When I was traveling to Chicago this past week, I noticed a beautiful church complex just off the interstate. The larger structure was the main sanctuary and the slightly smaller one was their education building. It was quite impressive to gaze upon, hence my reason for capturing what seemed to be a nice shot.
I started thinking about what "church" means because I believe that this term can vary from person to person, depending upon their personal experiences of the past. I have come to the conclusion that a church should be more than a place where we dress up, rub shoulders with fellow business owners and press a few palms at the end of Sunday services. Instead, I believe church should be a place of refuge and healing for all nations, as the Bible indicates.
Please don't misunderstand me or take offense, as I am a Christian and believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, I am persuaded that the modern church has missed it because it spend millions on buildings and programs, while starving children continue to suffer around he world.
And while I commend Christian organizations for reaching out to the homeless and helpless, so much more needs to be done to heal the hurting and the broken hearted. I am reminded of a story from the New Testament Book of Luke where Jesus reads a scripture from the Prophet Isaiah's writings..... Then he proceeds to heal someone in the Temple and is escorted out of sanctuary.
This is the reason why Jesus Christ would often gather his followers and teach them on the streets, in villages, on the mountain top and by the seaside. He truly wanted to reach people right where they were and to also feed them literal food, not just spiritual food. I convinced that His mission was authentic and powerful and touched those who were afflicted from life's pain and disappointments because he didn't judge them...He loved them, instead!
I realize that not all of my friends who read this are Christians, but I want to welcome you to hear my thoughts because I believe this issue impacts a multitude of people because we all desire to see freedom and liberty brought to those who are hurting and in distress. This world has a lot of needs and I want to be able to represent Jesus' hand and stretch it out to the sick, the broken, the outcasts and all those who would never be accepted by the religious elite.
Please don't misunderstand me as I know some very sincere church pastors who are establishing churches that are relevant and meeting the needs and touching the hearts of its members........And I am very encouraged by that, as well!
But in general, I feel that we can be "the church" and do a world of good to those who are suffering the most. I believe this is the desire of Christ and should be the desire of all people who want to touch lives and put a smile on the faces of those who have nothing to smile about.
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Have a wonderful day! :)
note: All scriptural references from KJV-public domain
Great post. God is so clear about his heart for the hurting and vulnerable. I find motivating others to step out of their comfort and into the world of the poor/hurting/lonely etc. can be a struggle. This is a great motivator though.
Thank you, @hereishome
I think you said it well and I agree with you! May God bless you and your family! Just followed and upvoted you!
I completely agree with you. Church is suppose to be a hospital for sinners. I see it more and more that churches are becoming more social clubs than sanctuaries for those in need whether it be physical, spiritual or financial needs. It's more important that the church meets the churches needs first. The church has allowed the government to take over OUR role ie. welfare, food stamps etc.. We have no one to blame but ourselves as far as where the Church is and where it is going. I also see prophecy being fullfilled. 2 Timothy 3:5 "Having a form of Godliness but denying it's power". This is where it gets frustrating for me. When I quote a verse to encourage a sister or brother in Christ they trivialize His Word by saying " yeah but" instead of standing on His promises. Sometimes they don't even know what I'm talking about. Anyway I just wanted to say good post :) Will follow:) Have a blessed day :)
Wow! You really hit the nail on the head, my friend! I sure hope and pray that the Church will stand up and take its place and represent Christ in a way that shows His love and compassion to a world that needs spiritual and physical food! Thanks again for commenting and I hope you have a great evening, @fg4jesus
We as Christians have the privilege of serving in the name of our Lord and just like He did, serve those inside and outside the walls of the church. Thanks so much for this @breakingtonight.
You're welcome and I'll say amen to that, @tlester
What a lovely post totally agree.
Thank you so much, my friend!
If you haven't already, I'd encourage you to read the book "Radical" by David Platt. I am leading a Sunday school class through the book, although I feel that it is not hitting everyone else nearly as much as it is impacting me.
I'll have to check out his book sometime! Thanks so much for sharing and letting me know about it, @swenger