Why Church?

Especially in this current state of things, we are finding more and more that there is a current of moving people out of churches & out of in-person connections in the church.

There are things that make it so easy to receive, but not participate & not connect. It seems very convenient, and yet it may not be the best thing for us

Much like fast food vs. a home cooked meal

One of these major components is something known as Time-Shifting

Time-Shifting:

In this digital & consumerism age, many people time-shift a great number of things:

Maybe they always watch the 6:00 pm News, but they don’t do it at 6pm anymore - they DVR it and then watch it when it is convenient.

Maybe someone will record the entirety of a weekly released show series & then binge watch the whole thing consecutively.

For Christians, some of us might choose to stay up until 4am on a Saturday night & 10am Sunday is waaaaaay too early for us to be awake and ready to go, so we time-shift the Presence of God & church service like it’s another weekly TV show.

Or maybe it’s a really nice day for the beach, so we figure that we will go enjoy the beach now and watch church later when it fits our schedule better.

Exodus 9:5 NKJV

5 Then the Lord appointed a set time, saying, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing in the land.”

Did you know that:

There are about 80 verses in the Bible that deal with the phrase “Appointed Time”?

Throughout the Bible, there were specific and appointed times when God would meet with His people

I truly believe that:

There are times where we “must be present to win”

Exodus 29:42–43 NKJV

42 This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you. 43 And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory.

Don’t be the missing ingredient in your miracle & your appointment with Heaven

Psalm 133:1–3 NKJV

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.

Can you imagine if everyone in the military came to fight in the same battle, but showed up at different times or whatever time was most convenient for them?

It might be difficult to be effective or victorious doing it that way.

I want to encourage every one of us to:

Prioritize gathering together in as large a group as the current mandates allow & to gather together in-person, in a mini-church, or even online at the SAME time as everyone else without time-shifting

Priority memes.

Today, I’d like to share with you about one of the very important things that happens in the life of the individual who is part of Jesus’ church.

Sanctified:

Sanctified (def.) - Holy; Set Apart; To set apart for special use or purpose

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got some things in my life that are set apart for special purposes:

Tuxedos

Shoes (Hiking, dress, athletic, etc.)

Tactical Clothing

Tools

Watches

Swim Fins

Myself (for my wife & for the Lord)

Speedos (JUUUUUUST KIDDING)

Jesus wants to set you apart for a special use and special purpose.

Because there is no one else like you & no one can be a better you than you can!

God’s Method:

Ephesians 5:25–27 NKJV

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

I’d like you to see that:

It is the amazing love of Jesus that sets us apart & cleanses us for special purpose.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 NKJV

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Do you realize that God doesn’t is not interested in cleansing, purifying, sanctifying, & de-wrinkling the ORGANIZATION of His church?

Jesus wants each and every person to experience the love and peace that allows them to be specially set apart by Him personally.

This process happens by consistently encountering the love of Jesus & His word as part of The Church - the Bride of Christ!

In other words:

Jesus is personally setting apart every cell and part of His bride, the Church (but not just every random or visitor).

2 Timothy 2:19–21 NKJV

19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

The unconditional, all-supplying love of Jesus is enough for us to have confidence that we will have all we need EVEN WHEN we let go of those things called iniquities -

Iniquities are often just crutches of our flesh trying to get what we feel we need to be happy

We can easily let go of those crutches when we know that Jesus is able and willing to be/provide everything we need to have the abundant life.

Remember:

When we keep holding onto THIS, we cannot grab ahold of THAT.

Ephesians 3:17–19 NKJV

17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Just One Thing:

Let’s set our hearts on knowing the love of God, staying connected to His bride, & allowing Him to personally set us apart for His special use as a vessel of honor!

Discussion Questions:

What’s a common experience for many people that you’ve never experienced?

What, if anything have you noticed about your priorities & how some changes can benefit your life?

Please read 2 Timothy 2:19-21 and share what this verse means to you personally & how you want to respond to it.

Share what stood out to you or impacted you most in this sermon & why.