Church

I just heard someone say that people in America are not going to church. It was a statement made with an air of sadness. I have to agree that it is a thermometer of the faith of our "Christian" nation. Our thermometer does seem to measure a coldness toward church. Church attendance is important, but is going to church more important than being the church?

I grew up as a "good" Catholic. We went to church every Sunday and confessions every Saturday. I was schooled at the local Catholic school and it was expected that we make our church attendance a priority. I learned that my good attendance at church would be seen by God as a good life worthy of His grace. My problem was that going to church did not always translate into faith in God or a faith filled life outside of the church walls.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am very thankful to my Heavenly Father for the churches' influence on my life. Though I am no longer in the Catholic church, without the stories of the Saints, I would never have desired to have faith or to see that I was a sinner who needed God to save me. My point here is not about what the church teaches. It is that I believe the scriptures, God's Word, emphasizes going out and BEING the church, more than it tells us to go to church.

Of course, I know that I cannot be the church without going to church. The church is the Body of Christ. The church is where I am encouraged by God's Word and the fellowship of other Christians. But, I must leave the church building to go out and truly be the church Jesus desires. What is given to me in the church needs to be taken to those outside of the church.

Lord God, Head of the Body of Christ and founder of Your church, I give You praise for the role of church in my life. I ask You to forgive me for allowing the church to be a shield from the world instead of a safe haven where I can be renewed and equipped to go into the world. Thank You for the balance You created between going to church and being the church. Teach me to be Your church in the world that needs You. Remind me that the church is not a place to hide but a place to heal.
Labels: Christian, church, church attendance, God's word

The Family Church

I love spending time with my family! Yesterday we gathered to celebrate two birthdays. Our daughter, Briget, and our son, Joseph were born seven years and a day apart. We had a fun day with lots of laughs, conversation, good food, and the babies were passed around to lots of loving arms! We finally took a long awaited photo with the entire family. The best word to describe the day is blessed.

I have thought for a long time, that our family is a mini church. We recognize that we each have different gifts and talents. Our function in the family is mostly determined by our gifts, but we also chip in whatever the need. We love, forgive, teach, and serve one another and those outside of our little family church.

Though we are close, our family does not claim exclusive rights with each other. We all go out into the world to make a difference in the lives of those in our little communities. We pray that friends and acquaintances see a difference in us because of Jesus.

Our little family church celebrates holidays, and milestones with prayer, communion, and fellowship. Jesus is our foundation and our center. He is praised and called on in prayer when someone is in need.

We have many stories we could tell about baptisms, The Big Give, weddings, and memorial services and others. We have fed the poor, and visited the prisoner. Needs that touch one heart are cared about by all. The family church grows strong roots and reaches outward as well.

It is right for Christian parents to bring their families to church. It is also right for the church to be formed in the family. The Kingdom of God is here. Our families submitted to Christ as the head become a church in our neighborhoods. We grow, and send forth the next generations into new neighborhoods.

Lord God, You are the Father of the Family of God. Jesus, You hold the church together and You blessed us with families to help us grow and flourish. Our families don't always live life in harmony. We hurt one another or forget to offer the same grace You have given us. Forgive us, and help us to turn our hearts back to the generations with which we share the name family. Thank You that when two or more gather in YOUR NAME You are there! As for our family, we will serve the Lord.

Tax Exempt

Tax breaks are wonderful and alot can be said about their usefulness to the church. Ministries are almost always on tight budgets. They pinch pennies and try to do the best they can for people who are in need. It is a great relief for charities not to pay taxes.

However, I think that "tax exempt" has become the steering wheel for the mechanics of the voice of the church. We as the church have embraced the concept of separation of church and state without seeing the truth. The truth, as I see it, is that the state has not separated itself from the church! Government "interfers" with the church by intimidating and threatening a removal of the tax exempt status for those who take a firm stand against politically correct thinking. The relief of taxes has bound us to the govermental winds like a kite on a string. There is no real security or freedom.

Questions remain: When is the church going to stand up and believe God to supply their needs and stop relying on the governments' allowances to get us by? When will Christians become so bold for the Lord that they will refuse to live in the shadow of the Government dollars? When will we live as people who are free to speak even if it brings conflict? When will we stop depending on the handouts of our "Big Brother?" When will God alone be our strong tower, our provider, our refuge, our truth, and our Lord and Master?

Like I said before, alot of good can be done being tax exempt. But what is not being done that God would like to be done? If we took our hand out of the pocket of the government maybe we would become a greater instrument of true heart change in those who see our duplicity. If we stood on our own with only God as our source, maybe we would find our voices singing His glory and truth and honor!