Its Thanksgiving week (still fresh in our minds I think), plans are being made. Who is coming? How long is everyone staying? You mean Uncle Bob is coming. The in-laws are staying how long? We always argue about politics or something. We have to listen to Uncle Bob’s conspiracy theories? Then the day arrives and the battle lines are drawn so to speak.
Now this may be an extreme scenario, or mild depending, but I am sure we have all seen a movie or talked to a friend where this type of scene hits close to home. Maybe it happens every year, every gathering, or maybe it’s infrequent, if ever. In today’s culture of division and disunity, almost every aspect of life has become a dividing line, and the battle lines are drawn like we’re painting a football field for the gridiron battle.
While some discussions are important, many are the result of thinking we know more than we know, or we think we heard someone that knows more than they truly know. “Well the experts said, or I heard multiple people that have advanced degrees so I am right on this one.” Remember the Brontosaurus that existed “for millions of years,” and then one day the experts said, “nope, just kidding, never existed.” Remember when Pluto was a planet, then wasn’t, then was? Those are silly things, but we listen, believe it, and argue over it even though we may have no idea what we are talking about.
I often think how the Church has changed my life. I grew up under the pretense that you don’t need the church (talk about a conspiracy theory). You can have a relationship with God without the church. And while that is true, Scripture confirms God wants us to gather together. I spent decades thinking I was saved, when I wasn’t. I spent decades going it alone. Alone, because I didn’t have a relationship with God. I had a relationship with “I am good enough.”
Jesus told Peter in Matthew 16, “and on this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matt. 16:18) Wow! Then we see throughout the rest of the New Testament, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles help establish the Church. In Revelation, Jesus writes 7 letters to the Churches (through the Apostle John of course). (Check out my other writings on the Church for more)
The Church is where we worship our savior Jesus Christ with our brothers and sisters; our family. We can worship alone, but we are strengthened together. The importance of the Church is written throughout God’s Word.
In chapter 12 of Romans, we live out God’s will when we change our thoughts too God’s, rather than the worlds which John tells us in 1 John, “the world and its lusts are passing away.” (1 John 2:17).
Everyday we are bombarded with division, uncle Bob’s conspiracy theories, political drama, joy of consumerism. The battle lines are constantly being drawn. But when we walk into worship with a church family, we know the winner. We worship TOGETHER the one whom we put our total trust and faith in; our Lord Jesus Christ. The battle for everlasting salvation and eternal life is decided. Jesus conquered sin and death. No matter what uncle Bob says, we know the winner and we praise God and worship together.
We build, grow, and strengthen together. No conspiracies; only absolute Truth.
Maybe you belong to a church. Maybe you’re thinking about it. Maybe you’re like I was and don’t think you need one. If you fall into the latter two categories, I want you to find a Church (I am always here to help), go inside, and look around. The children of God gather; victory is all around. Eternal, everlasting victory. Praise and worship fills the room. Love is everywhere. Uncle Bob and the in-laws will never overstay their welcome. All are invited and welcome into the Kingdom of God! All you need is faith as small as a mustard seed! Praise God for His Church!
