What Makes a Building a Church?
The Steeple or The People

My wife recently drove past a church that our family had driven past on many occasion and my children said, “Look mom that church has a steeple” This church actually was a very small log cabin turned into a church building-----at least that is what it looked like. But it had the usual billboard out front with a name, label and logo calling it a “church”.

Does a building have to have a steeple to be an official church building? What made that congregation add a steeple to the old log cabin? Does the steeple make the building or the people any more holy?

Can you just imagine how goofy it looks to place a steeple on a log cabin? It did not match. It did not belong. The goofy steeple is not what is really wrong but it is the heart. How much time, energy and money was spent on that steeple…….and does that change the hearts of the people?

This much is true a building nor a steeple can never change the heart of the people. For only God can do that. It makes my mind to wonder why that small congregation felt the need to put up a steeple after not having one for so long. Do we identify a church with a steeple or its people? A steeple cannot reflect God’s glory. That is something only His true children can do. We tend to get things mixed up. We need to focus our energy, time and money on people not the steeple! It seems that we have forgotten that the believer is to be a pilgrim in this world. This is not our final home. Why are those that call themselves after the name of Christ building structures that look more like monuments of men.


When we feel the need that you have to “make it up”, shouldn’’t we consider what exactly are you trying to sell? Seems like we are trying to market “Salvation”. It is something to think about is it?

and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:10-17

I cannot find a biblical model of the church that speaks of programs, entertainment, compromise, joke telling, video clips, “Self” help classes, Seeker messages, God in a box services, alternate obedience, delegated home leadership, rewards, circus games for getting money, etc…………………

So is it the Steeple or the People that makes the “church”?

The Many and The Few

"But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." Matthew 24:8-13

Since the time of the apostle until now there have been false teachers of false doctrine. There have been false converters claiming to know and follow Christ, only to fall away when trails came. This will continue and also increase as the time of Christ return approaches. Today we have many false prophets still leading people astray.

Living it what is called the Bible Belt of America brings in own special set of problems. There are so many different flavors of what is called Christianity that the lines have been badly obscured of what it means to follow Christ. In the South it is much a part of the culture, not unlike a religious social club. Going to church is what people do on Sunday's here. The church buildings are much more of a competing corporation than a light to a lost and dying world. One pits itself against another trying to lure in new members with marketing programs that would work as well for Wal-Mart.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 2 Timothy 4:3

This type of philosophy of building the church has resulted in many false converters. People that are trusting in religion, church membership, a prayer, baptism...many different things other than in the finished work of Christ. People have found it easy to have a little religion mixed in with there lives. They are still very much a part of the world yet claim to follow Christ. Preachers don't often use the "r" and "s" words, repentance and sin. People are called to make a decision for Christ as if He is something you can just add to your life. The gospel is changed into simply give your heart to Jesus without ever calling for the death of the flesh.

Let us speak the whole counsel of God. God is love, but He is also wrath. He offers grace and mercy, but He will dispense judgment and punishment. Many today will not endure the truth of God's word. They are not interested in devoting their entire soul, mind and strength to God, but would rather be told how God can serve them. They are like the people of Israel that God spoke to through Isaiah 58 (it would be good for each one to go back and read this entire chapter). They had a religiousness on the outside, but their only goal was to have God do their bidding, only as long as He stayed out of their day to day business.

Cry loudly, do not hold back; Raise your voice like a trumpet, And declare to My people their transgression And to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me day by day and delight to know My ways, As a nation that has done righteousness And has not forsaken the ordinance of their God They ask Me for just decisions, They delight in the nearness of God. Isaiah 58:1-2

For the believer there is a warning here in Matthew 24. Notice in verse 12 and 13, "THE MANY or MOST" grow cold in their love toward God. Sin in the life of the believer will always douse their love for God. There is no place for the love of the fleeting pleasures of this world in the life of one who claims to follow Christ. I cannot minimize what scripture teaches here. Endurance, finishing strong in the faith, is synonymous with salvation. Examine your own heart. What do you long for, the things of God or the things of this world?

I have included the words to the hymn "Be Thou My Vision”. I have only recently learned this song. Even though it was written some 1200 years ago, it has become my favorite.


Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

This one line really speaks to my soul, "Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art". Have we forsaken everything in this world and consider it as nothing--and embraced only Christ?
Is Christ the surpassing desire of your heart? Has this world and it ways faded from your view? Are you living for eternity? Do you hate your sin the way God hates sin? If you know Christ, you have been set free from sin and death to serve the risen Lord.

SRW

Why are we left behind?

This may seem to be a strange title for this subject matter due to certain popular “Christian” books, but it really is appropriate. After we are converted, born-again, saved, come to know Christ; why does God, generally, leave us here on this earth? When we experience salvation we are complete in Christ, trusting wholly in His redemptive work for our salvation. So why doesn’t God immediately take us to be with Him forever? May I suggest that we take a look into scripture for an answer to this question.

For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. Hebrews 10:14

1. The first point that came to my mind was that God has chosen the preaching of His Word to spread the gospel for the salvation of men.

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Corinthians 1:17-18

2. Our lives were designed to bring glory and honor to God from the beginning. When God saves us and frees us from the law, He has set us free to do what we should be doing anyway “Obeying and serving Him.” The faith that God has created in us, He also sustains. In our frail human weakness His strength and faithfulness are shown to be true to an unbelieving world.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9

3. God has saved us for a purpose. His purpose, not yours or mine. A portion of this purpose includes making disciples, teaching them to obey what Christ has commanded. We are to show to the world a love that they do not know nor can they comprehend. We are called to mature in Christ – to become like Him.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16

Spiritual growth is not an option, rather it is a requirement. As one of God’s elect, when God is finished with you here He will take you to be with Him. The Bible knows nothing of vacationing or retiring from Christianity. You are either in full time Christian service until death, or you never were one of His.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Philippians 3:12-15

This is not meant in any way to be an exhaustive treatment of this topic, or else this would be a book not a blog. Take time to search out your own heart. Are you obeying what you know from God’s Word? Are you seeking to follow Christ with all your heart through the power of the Spirit?

REJOICING IN REFINING

A dear brother preached a short message one recent Sunday morning. Such a simple message it was. But oh who deep the simple truth can cut-right to the heart, my own heart. When we go through testing, when we are squeezed, put under pressure--what comes out of my heart? Do I rejoice as the impurities come to the surface? Do I gladly ask the Master to skim of the dross or do I excuse it, hide it, stir it back in?

The Lord placed in my heart a simple poem and prayer. I don't normal share things like this, but I have felt impressed to do so.

Oh Lord, lay me bare,
Let me not cling to the unclean sin there.
Take my heart make it pure,
Let my desire be to love, not just endure.
As you make me to die to self,
Making me fit for eternity’s wealth.
Tear my grip on this life of mine,
Gladly surrender it to my Lord divine.
Others will see as I am put to the test,
Am I really different from the rest?
Take my self righteous pride,
And show me what’s really inside
Purify my heart and all of me
Let my life give glory only to THEE!

Rejoice as God shows you things that must be abandon. Follow the Lord-pursue holiness.

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

You must be Born Again

Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." John3:3

Entering the Kingdom (Being Born Again = salvation) is accomplished by the power of God - outside yourself. It is the work of God.

"For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. Ezekiel 36:24-27

Salvation is a cleansing that comes from God who sends the Holy Spirit to indwell your heart and give you new life. It produces a changed heart and mind that desires to obey and follow God. If that change has not taken place then there is no new life.

"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." John 3:36


Christ is not something you can just add to your life.

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. Colossians 3:1-5

Christ must take preeminence in your life. It means preferring obeying, serving, and loving God more than anything this world has to offer.

What is the standard of “good”?

It’s not being better than someone else. It’s not avoiding a certain severity of sin (I’m not as bad as they guy on death row). Most people have the wrong standard. They somehow think God is like them in judging what is good and bad. Since God is God its not what we think His standard is, but it is what He has declared the standard of “good” to be. By looking at God’s Law we can see the standard by which “good” is judged.

The Law is a tutor that brings us to Christ.

Have to ever come to an end of yourself? Realizing there is no way you can save yourself. You can never be “good enough”. Self righteousness and self justification must die. All you can do is cry out for mercy from God. By trusting in what Christ did and ceasing to trust in what you can do.

Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, Then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:21-25

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Galatians 5:13-14

Have you ever come to the point where you understand the utter wickedness of your own heart and the pure holiness of God? Do you understand that there is nothing you can do to save yourself? You can never be good enough. Do you understand that the only thing you deserve is judgment and Hell? Can you see honestly into your own heart and motivations? The love spoken of here comes only from God. It is not motivated for what you get out of it. It is not self-centered. It can only be accomplished by the empowerment of His Holy Spirit.

One last thought about the “called out ones”

Is your life characterized by righteousness that flows from the Spirit of God within? A life that is characterized by sin (lawlessness) will not come to a godly end.

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5

What is the CHURCH?

Let’s first look at what the church is not.

It is not a building
It is not an organization
It is not a membership list
It is not biased against any race
It is not to confined to one generation
It is not exclusive to any one denomination

Then just what is the CHURCH?

The word that is translated “CHURCH” is “Ekklesia” (this is the transliterated Greek word). This is a compound word from ek (out of, from, by, away from) and Kaleo (to call). Literally this could be read as “one who has been called out away from.” Who are these called out ones? What are they called out away from? How can you tell who these called out ones are?

As we work our way through these questions we will be considering what it means to be a follower of Christ. There are many terms used to describe a disciple of Christ such as Born Again, Converted, Regenerated, Believer, Christian and Born Again Believer. Many of these terms are used very loosely today and have many different meanings to different groups. We need to understand these terms in light of the biblical definition of what it means to be a true follower of Christ.

Next time we will start going through what it means to be one of those called out to follow Christ.

2 Corintians 6:16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 17"Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord." AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. 18"And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty.

Love in the Church

There is a serious undercurrent flowing through most “churches” (I will examine what scripture says the church really is later) today. It isn’t spoken about or even acknowledged as being a problem in most places. Yet it is given lip service and programs, but there is no heart in it. This item is of the utmost importance to those who would follow Christ with their whole heart.

I am talking about loving one another.

34"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

Most people that call themselves by the name of Christ do not seem to have time for the brethren - even within their own congregations. People travel to the church building – take in a message or two and some songs – rush back to their own little worlds, having little or no time for others.

Why does the “church” need to publish a prayer request list? It is most people are unconcerned and uninvolved in the each other’s life. If they were the members of the body would know and be ministering to those needs. These burdens would be shared and known by someone other than "church" staff members (I will go more into that in the future).

I have heard it said recently, “Isn’t it amazing how most people can only love those who are as lovely as themselves.” So many congregations and denominations think that they have the ONLY doctrine or version or gifting, while all along missing the heart of Christ’s command to love the brethren. These individuals and groups have a tendency to look upon others with different veiws as lesser, inferior “Christians” or even as unsaved.

I am not speaking of ecumenicalism where any belief is as good as another (many ways to heaven approach). No, there is only one true salvation. It is found only in Christ through faith. What Bible version a person uses is not essential to salvation – nor is the method of baptism – or how often communion is observed - whether wine or grape juice is used. I certainly have my thoughts on each of these areas, but we must allow others to have their’s thoughts as well. We can discuss these differences while not shunning those that think differently. Each of us should diligently search scripture for a proper understanding of God’s commands and conform to His word as He gives us understanding to apply scriptural truthes to our lives.

We worry so much about these details of doctrines while we fail to OBEY what we already KNOW to do!

I must also take a look at myself. Have I shown true love the brethren? Have I been harsh and legalistic? Surely as a live I have been found guilty in my heart, at various times, of each of these. Please take the time to examine your own heart.

If each one of us truly has a heart that desires more than anything else to please God, then even in those areas where we disagree will eventually be set right. In the meantime let us give each other the freedom in Christ to grow and mature while not lacking in spurring one another on in the faith. Let us love in humility and take care to ensure we have pure motives.

One last thought about love – Love is giving someone what they need – not necessarily what they want.

(Next time I will share my thoughts on what the church is and what it is not)