Vol. 4/7
I became disillusioned with church as I have always known it; I needed a hiatus. Not from God, from church. At one point I decided to visit a different local church. I found it to be refreshing. They offered classes and bible studies that were an answer to my prayer. I felt peace and comfort while I was in attendance there. It was a large church with thousands of attendees. It became my place of refuge. All I had to do was show up, enjoy the service in solidarity among fellow believers, and go home. A church like this would be appealing to anyone in need of a refuge, but what does the bible say?
Matthew 10
7. And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
9. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
10. Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
11. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
12. And when ye come into a house, salute it.
13. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
One of my relatives was in an in-between housing situation. She and her husband were in a pay by the week hotel. One day a stranger knocked on the door. He was a volunteer from a local church, and he had food for the family. He proceeded to bring in a full week’s supply of groceries. The group had a truckload of food. Volunteers were knocking on doors and providing food to anyone at the hotel that was in need. She said they came by once every week, no questions asked, no proof of income, no identification. Food was just provided to all in need.
A while after their housing situation had been settled, I was out visiting in the city where they live. She told me about what the church was doing in the community and my immediate response was, “that’s a ministry I would be glad to support!” I had to know what church was doing this. I asked her to show me where the church is located. The church was a tiny brick building that couldn’t possibly hold fifty people. I was expecting to find a massive institution on the grand scale of the Potters House or World Changers. I was in awe when she told me that they weren’t boastful about who they were and that she had to ask one of the volunteers for the name and address of the church. It was apparent that this group wasn’t looking for adoration or gratitude from man. These people are living out Matthew 10:8.
I don’t know much more about that group, but I think it is admirable that they are there and giving into that community. No questions asked. Amen.
If the church doesn’t function according to the bible, what purpose does it serve? Is the bible relevant? Is the bible real? There are people that attend the same local church their whole lives. Some from infancy until death, and there seems to be some pride attached to this. It’s all they do. They attend church. Is this biblical?
From what I read in the scriptures; the church should function something like school. Children begin attending school at a young age. After graduation they are sent out into the world. Ready or not, sink or swim, win lose or draw, they leave. What purpose does anyone serve remaining in one spot for their entire life? I just don’t see that in scripture. If based on the instructions in the bible, the church should operate much like a revolving door.
- Bring them in
- Teach them and train them
- Send them out
- Repeat
Matthew Chapter 9
37. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Luke Chapter 14
23. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
‘That my house may be filled’, Is this the portion of scripture that makes the church biblical? Maybe it does, but I’m not convinced. Churches that serve no purpose other than to provide a meeting place for its lifelong parishioners become not much more than a breeding ground for pride, arrogance, and mockery. Some tend to gravitate more toward fashion and fellowship than personal growth and development.
*Something’s Missing, maybe it’s just me. When I read the scriptures, and I compare what I’ve read with the church; something is definitely missing.