are all children of God.

               But being near to God by approach is something completely different. Although we may all have been created in God’s image, just as my children were created in my image, we are not all near to God or even drawing closer to God. Being near to God by approach takes intentionality and effort. First, it means having a real, personal relationship with God. This can be only through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus has made it clear that the path to nearness with God goes through Him. Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NIV) But it does not stop at this point. Drawing near to God is a process, which theologians call sanctification. In layman’s terms it means becoming more like God in our thoughts, our desires, and our actions. There is nothing passive or automatic about drawing near to God.

               The way that we get closer to another person is by spending time with them and getting to know them on a deeper level. The same is true in our relationship with God. The only way to get closer to Him is to spend time with Him and get to know Him on a deeper level. We do this in three ways, which are all interconnected. We draw near to God through the study of His word, the Bible. The more that we immerse ourselves in the Word of God the more we get to know Him. The Bible has the power to transform our lives. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

               A close relationship with another person is more than just knowing things about them. It is in a sense becoming like them. Friends tend to shape each other. As it says in Proverbs 27:17 (NIV). As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. They begin to think alike and act alike. They are able to dialog on a deeper level. In the same way, just reading the Bible is not enough. We need to apply what we are learning to our everyday lives. We need to allow the Word of God to guide our thoughts and our actions. Application is essential if we are going to truly be like God. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 (NIV)

               There is a last aspect of drawing near to God. It is prayer. If a relationship is going to progress beyond being superficial, it will require that people share their thoughts, dreams, and opinions with one another. Spending time together can bring us closer to another person, but talking together takes us to a deeper level. Throughout the New Testament we are encouraged to talk with God. In fact, Paul tells us that we should pray without ceasing. Prayer is far more than giving God our laundry list of wants. Genuine prayer is a time to open our hearts to God. To express our failures, to celebrate God’s goodness, to share our desires and plans. Prayer is our response to God reaching out to us and inviting us into relationship with Him.

               We all, in one way or another, reflect the image of God. We are all near to God in likeness. But we are not all near to God in approach. It is only as we intentionally reach out to God and invite Him into our lives that we really become His children and co-heirs of His kingdom with Christ.

Hebrews 10:19-23 (NIV)
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

THE DESIRE TO BE KNOWN

 

1 Corinthians 8:3 (NIV)
But the man who loves God is known by God.

               Not too long ago I attended a conference for ministry leaders. I knew two of the main speakers, so after one of the lessons I approached one of those men. I immediately introduced myself, not wanting to assume that the man would remember my name. His immediate response was, I know who you are. There is something powerful about being known.

               There is a big difference between someone recognizing you and someone really knowing you. There are many people who know my name, and may even know somethings about me, but they don’t really know me. There are many people that I know in a superficial way, but I don’t really know them in a significant way.

               Several years ago, I led a group of men from my church on a weekend, backpacking trip. After the trip was over one of the men made a comment that has stuck with me even since. He said that before the trip he knew me as Pastor Dave. Now he knows me as Dave. Because we had shared that experience together, this man moved from knowing me from a distance to knowing me more personally.

               There is a desire within each of us to be known, to be recognized, to be valued. So many of our relationships are superficial, surface level relationships. People know our name, but we don’t feel truly known. It is possible for us to be surrounded be people and still fell utterly alone and unrecognized.

               This desire that we have to be known goes even deeper than connecting with other people. We want to be known on a much deeper level by God. We all want to know that our life matters. We all want to know that our efforts count for something. We all want to be recognized in a deep and profound way.

               Jesus came into the world to offer us that kind of relationship with God. Before Jesus came, the Jewish people knew about God, but from a distance. As a people in general they felt that God knew them, but not as individuals. Although they may have believed that God cared about the welfare of the nation, they didn’t sense that God cared about them as individuals. Jesus came to change that.

               During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He focused His attention on individual people. He could have gone the political route and established His rule and reign in Jerusalem, but He did not. He could have gone the religious route and established Himself as the High Priest in the Temple. But instead, He took the personal route of seeing and caring for people who felt neglected, overlooked, and unimportant. I think one of the things that drew the common people to Jesus was that, in His presence, a person felt seen, heard, and valued.

               By coming to earth in the form of a man, Jesus invited us to really know Him, but also to be known by Him. In the opening chapter of John’s Gospel, he makes a powerful statement. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-2,14 By coming to earth Jesus revealed the very nature and character to God in ways that it had never been done before. Jesus was inviting people to really know Him, not just know about Him. Then in I John, John talks about the very personal nature of his relationship with Jesus. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 1 John 1:1-2

               The greatest desire that we all have is to move from knowing about Jesus from a distance to being known by Jesus in a personal, intimate way, as John knew Jesus. Jesus doesn’t just know about us; He knows us as a friend. When we put our faith in Jesus, we move from a vague image of a God out there somewhere to a personal relationship with the God who is present in our lives.

               Jesus is not calling us to conform to some religious system. Jesus is inviting us into a relationship in which we can know Him and be known by Him. Jesus makes it very clear that it is not enough to know about God, but we need to know Him personally. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)

               We don’t have to settle for knowing about God from a distance. Through faith in Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, we can know Him and be known by Him.

John 10:14 (NIV)
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—"

 

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

 

Galatians 4:4 (NIV)
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, …

               As I wrap up my current interim assignment, I marvel again at God’s timing. God’s timing is always right on, even when we can’t see it moving forward. Our natural tendency is to expect God to adjust His plans to our timetable. But it doesn’t work that way.

               The people of Israel waited a long time for God to send the Messiah. In retrospect, we can see how God’s timing was perfect, but it didn’t look that way at the time. Israel was a subjugated people. They were living under the rule of the Roman Empire. They had lost their prominent role on the world stage and had become a backwater province of a much larger empire. Yet, today we can see how strategic the timing was for the advancement of the Gospel. Rome had provided a common language, a relatively stable environment, as well as much improved transportation. The Gospel was able to rapidly spread through the known world because of these advantages.

               As we live in the interim time between Christ’s ascension and His return, we need to trust God’s timing. As Peter put it, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) Every generation of the Church since the day of Christ’s ascension have been wondering why Jesus has not come back yet. As we face more and more challenges in our world, we too are tempted to cry out to God, What are you waiting for!!! But God’s timing is perfect.

               On a less global scale, we need to learn to trust God’s timing for the events of our lives. Right now, we are eagerly awaiting the birth of our fourth grandchild. We would love to see him born sooner rather than later, but he will be born at just the right time. As I look back over the past two years, I can see how God lined things up for me and for the church I am serving to be able to get to the place where we are today; welcoming a new pastor. Had we rushed into the process, we would have missed the opportunity to call the man that we did; he was not ready to take on this challenge a year ago. Neither was the church ready to accept a new, young pastor at that time. But today, both the pastor and the congregation are at the right place at the right time. This is not because we were clever and orchestrated things well. It is because God knew what we needed and when we needed it. The timing was totally in His hands.

               As I look ahead, I wonder what is next for me. I want to have a plan moving forward, but God hasn’t chosen to reveal that to me. Instead, He is telling me to trust Him and take it one day at a time. I can rush into things, making things more difficult. I am learning to be patient and allow God to set the time table. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

               Several of my last messages have been related to the second coming of the Lord. It can be a hot topic in some circles, garnering some lively debate. The one thing that I can be sure about is that no one knows God’s timing when it comes to the return of Christ. Just as the time was right for Jesus’ birth into our world, the time will be just right when He returns. Our role is to patiently await that time, actively doing what Jesus commissioned us to do. We can be sure that when the time has fully come so will Jesus.

Psalms 27:14 (NIV)
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalms 37:7 (NIV)
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

 

NEWS FLASH! WE NEED ONE ANOTHER!

 

1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

               We live in a highly individualistic society. We value being able to make our own way in the world without being dependent upon others. Pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps is firmly embedded into our cultural consciousness. There are many benefits of the independence that we enjoy and hold onto. But there are some significant downsides as well.

               America is facing a new epidemic, and it is not a new strain of Covid. We are facing an epidemic of loneliness. The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is hoping to raise our awareness of the threat before us. “Most of us probably think of loneliness as just a bad feeling,” he told USA TODAY. “It turns out that loneliness has far greater implications for our health when we struggle with a sense of social disconnection, being lonely or isolated.”

               In a recent national survey of American adults, 36% of respondents reported serious loneliness—feeling lonely “frequently” or “almost all the time or all the time” in the four weeks prior to the survey. This included 61% of young people aged 18-25 and 51% of mothers with young children. 43% of young adults reported increases in loneliness since the outbreak of the pandemic. About half of lonely young adults in the survey reported that no one in the past few weeks had “taken more than just a few minutes” to ask how they are doing in a way that made them feel like the person “genuinely cared.”

               This feeling of being disconnected can affect anyone. Loneliness is not limited to rural, isolated communities. People can live in the midst of a bustling urban center and feel totally alone. Some of the times that I have felt the loneliest, I have been surrounded by people. It is possible to be in a crowd and feel invisible.

               We were not created to live solo lives surrounded by other solo lives. Instead, we were created to interact with one another in significant ways. We were created by God to live in community with one another. Our individualism needs to be tempered by the reality that we cannot live this life all alone. It just doesn’t work.

               When we live isolated, individual lives we rob ourselves of the care and nurture that we all need to thrive. The idea that we don’t need the help of others, that we can make it on our own, is a myth. In order for us to be healthy, both physically and emotionally, we need other people in our lives who really care about us. People who enjoy loving relationships with others live longer, healthier lives.  People without these relationships tend to withdraw into themselves and often die sooner.

               People who live isolated, individual lives rob themselves of their full potential. C.S. Lewis, in his book The Four Loves talks about the value of genuine friendship. He makes the point that genuine friends draw out different qualities from one another. Each friend brings something new to the table that highlights some new facet of the other. The broader the circle of genuine friends, the more a person blossoms. Lewis not talking about mere acquaintances. A person can have many acquaintances and still be lonely. He is talking about the kinds of friends that can get behind the public mask we all wear and see the real person behind.

               There are several things that can keep us in our isolation, if we don’t come to grips with them. Many people live lonely, isolated lives because they are afraid of being vulnerable. Our culture is not kind to those who are too open about their weaknesses and faults. A fear of being “found out” keeps people in the prison of loneliness. The Bible tells us that the solution to this is to risk being honest with a few close friends. As trust grows between friends, they are more willing to risk being vulnerable. When a person finally opens up, they suddenly discover that they are not alone in their weakness. Others share the same experiences. Therefore, James challenges us to develop the kind of relationships that will allow us to be vulnerable.

James 5:13-16 (NIV)
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

               Another reason people remain in isolation is the fear of intimacy, or more specifically, the fear of being hurt. We all begin life with a certain amount of social capital. We innocently enter into relationships with others expecting a positive result. Sometimes it works out that way and sometimes it does not. When a person gets hurt in a relationship, it makes it harder for them to enter into another one.

               Part of growing up and maturing as a person is learning to weather the hurts of life so that we can experience the joys of life. To do this we need to take the risk to get close to others. If we keep everyone at arm’s length, we may not get hurt, but we will also not thrive. Along the way, we will all get hurt by others and we will all hurt others. We don’t necessarily do this intentionally, but nevertheless we do it. Learning to live in genuine community with others gives us a foundation to stand on when we feel hurt. It also gives us a healthy way to deal with our hurts.

               Part of the reason for Paul writing letters to the churches that he founded was to teach them how to live together in community. They lived in a brutal world where every person was for themselves. They had to learn to live differently, and so do we. So Paul gave some very practical instructions on how to move out of isolation into community.

Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

               Let me summarize Paul’s formula for breaking free of loneliness and isolation. First, we need to understand who we are in Christ. We are dearly loved, in fact, loved beyond measure. No matter what happens to us in life, nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. We can risk loving others because we are secure in Christ’s love.

               Second, we need to cultivate the character qualities that will set us apart from the norm. In a world that is often cold and uncaring, we need to cultivate godly compassion for those around us. In a world that takes advantage of others, we need extend genuine kindness. In a world that idolizes big egos, we need to strive to be humble, having a realistic understanding of who we are. In a world that is harsh, we need to learn to be gentle. In a world that hardly stops long enough to catch its breath, we need to cultivate a spirit of patience, waiting on God’s timing.

               Third, we need to extend the grace of God to one another. Forgiveness and letting go of our hurts are the keys to breaking the chains of loneliness and isolation. We have been forgiven by Christ. We can extend that same forgiveness to others.

               Finally, we need to learn to love as Jesus loves. Love to today has lost its deep and significant meaning. Love today is temporary and fickle. Much of what is heralded as love in superficial and based on physical attraction. Genuine love is so much more that those things. The love that Christ has demonstrated for us is a sacrificial love that is willing to give all for the other. Christ calls us to do the same. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16 (NIV)

               We don’t have to live in isolation and loneliness. We have a choice. But it will mean taking some risks, being vulnerable and humble. The road out of loneliness will not be smooth. There will be bumps along the way, disappointments and setbacks. But if we stay on the path, we will discover the more abundant life that Jesus has promised to us.

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

 

IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE

 

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

               We have been watching an old TV show on Paramount Plus called Monk. It is the story of a brilliant detective who suffers from a multitude of phobias. The theme song for the show begins with the line, it’s a jungle out there. There is some spiritual truth to that statement.

               I have been reminded recently that we have to be aware that there are spiritual forces that want to derail our faith and make us ineffective. This is especially true when we are making positive spiritual progress in life. When things seem to be falling into place, we need to watch out for Satan’s attacks.

               Peter tells us that we need to be on our guard because we have an enemy who is looking for an opening through which he can attack us. He is like a hungry lion looking for easy prey. One of Satan’s tactics is to keep us oblivious to the spiritual realm all around us. In our materialistic world we tend to think about and focus only on those things that seem tangible to us. But there is an entire sphere of reality that is outside of our material world. As Peter warns us, it’s a jungle out there.

               In my experience, I have encountered two extremes when it comes to the spiritual realm. On one side are those who are obsessed with the spiritual realm. They see a demon behind every mishap in life. They go around trying to cast demons out of their car because it won’t start on a cold winter’s morning. Or they see catching Covid as a direct attack from Satan. I may be exaggerating a little, but not too much.

               On the other extreme are those who never consider the spiritual realm at all. They either deny its existence or just refuse to even consider it. These folks tend to see those who are concerned about the spiritual realm as naïve or superstitious or uninformed. In their mind, there is nothing to be concerned about.

               The Bible gives us a more nuanced and balanced view of the spiritual realm. It confirms that the spiritual realm exists. It also understands that the spiritual realm is subject to God’s authority. Angels and demons are not just real, they are a present reality in our world, even though we cannot see them. There are multiple examples of the interplay between the material world and the spiritual world given in the Bible. For example, there are multiple records of Jesus casting out demons from possessed people.

               One of my favorites is the story of the demon possessed man who was so violent and uncontrollable that he lived among the tombs. When Jesus encountered him, it was revealed that this man was possess by a legion of demons. So, Jesus cast them out of the man into a herd of pigs that then raced down a slope into a lake and were drowned. This was a great loss to the people who owned the pigs, but there was some interesting symbolism here. Pigs were considered unclean by the Jews and all demons are unclean. The unclean were cast into the unclean and the end result was destruction.

               In the book of Daniel, we read about a struggle between an angel and the Prince of Peria. Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come." Daniel 10:12-14 (NIV)

               In the New Testament, Paul reminds us that we are constantly in a spiritual battle that is being fought in the spiritual realm with material consequences. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)

               We cannot afford to be ignorant of the spiritual realm around us. On the other hand, we do not have to live in constant fear of it either. As we actively put on the armor of God, we can take our stand with confidence. We have the power of God available to us through the Holy Spirit. As John tells us in 1 John 4:4, You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

               We should not be surprised that we are under a spiritual attack. In fact, we should expect it. The more that we draw closer to God in Christ and serve Him more effectively, the more Satan will try to derail us. Satan cannot attack God directly, but he can attack God’s children, and he does. So, we need to be on our guard.

1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

 

A FRESH START

 Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

               I like to get up early in the morning when the day is fresh and new. Each morning brings new opportunities, new challenges, new chances to get it right. No matter what happened the day before, the new day offers a fresh start. Although we carry with us the consequences of the day before, we have a new chance to deal with issues. Although we carry with us the responsibilities of the day before, we have a chance to address them from a fresh perspective.

               The book of Lamentations is one long struggle with Israel’s failures and the consequences of those failures. But in the midst of lamenting the bad things that have happened, the author leans into the mercy and compassion of God. His message is that a person can never exhaust God’s mercy and compassion. God’s love, mercy, and compassion are new every morning. Everyday God offers us a fresh start.

               The Bible often contrasts our unfaithfulness to God’s faithfulness. Even though we are unfaithful at times, God’s faithfulness to us never wavers. Jesus promised us that he would not abandon us. One of the last things He said to His disciples before He ascended was that He would be with them always, even to the end of the age. He has extended that promise to us as well.

               All of us need a fresh start spiritually from time to time. Our faith can become routine and lose its flavor. We can drift away from Christ and lose our focus. We can stumble into sin and lose our peace. What Jesus offers to us every morning is a fresh start in our journey of faith.

               I have done a little backpacking in the past. By the end of a day of backpacking you get pretty weary. The pack gets heavier as the day goes along. Your feet get sore and your shoulders ache. Finally, you arrive at the campsite for the night. You set up camp, cook your evening meal, and sit around the campfire reflecting on the day’s hike. After a night of rest, you make a fresh start on your journey. Every backpack trip that I have taken has taught me new lessons. Each time I went, I went with a better knowledge of what to do and what not to do. Each trip was a fresh start.

               Our journey through life is much like a backpacking trip. There are hills to climb and valleys to traverse. We are moving toward a destination. And we are carrying a pack on our back. Each day we place into our pack a variety of things; challenges, disappointments, accomplishments, tasks to be accomplished, and hopefully joys experienced. Each night, God gives us the chance to lay down our pack and let Him unpack it for us. Often as we sleep, God sorts out the jumbled confusion in our minds and begins to lead us toward clarity. When we wake in the morning, we often have a fresh perspective and hopefully fresh energy to face the day.

               No matter where our journey takes us or what challenges we face along the way, there is one thing that we can hold onto, God’s faithfulness. We are not making this journey alone. We have been given the Holy Spirit to encourage us, strengthen us, and guide us. Jesus promised us that we don’t have to carry our life backpack alone. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

               When we place our faith in Christ, we become the recipients of His faithfulness. Each day is a fresh start; a new opportunity to learn, to grow, to serve, to love and be loved. Each day we can experience God’s mercy anew. No matter how long our journey on this earth may be, we will never come to the end of God’s grace and mercy.

Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE CHURCH?

 Acts 2:42 (NIV)

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

               I have been contemplating lately what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a part of His church. It is easy to fall into the idea that being a follower of Jesus is just about going to heaven when you die. But is that really all that it is? Isn’t there more to being a genuine Jesus follower?

               The more that I have thought about this the more I come back to what it means to really be a church. When Jesus taught, the focus of His message was on being in a right relationship with God and with one another. Being a follower of Jesus is all about relationship. It is not just about living a moral life, but living a life in communion with God and with others.

               The church has fallen on hard times. The attitude of many people is that the church is irrelevant at best and a problem at worst. It has been depicted as imposing a set of rules onto people that denies them freedom and takes away their fun. This is sad, because the church is actually the path to genuine freedom and ultimate purpose in life.

               Acts 2:42 gives us the essence of the church in a nut shell. What we see is four basic components to discovering the life Jesus promised us when He promised us the abundant life.

               The church should be a place of learning about God and about ourselves. Teaching has always been at the heart of what the church does. In fact, in the Great Commission, teaching is a prominent aspect. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) Without sound teaching we drift from new idea to new idea without any firm foundation. The early church devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching and we should as well.

               The church should be a place to really belong. The early church was devoted to the fellowship; they really loved one another. This is an aspect of the church that we have lost today. In our focus on individual needs and desires, we have forgotten that we need one another. The church was designed to demonstrate life as God designed it. It should be an open fellowship not a closed circle. It should be a place where people feel accepted and belong. But it also means that we are to hold one another accountable to living out our faith genuinely. Real community encourages and corrects, supports and challenges. The church should be a place where people can be real, warts and all.

               The church should be a place to worship and celebrate. The breaking of bread specifically refers to the Lord’s Supper; a time to remember and reflect upon what Jesus has done for us on the cross. But it can be extended to breaking bread together around the table in our homes or in the church. The setting for the Lord’s Supper was a shared meal. There is something intimate and meaningful about sharing a meal together. The church needs to be a place where we can genuinely worship together whether that be in a formal sense or an informal sense. It should be a place to celebrate all that God has done and is doing in us.

               The last aspect of the church is that it should be a place the encourages an intimate relationship with God. Prayer is more than a laundry list of things we want God to do for us. It is a two-way conversation. It is an invitation to open our hearts to God and allow Him to transform our lives. Prayer is not a formality that we need to get out of the way. It is an essential part of what it means to connect with God. Praying together binds us together as the body of Christ. It aligns our hearts and our minds with God’s heart and mind.

               We live in a world that is disparate for genuine community. Most people today are lonely. They want to be accepted and to really belong. All of the superficial ways to experience community that are offered to people today fall short and end in disappointment and discouragement.

               Jesus created the church to be a place to belong. A place to do life together. A place to grow as people, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. The church at it best is not another social club, but a genuine community that cares for its people, that binds up the wounds of the fragile, that empowers people to live up to who God created them to be. The church should be a place that brings out the best in people. Jesus created the church to bring light into a dark world, to add flavor to life, and to rescue people from the decay that dominates our world.

               No church is perfect; we all have flaws. But when a group of Jesus followers bands together to live as Jesus taught us to live, we can change our world.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”