Monday, May 18, 2009

What is Church?

I think it is a question that is worth asking. "Church" has went through many cultural changes in the last 2000 yrs, and what it "is" is not what is "was". Or is it? The Bible makes many references in the New Testament to the "Synagogue " (the building where a Jewish assembly or congregation meets for religious worship and instruction.)Which I believe is a precursor to the "Church Buildings" that we conduct our services in today. Jesus himself Taught and Healed in the Synagogues of his time and used them as a launching point for his Ministry even at a very young age. You will see many times the Scripture making the reference to Jesus "teaching in the Synagogue on the Sabbath day". Which leads me to believe that in part we have "Church" somewhat right in that we meet on the Sabbath and hear God's Word Taught and Preached. We receive instruction and we Worship, so the Synagogue of old is not that much different in function that the "Churches" of the New. However, Jesus showed us a side of "Church" that we "sometimes" forget. Not so much going to "Church" (which I believe is right and proper) but also "BEING" the "Church". ...Example... Jesus Delivering the man with Legion possessing him, Jesus Healing the woman with the issue of blood, Jesus Redeeming the woman at the well, all great miracles and works that took place "outside" of the "Church Building". Let us ask ourselves "individually" What is the "Church"? Do I Personify that in my daily life? Or just when I am inside the Building? Is "Church" 3 songs, offering, another song, a message, and an alter call? Or are we truly trying to Minister and not just going through the motions? Are we having "Church" just for us? So we can smack high five and say "Man now that was "Church"? Are we on point with the procedure and missing the point on the purpose? I have taken a personally inventory of Cortt and what I think "Church" is and the fact that I do have so many questions makes me think, maybe I need to Study and Pray some more to make sure I am not wasting "Church".....