The Church Life

What is it about church that makes us feel like we need to be there when we haven’t been in a while.

Or makes us feel like maybe we don’t need it.

Or causes so much conversation about how to be the church in our current, modern context, regardless of what that current, modern context might look like.

Our current, modern context has made gathering almost needless. We can get better service online:

good worship (that matches our taste and style)

good preaching (that matches our state of mind and desired topic and style)

good teaching (that addresses our current need in a compelling way)

We might even get a couple moderators from the church and other attendees with whom we can “converse”

You could make the argument that you could find better and do better online than you could ever do gathering here (or anywhere)

If the church were all about what we consume, that would be true. If the church were all about self-discovery and self-help with a religious flavor, that would be true.

But is that what church is all about?

I would say no. Regardless of what else happens in our world, who does or does not join us, and who suggests we should or should not meet, there is no way to substitute or replace the necessity of individual churches gathering together.

Despite all of our perceived shortcomings and imperfections, the gathered church is critical for two reasons:

Imperfect, but together, we can do what churches do

Acts 2:41–47 NKJV

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Imperfect, but together, we can be why churches are

Ephesians 3:8–11 NKJV

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

The Church Life is part of the Christian Life…we need to live it!