Random Thoughts…

To quote Mark Twain, “the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

Critics have told this lie for centuries.  There is no doubt that many have wanted to see me die since I was first-born.  Yet, I still live! 

So what about all the talk concerning my death?  Let me try to answer that. 

First, make certain you know what or rather who the “church” really is.  The church is not property or buildings.  The church is not denominational divisions.  The church has always been a people.  Not just any people, but specifically those people who have called on the name of Jesus and are born again.  There is no doubt that some who call themselves the church are in fact not!  There has always been infiltrators in the church.  That in part is the problem.  Not all the “church” really is the “church.” 

Next, be sure you understand the mission of the church.  This is another factor why some think the church has died.  The mission of the church can be summed up with a single thought.  Worship Christ.  He died for the church.  He is the head of the church.  He is coming back to get His church.  When we get the mission right then the way we live out the mission is right.  In other words, when we are worshipping Christ we will:  preach the Gospel (the message of salvation), we will help the poor, we will have a mission-mindset in all that we attempt to accomplish.  When we get the mission wrong it is always a disaster. 

To be fair there are symptoms of the church’s demise all around.  Many of those have been addressed in the previous entries by this blogger.  However, those symptoms are found in individual lives and in individual congregations.  Whenever man tries to become the head of the church it always leads to problems.  Christ must always be the head!

So, what do we say to the wild reports of my death?  Don’t believe them!  But also a word of caution – don’t become the problem! 

Are you the one running around talking negatively about the church?  Are you the one who has decided that the church is hopelessly flawed and therefore no longer relevant?  Are you the one looking for ways to run down the people and the mission of the church through gossip and backbiting? 

Christ has set over His church pastors to guide the church on His mission.  Anytime the church decides to function through power-playing committees instead of under the authority of a God-called man she will be in trouble. 

The church does not exist for you!  You exist for the church.  If you only come to see how the church can entertain you or bless you then you have come with the wrong motive and you will always be disappointed.  Perhaps your church would be better if you came asking, “what can I do to bless my church?” !

Let me tell you how you can be a blessing to your church!

1.  Attend faithfully.  When you hit and miss you miss the blessing of fellowship and worship you need as a believer.

2.  Pray faithfully.  Ask God to protect and bless and grow His church.

3.  Give faithfully.  You can’t out give God.  When you give – give it!  Don’t try to keep ownership of what you have given.

4.  Refuse to listen to the negative.  Don’t allow those who are backslidden or ungodly lead you astray.

5.  Come expectantly.  God is always at work.  Why not show up at church expecting God to do something?

6.  Serve continually.  Don’t be a church hopper!  Just because something doesn’t go your way don’t quit!  We have too been sheep shifting from place to place and saying nonsense like, “God lead me to leave.”  Your church needs you to exercise your gifts – just do it!

7.  Love one another.  Some of you come to church ready for a fight.  What is wrong with you?  You are to be known by your love.  Either you need to be born again or you need to repent! 

8.  Grow up!  Babies cry to get attention.  Some church members have never grown up spiritually they cry about everything.  Grow up!

9.  Follow the leader.  Your pastor has been called by God to your church.  Follow him.  Too much suspicion in the church today.  Too many trying to be chiefs and not enough enjoying just being indians.

10.  Be excited!  God is up to great things.  These are the final days of ministry for the church.  The Bridegroom is soon coming to get us!  Live like it could be today.

No –  I am not dead!  I am very much alive and well.  The question is – are you?