Hebrews 10:23-25 “Let us hold fast the confession
of our hope without wavering, for He who
promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate
one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together,
as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another;
and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
This
last Sunday was “National Back to Church Sunday” and our church participated in
this special day to proactively declare the message that no matter whether you have never been to church, haven’t been connected to church for awhile
or you regularly attend, we want you to know you are welcome to join us. Pastor
JJ asked, “Do we think of church as a part of a revolution to change the world
for the glory of God? Do we see the people of God coming together to bring the
Holy Word and the love of Christ to a lost and dying society and culture? Do we
know in our hearts that the Lord has commanded, commissioned and sent out the
church (the body of Christ) make Jesus known? Do we invite others to church? Why go to
church?
Acts 2:42-47 “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching
and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe;
and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And
all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling
their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might
have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, they were taking their meals
together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God
and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their
number day by day those who were being saved.
According
to George Barna’s research 73 million adult Americans are “unchurched”. Pastor
JJ ran down the ten most common objections to church, which are just excuses
for not going to church.
(1)
“I do not believe in organized religion.” The key words are (a)
“organized” – orderly, defined roles, behaved. (b) “Religion” – about
discovering God, being in the presence of the Lord, and an intimate
relationship with the God of the universe. This excuse is commonly, accompanied
with “It’s about being a ‘good’ person”. Their definition of “good”. Luke
18:19
Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good
except God alone.
(2)
“I have my own way of
connecting with God.” Some say that they feel closest to God when
they’re in nature. Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of
the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have
been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they
are without excuse.” All feel close to God in nature because He created
nature. But nature does not have believers meeting together in community and
relationship, developing in communion.
(3)
“I got tired of the
church always asking me for money.” We are deceived to
think that what we earn is ours, when in reality everything belongs to God and
comes from God. Disciples cheerfully and willingly give tithes and offerings
back to God for His work in the church, community and world. Charity flows
naturally from the virtuous fully developed follower of Jesus. God willfully
gave and gives in love.
This is my 500th post. I'll finish Pastor' list and message on post #501.
In Christ, Brian
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