If this report of the church’s death is true then how in the world did we not know it? How could we not have seen it coming? How in the world did we miss it??
Those are questions that I have wrestled with all this week. Perhaps many of you have been wrestling with the same questions – I hope so.
Here is what I have concluded:
If the church IS dead then here is the truth…
The church is not the building or property. The church is the people. Some of those people are born again and sadly some of the members of the church are lost. We like to define the “church” as buildings because the abstract view is easier than the truth. What is the truth?
If the church is dead it is because we are dead. For those who are saved we may not actually be dead, but there are too many of us who are spiritually sick. For those who are not saved the Bible is clear – you are “dead in your sins.”
Maybe the reason the church is dead is there are too many unsaved members trying to lead her. Maybe there are too many unsaved members playing church and their sins are making the church unhealthy.
Maybe the reason the church is dead is because there are too many Christians living ungodly lives. Maybe there are too many Christians who are more interested in self then in Jesus.
How important is your church? Do you attend faithfully? Do you give regularly? Do you serve obediently? Do you pray passionately? Do you worship expectantly?
For many the thought of church is an after thought. If they have time they go, if they have money they give, if they need something big or some difficulty then they beg…
Is the church dead? Maybe the better question is – are you?
Stay tuned! We still have not heard from the church, herself. I hope you will continue to pass these posts on to others. Get people talking and thinking and just maybe they will start acting!
Hey Jeffery:
I think you may have hit the problem on the head. The problem has always been with the people of God not God himself. He remains faithful to all of us even through we cheat, lie and sin and it has been way since the first century when Christians were treated as lion chow by the Romans. Maybe you should move your next service outside to that big field behind the church to drive the point home that the problem is with the God’s people. We all have gotten to wrapped up in the trappings of the Church with the ritual of service rather than remember why we gather together in the first place. It has nothing to do with us…It has everything to do with Him! If the Church is dying, it’s because of our corporate neglect and the fact that modern Christians want instant gratification rather than a life long walk with the one true Christ. I’m sixty six years old and I’m still stumbling along in my walk with Christ trying to be as faithful to him as he has always been to me. Everyone needs to look into their own mirror of Christian belief and see what stares back at them. Sometimes the view is ugly but with your help as their pastor and shepherd, they will at least be reminded of what God as done, what he is doing and what he will do for them in their lives. Continue to shine your light in God’s direction and He will generously reward your efforts. Hey, you can only change one mind at a time but over a lifetime, look at all of God’s people you will lead to eternal glory. No, the Church is not dead, it’s just in intensive care on LIFE support waiting for that heart transplant! I really do enjoy reading your blog. Keep the e-mails coming!
Your brother in Christ,
Uncle Don
I agree! Thanks for the good word!