“The church is on fire, the church is on fire”, a frantic young boy’s voice rang out in alarm amidst the swelling chaos. Sirens blared, people were screaming, smoke billowed up, stacking itself in towers, fire trucks roared to a halt and the black boots of the firefighters hit the pavement. Flames licked the inside of the windows and the roof trembled as the fire saturated the wood underneath the shingles. Try as they might, by the time all the fires were put out and the cause of the fire was discovered, the building was useless. Fifteen minutes later, the whole structure caved in on itself, folding and snapping, sending ash and a tidal wave of smoke rolling in every direction.
Over the last few weeks, my team and I have been studying the book of Acts. I’ve studied it before, and about four years ago, I had the privilege to participate in the play my co-op did based off of the book. All this to say I’ve read it a few times. Currently, going over this book again has really opened my eyes to how our western churches have become. Let me explain.
First, Who is the church? The answer, we are the church, Christ followers. Those who find salvation in Christ. So, What is the church? The body of believers is the church, not a building. Now, Why does the church exist? To go into all the world and share the gospel along with serving others and supporting our families(the church is our family as well). When did the church become a thing/Where did the church originate from? The first time the church is ever referred to is actually in the book of Matthew in chapter 16 verse 6. The church in action and living out it’s calling happens all throughout the book of Acts. All in all though God created the church.
How do we live as the church today? I have seen a lot of weighing sins, aka, one sin is worse then the other. There is also so much pride and comparison. We aren’t actively pursuing the lost. We ignore those around us. Our culture is a me, give me, I want, I must have, and a I need this now culture. Our mindsets have been conformed to the world. Now hear me out before I start getting nasty comments and hate emails.
Let’s reflect on how the church should look. 1. Loving the sinner, hating the sin. 2. No judgement. 3. Community, being the church as a whole. 4. Small groups, people you strengthen relationships with and can rely on in times of need. 5. Digging deep, being real with one another. Trust me nobody, has their life all the way put together. Nobody. 6. Accountability, we need others to hold us accountable. It is almost impossible to hold yourself accountable. 7. Missional living. Every day, every place, it’s a mission field. 8. Serving, serve others before yourself. 9. Generosity, give of your time, energy, money, etc… 10. Comparing EVERYTHING to Scripture. This is a must in order to be the church. I guarantee there are many scriptures that will prove we can love the sinners and hate the sin from many different aspects of all walks and all conflicts and disagreements in life. And there is so, so much more to the church and what it should look like.
We need to Burn the House Down.
We must Stop hiding. Don’t worry, you’re not the only chicken in the coop, I used to think that behind the doors of my church I could hide. That others will go out and tell people about Jesus. Yet, we have ALL been called to Be Bold. Step out in boldness, you have the King of the Universe of your side. Nothing can stand against you. Nope, it won’t always be easy. Nope, not everyone is going to accept or respect what you say. Have faith, press on, go out. If our churches aren’t being “persecuted” for anything or are being rejected, are we doing this whole church thing right?
The church was never meant to be concealed, hidden or surrounded by walls. We need to shine the light of Christ. We can’t just let the people we want to come in, in and those we want out, out. All are welcome at God’s table. All who repent and confess their need for a savior are called children of God. We push those who question God away because we, you and I, are too prideful as a church. Not all churches are like this. This is just an overall view I have come to observe. If your church is like this, it’s time for change. If not, if you are biblically serving and being the Church, keep it up! Be an example for other churches around you.
Be the CHANGE. Start to rebuild those foundations based off of biblical principals. Love the lost, broken, hurting, poor, lame, blind, homeless, rejected, unlovable, and the castaways. Serve others before yourself. Be the good Samaritan. Be the SALT and LIGHT to the earth. The Lord didn’t make us to be comfortably sitting in our homes watching T.V.. He didn’t shape us so we could go to work, hate it, not talk to anyone, and go home. He didn’t form us so we could sit and complain about how miserable our life is. He didn’t create us so we would take advantage of the blessings that He has SHOWERED on us. Yes, I am included in all “us”.
He created us to bring people to Him. He created us to love and care for others, putting others before ourselves. He created us to be generous with our time, energy, money, and life. He made you to go to work daily and make the most of it, telling our co-workers and others about Him. He created us to go out on the streets and spread His hope. He created you and chose you to go and tell everyone about the best gift we have ever received. Jesus. Salvation. Eternity. As the church, my challenge to everyone is, are we all, as the body of Christ, (who should be together, united in one mind, heart, and spirit) are we going to be who God is calling us to be? Or are we going to continue to live in fear of man? For me. It’s time to burn the house down. It’s time to rebuild the church. It’s time to be Bold.
