The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you,"…(1 Corinthians 12:21 – ESV)
One of the most absolutely ridiculous ideas out there is the one that says we don’t need to go to church. The New Testament doesn’t even dream of such a thing, the letters and authors all take for granted that people will be meeting together. Saying you don’t need church is saying you don’t need the rest of the Body, but that is patently false. We are in a spiritual war; how can you expect to win battles for the Lord when you are running away from the rest of the troops?
How do all the body parts function together when they aren’t all together? Are you the whole Body? We know that cannot be true: "The body is not one member, but many" (1 Corinthians 12:14). Okay, so if you aren’t all of it, how can you function without the other parts, and how can you disrespect the other members of the Body? How can you go against the clear teachings of scripture such as “there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care, one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:25)? You cannot care if you aren’t there.
Listen to Charles Haddon Spurgeon – “We ought to regard the Christian Church, not as a luxurious hostelry where Christian gentlemen may each dwell at his ease in his own inn but as a barracks in which soldiers are gathered together to be drilled and trained for war. We should regard the Christian Church, not as an association of or for mutual admiration and comfort, but as an army with banners, marching to the fray to achieve victories for Christ, to storm the strongholds of the foe, and to add province after province to the Redeemer’s Kingdom.”
You aren’t some religious Rambo you need support troops, and they aren’t those programs on TV, the radio, or the Internet. I am all for electronic media and for using it to glorify God and to help myself and others grow, and I know it does. That being said it is no substitute for being there in that pew, listening to that pulpit, with those people face to face and in weekly fellowship with them as fellow soldiers.
The only one-man army that will ever have victory is Jesus Christ. Are you behind Him in the barracks with the rest of us, or are you out cavorting with the Enemy? It is one or the other.
23 comments:
Let me be one of the first to say, AMEN!
"How do all the body parts function together when they aren’t all together? Are you the whole Body?"
That reminds me of what you said in another Post on this subject, "You are personally ripping me off"!
I first heard that from Margie when she quoted you in a conversation we had a while ago. It is to the point and (excuse me for saying so) very, "in your face"
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be mean or unfeeling. It's just that at times that exactly what is needed. And more to the point, it was what I needed. Keep pitching. Lord bless you.
Oh.... My thanks to you and Margie for taking the time you do to read my blog. It means a lot to me.
You are a gripping writer with a compelling story, Paul we both enjoy it.
Friends, believers, and for those not yet convinced about the absolute necessity of church, there is much more coming on this topic, posts such as "Too Cool For School", "Warped Walk", and "Need To Lead"...stay tuned, and pray for me as we continue on...God bless...
Excellent, eloquent, and powerful.
Yes, I have a responsibility to be with the troops, but may I say that sometimes it's hard to find where the "real" troops are bunking. Just listen to "Christian" radio as churches "advertise" their congregations....come worship with us because we're doing this or that or offer you this or that....it really gags me sometimes!
I understand it's the individual's responsibility to be with the church but I think "the church" needs to take some responsibility for the way it has conducted itself and in the process discouraged many sheep.
And no I'm not bitter...I'm just being "real".
Hi, JD...this is powerful teaching. I have received more light on why I need to go to church from these posts. I am awed and blessed that God is giving you wisdom that can help true believers fight the good fight in the end times. By the way... your posts on spiritual warefare are very timely...other pastors are teaching the same thing. Can you give me the link or name of Paulie's blog? I keep checking Dan's for updates...none since Nov.15. Love and prayers, Mom
Yeah, Mom, Mom, Mom...sorry folks, but my mom reading this blog blesses me to no end...
Dan has more on the way, just bus, Paul has gotten up to 10 posts now on his life story, start from number 1...you can find a loink to his blog on my front page...
Words On Truth
Anon, no doubt there are many false churches out there, and others on the decline of doctrine and/or true devotion, but it takes some fortitude to find one, and those that want to will, and those that are using it as an excuse God knows, and perhaps they need to start one, which we will be covering later...thanks for keeping it real (wow I sound hip or cool or something, he he)...
Thanks again.
Anon, while I will not argue that there are many many churches that have turned to the world for their direction, I can guarantee that there are others who have not. As has been said it may take some time to find one.
What disturbs me is that often those who claim they want a doctrinally sound church where the preaching of the Word is central, will often walk into a congregation just like that, but because many of its members are elderly, or there are not many children's or youth programs, they turn around and walk out to never darken the door again. Where do they often end up, the very place they said they didn't want to go.
Frankly, the reminder that we are all one body which needs all its parts should remind us that maybe that little elderly congregation that strives to be faithful to the faith once for all delivered to the saints may be exactly where one needs to be, because that body needs you and the gifts God has given you to build it up.
Jim Vellenga
You and I are definitely on the same page here on these issues, Jim...
Ooo, rileysowner....I must plead guilty to that! My children grew up in an "older folk" kind of atmosphere and when they left home they quit going to church. (I guess I was immature and looking to place blame on something for their decision). So I "swung" the other direction for a while.......but found out it isn't the activities and programs and the fellowship gatherings that make us whole in Christ. It's about being in that "bunker" where we are getting fed "meat" and being made ready for all the "battles" the evil one tempts us with!
Thanks so much Jim!
Dear Anon,
I speak from experience as a pastor in one of those small, elderly congregations. But, I have a close friend who pastors in a larger congregation that has children and young people. What he has found is that many of those who grew up in that congregation, who still worship there and who now have children of their own are not starting to go to a large (almost mega-church) church down the road. The reason, not because the preaching and teaching are better, but because that church has a rock climbing wall.
I wonder, in the long run, will that rock climbing wall keep those young people in the church? Does it do anything to nurture and build up a child in the faith. Is it an example of a way the body builds itself up, or is it only a way to keep the kids occupied?
Sounds to me like the are clinging to the wrong Rock...
Good one, Even So!
Jim,
You're absolutely right. Any number of people have told me they go to a certain church because of what it "offers". I almost liken it to an addiction in that they're always looking for a high....and we know that our flesh is never satisfied....our flesh will always want something different, bigger or better. I'm thankful to Him that He showed me that HE is the only way for me to be whole!
I guess I shouldn't have an opinion, but I too wonder if one can be built up and nurtured in the faith with "hype".....what if all of that is no longer available....will they stand firm in Him?
So.....Even So.....You're telling us that we need to be in church but I disagree with that billboard that says "Go to the Church of Your Choice". My choice might be for all the wrong reasons.
You are right on target, anon...
No Saturday Sermon this week, as we are leaving this post up top for more to see...plus I want to surprise my folks at the church this week with what God has given me to speak about, which we will put into three posts for later viewing (one has already been posted a while ago, but it is revised, and two new ones, all three of which speak to the issues we have been dealing with in the last two weeks about church)...
God bless you this weekend as you go to church and worship with the saints...
For His Glory...
margie... even so tells me you need to get a blog....do it! It's fun. It's a neat way to learn stuff too... cause you have to think in order to write...oh... but that might scare you off...just be you.. really. It's easy!
Seeeeeeeee honey...
A Pastor's Wife is Mrs.Evenso's blog...
2-19-07
That being said it is no substitute for being there in that pew, listening to that pulpit, with those people face to face and in weekly fellowship with them as fellow soldiers.
Why do we insist on being part of a family we don't want anything to do with? We want to be a dependent without being a contributor. Be there when I need you and by the way, don't count on me for anything if you happen to need me. Sorry, I guess I'm taking this a little too personal this morning. It's alot like giving your child everything they want, enabling all behavior good or bad and wondering why they turn out to be irresponsible adults.
Preach it, honey!
Hmmm...now sweetie, the whole "giving your child everything they want" stuff, that doesn't extend to the grandkids, does it? I need to know since we are about to go see 'em, and well, papaw has the ole' spoil-o-matic fired up and ready to go on the trip with us...
;-)
and well, papaw has the ole' spoil-o-matic fired up and ready to go on the trip with us...
of course it doesn't extend to the grandkids! unless of course you refuse to participate in the repercussions of spoiling.
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