Why Church, Why Now?

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

I saw something earlier today that said, "Church isn't about you, it's about God!" Au contraire! We have totally skewed the purpose of the local church service to the point where it's virtually worthless much of the time. And we did it by simply misunderstanding the basic purpose of our gathering. We don't gather for worship. Yep, you can read it again, that's what I said. Church is not about worshipping God. Remember what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well? He told her that worship would not be done in Jerusalem (at the Temple) or on Mount Gerizim (where the outcast Samaritans worshipped), but in "spirit and in truth." Worship is NOT a corporate event, folks! Worship is a personal, private thing that occurs within when our spirit communes with God's. It can happen anywhere, but it cannot be done through a ritual or religious service. So, no, church is not about worshipping God. It is about...wait for it...US! This passage in Hebrews tells us the purpose of our gathering: exhoratation. Encouragement. Fellowship. Association with others of like minds and goals to push and prod and pull one another along the Christian walk. We need that. And God knew we would, so He ordained this assembling together of His children so that we wouldn't have to try to make it on our own. He didn't design it for Himself--He's with us always. He did it for us.

Rejoice In The Journey

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD, Psalm 105:3

I can't help but notice that it doesn't say, "Let them rejoice when they find the LORD." No, we ought to rejoice AS we seek Him, because seeking Him is a constant. It's never done until we are with Him. And it's not merely the goal that is the point--it's the journey. It's the seeking, not the finding, in which we joy. God is revealed little by little in a daily walk, an ongoing relationship, a constant seeking. He's not going to be discovered in a big reveal. He's not Chriss Angel. Don't wait to rejoice until you feel like you've "discovered" God--the more you get to know Him, the more you realize how much you have to learn. Rejoice NOW...rejoice in the journey.

Wise and Harmless

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

This is a Scripture many are familiar with, but few actually consider. As followers of Christ we have a target on us all the time. That's just how it is. It's got nothing to do with being fair or just. Life's not fair. The world has a concept of how we should act if we name the name of Christ. Haven't you ever heard, "You can't do that--you're a Christian," or some variation on the theme? Chances are you have. And Christians do it, too. Ever heard a parent admonish their child for doing or saying something in front of the preacher? I mean, aren't Christians just as human as non-Christians? Aren't preachers just as fallible as laypersons? Of course and you bet! But some part of our minds can't wrap itself around the concept, so we hold different people to different standards. And we watch them, almost like we're waiting for them to fail. That's why we're instructed to be wise as serpents, conducting ourselves in a manner that will not besmirk Christ's name, and harmless as doves, not stirring up trouble and attracting negative attention when it can be avoided. You're a target, Christian; watch yourself.

God Will Shut The Door

And they that went in, went in male and female of flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. Genesis 7:16

God was about to unleash His fury on the earth in a manner it had never seen...and would never see again. He was releasing storms of incomprehensible magnitudes. But He provided His servant Noah a safe haven--a way of escape and a place of shelter from the storm. And before unleashing the storm...God shut the door. When the storms are whirling and howling around you (and they will), when you can hear them beating on your ark, remember that God will shut the door. And when He shuts the door, rest assured there's no storm that can come through.

When Jesus Shows Up

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where they disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. John 20:19

These people were at the most uncertain, frightening time of their lives. Their world had been turned upside down; they had no idea what was going to happen, but it seemed unlikely it would be good. And then, in came Jesus whispering peace, and everything changed. Things can get out of hand and frightening. Life can become a big mess in a big hurry. When you don't know what to do, try inviting Jesus into your room. Everything can change, and peace can replace disaster.

Giveth

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

"Giveth." Present progressive tense. God is giving us the victory right now. Today. And He will be tomorrow, and the next day. We don't have to wake up feeling defeated. As a matter of fact, we have no excuse for doing so. We ought to wake up every day and claim the victory that God is giving us for that day. Start your day off thanking God for the victory--He's got one ready for you!

He Will

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. Hosea 6:1

It cannot be said too often because it's something so hard to grasp from our human perspective: we're never too far gone for God to save. We're never too hurt for Him to heal. We cannot do too much for Him to forgive. We aren't able to get ourselves in a situation that He cannot turn around. Sometimes He will have to knock us down so that we can see how desperately we need Him, but He won't knock you further than He's willing to lift you from. It doesn't matter where we've gotten to--or whether it's a situation of our own making or one God has orchestrated to get our attention--if we turn to Him, He is able and willing and happy to help.

What Do You See?

The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. John 5:10

This man had sat by a pool for 38 years waiting to be healed. And now that he had finally received his miracle the Jews wanted to know why he was acting upon it. Really?! With something this miraculous happening right before their eyes, their concern is, "Why are you carrying your bed on the sabbath?" It begs the question: Am I missing out on a miracle to question the result? We often get caught up in cynicism when we could be enjoying the benefits. When God works a miracle in your life or in someone's life around you, joy in the blessing instead of lookng around for a down-side--choose to see the the lame man walking, not a man "working on the sabbath".

The Breaking

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17

Before a horse can be used or ridden he has to be broken. A part of his spirit, his will, has to be broken--brought under submission. He has to be broken of the desire to fight the bit, the habit of trying to displace a rider, the insistance on going where and doing what he chooses. But something happens when a horse is broken, something that even starts as he's being broken--he's able to develop a relationship of trust and even love with his trainer or rider. And because of this relationship, both horse and rider have more fulfilled, productive, and joyful existances.
We're the same way. We have to be broken before we can learn to trust and love God. He has to teach us to submit to His will so that we can live with purpose and harmony. But all that starts with the breaking. When you feel like your heart and spirit are shattered, remember that God's just bringing you to the place you need to be in order to have a fulfilling and meaningful relationship with Him built on mutual trust and love. The breaking is just the beginning.