Eternally the Church?

When Jacob was a young man on a trip north, to leave the Promised Land, the Lord gave him a dream. In the dream God assured him that He always would be with Jacob and that some day He would bring him safely home. The next morning Jacob’s comments were recorded for us to read.  But he was also afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!” The next morning Jacob got up very early. He took the stone he had rested his head against, and he set it upright as a memorial pillar. Then he poured olive oil over it. He named that place Bethel (which means “house of God”) Gen 28:17-19 (NLT) Jacob went on to say that this was a place to worship God. Today we still gather together at dedicated places allegedly to worship the Lord. Maybe we should be a little afraid when we stand in a place that is the gateway to Heaven. Of course, it is a little different now because the gateway is Jesus Christ himself. We should meet together today because of our common relation to the Savior who wants only to glorify God.  

Jesus is the reason people get together and He gave us promises that should encourage us to gather; “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matt 18:19-20 (NLT) One of the first things we notice is that the people involved in a gathering must be of one mind when they petition God. Later we will see that there are rules about gathering together or it would be chaos. I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1 Tim 3:14-15 (NLT) In this passage we are told that the local church is to be the very foundation of truth. If the local church does not present all the truth all the time then we feel the failure in our group. Every Christian must feel the responsibility for total truthfulness.

Paul wrote many instructions to Timothy as a local church pastor. Most of the things he said were very basic needs like these two; Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 1 Tim 4:13 (NLT) The Bible is the total of all truth and as we read it in church the leader should do their best to encourage us while they are teaching us. The Pastor should be an expert at spiritual encouragement so the congregation will be peaceful and loving toward one another. However, sometimes even Christians need a little straightening out as seen here; All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NLT) Actually it says that God is the one who teaches us right through the Word of Truth. Many times people can be a little rough when they attempt to straighten us out. Anyway it is always for the good works of God that we are corrected.

The local church is a place of prayer for people who desire to know God. Paul said; In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. 1 Tim 2:8 (NLT) God loves to hear from His family the way we want to hear from our loved ones. Jesus even told us to make things right with anyone we were having trouble in order to talk to God with a clear conscience. We must be serious about our gatherings because we are involved with our eternal life. The Bible says; I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? You will be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear you. 1 Cor 14:15-17 (NLT) The point is made here that when we gather together we are not only speaking to God but we are joining together with our brothers and sisters.

The Lord has asked us to behave in an orderly fashion which certainly makes sense when we realize the importance of what we are doing. Church is an all together activity. Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. 1 Cor 14:26 (NLT) The local church is to be a glory to God just like Jesus who is continually being a glory to His Father. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Eph 3:20-21 (NLT) If only people could understand that gathering together is an opportunity to meet with God and to shine like no other way. The local church teaches the truth of God and we worship Him together. Then we depart into the world all prayed up and ready to do the works God has prepared for each of us.