After church the other day, I asked some young people what they had learned from the message. But before they could respond, an older man interrupted by loudly complaining, “Nothing! I have heard that same message before.” And then he tried to shut me down by punctuating his rant with an invective, “Several times!”
However, I didn’t want him to end the conversation on that point, so I explained, “You have missed the whole point of church. If you are that mature in your faith, and have that much Bible understanding, then you need to be giving back, and you need to be discipling others.” But he was so far down the rant and rave pathway, that he wasn’t to be reasoned with, and he turned around and stormed off to the parking lot.
In addressing his complaint, let’s clarify what the church is not. The church is not a venue for mere entertainment; it’s not a spiritual theater where we passively consume religious performances. Nor is it a place where our personal preferences and comforts take precedence. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 14:26, “Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” This isn’t a call for self-centeredness but for edification.
So, what is the church meant to be? At its core, the church is a gathering of believers united in Christ, committed to supporting and encouraging one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another.” This verse highlights the essence of church – mutual edification, not solitary spiritual consumption.
Church is also where we actively engage with God’s Word. James 1:22 challenges us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Our gatherings should be times of robust learning, where the Word of God is not just heard but applied in our lives. It’s a place where teaching leads to transformation, where sermons translate into service.
Finally, the church is a place for ministering to one another’s needs. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This is the church in action – believers sharing each other’s joys and sorrows, bearing burdens, and walking together in faith.
As we gather week by week, let us remember that church is not about passive consumption but active participation. It’s about building each other up in the faith, learning and applying God’s Word, and serving one another in love. This is the church as Christ intended – a beacon of hope, a community of love, and a family of faith. Let us commit to being active participants in this divine calling.
They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.
Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together, and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47 WEB)
The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all. For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need. (Acts 4:32-35 WEB)
Digging deeper:
- How did the early church meet together? – If we lived 2,000 years ago, what would a church service look like? How did it work? Where did they meet? Could we do that?
- How to find a good local church? – Practical suggestions and Biblical foundations to help you find a good local church.
- 8 Important Things for Christians to Embrace – Christians need to embrace these things to love one another in a way that is pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 8 Dangerous Things for Christians to Avoid – Christians need to avoid these things to love one another in a way that is pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 8 Gifts of Service for Your Church – You may have thought God could only use superstars. But, God is very clear that these 8 gifts have been given to you for service in your church.
- Biblical Christianity vs Religion of Humanism – Biblical Christianity and Religion of Humanism have incompatible world views on God, human nature, morality, and human reasoning.