Notes on the Church

I have been wanting to post some notes about our past Sunday's sermon regarding myths about church. Since I am leaving tomorrow a.m. with my friend, Kathy (she was my maid of honor in my wedding!) to hike in the mountains, I only have this afternoon to post my thoughts. So....our pastor was preaching on how there are 4 main myths or misconceptions about church in America today. He stated that the church is not a building, a spiritually elite health club (Jesus came to minister to the sick...see Matt. 9: 10-13), it is not an optional activity that even Christians think of it being in today's culture, and it is not a program or event. Of course he elaborated on all these myths and fully explained things (we get many seekers and attenders to our weekend services....not every one is a covenant member). I like how he said that we need to take our focus off the actual building and place it on the people. Yes, it is desirable to have a well-maintained facility, a safe haven, a clean place of worship and it is important to have rules and guidelines. But our focus is not to be who has the best building or the largest, etc. He spent quite a bit of time in the Scriptures about Jesus and the reasons He walked on earth and ate with the sinners. Healthy (spiritually) people are to serve the sick (sinners). He said that many Christians today don't even attend their local church. They rely on the internet, television, radio or books. But....he pointed out that we are to be meeting together for fellowship, praise and worship and edifying and equipping other believers. And of course to evangelize. He then went on to say that God sees the church as His bride and His body! He stated that a true New Testament church preaches the gospel in a pure way....meaning it is not watered down or things taken out of Scripture nor added to Scripture. he taught us that in our current culture, many churches do not preach the real challenges of Christianity! And in visiting many churches throughout the area where I live, I did find that to be true. Many ministers/pastors/leaders avoid sermons on sin, salvation, heaven and hell. He stated that the 2 main sacraments are evident as a form of worship: communion and baptism, and that the church is in order/has order and discipline. It is a gathering of people! Now, this week I have not been completing my Sunday Sermon Study notes very faithfully so tonite I will finish those. Each week, our pastor preaches his sermon and in the bulletin there is an insert where we can take notes. In the middle of the insert there are questions for small group discussion or for personal study at home. I appreciate this part of my church.....it helps us to dig deeper and keeps us plugged in to the Word during the week....and to me....that is important! I appreciate what our pastor does. He is a full time staff member of the church. He works long hours to prepare the message that God wants him to deliver to the sinners and the brethern. He oversees a large staff of employees and volunteers. He teaches marriage classes and men's monthly meetings. He is a true servant of the Lord...and a great example of what the church is to be! What about you and your church? How do you view it? Do you see it as just a building, an event, a social club or an optional activity? Or are you plugged in and serving, edifying, equipping and evangelizing?