The Purpose of the Church
God's peace be with you on this very significant day in history.
Well, as we find ourselves only 2 1/2 weeks away from the celebration of Christmas, December 7th has a whole history of its own. It seems that Pearl Harbor day and Christmas Day would have very little in common, but in reality, they're both about the same thing.
What was the purpose or the reason why America entered into the fray? Why did we sacrifice hundreds of thousands of men and millions of dollars to fight a war which was already taking place around the world? It's because evil touched our lives. While there were many people who petitioned and protested to stay out of the war, once the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor the dye was set. America took its stand against evil and one freedom for the world.
What does this have to do with Jesus? When evil drew close to those whom God loved He was determined to take a stand. That stand found its fulfillment in the battle which took place on calvary's hill and the victory that was ultimately won at the empty tomb. Through the actions of God, we now have freedom from the one who would reign in tyranny over us.
It would have been wonderful if the evil in the world had truly been vanquished at the end of World War 2, but evil is everywhere. The end of hostilities did not end the corruption in men's hearts. The same is true for the cross and the empty tomb. While the victory has been won there are many who resist, and evil still reigns in their hearts. The sad truth is we find this just as much in the church as we do outside of it.
As Paul addresses one more time the proper use of tongues in the church he hits upon the true purpose of the church and what God is seeking to accomplish through his people in the world. Listen closely to what he says and see if you can decipher what he reveals concerning the church's existence, purpose, and mission in this world.
If, therefore, the whole church assembles together and all are speaking in tongues and people who are outsiders or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? But if all are prophesying and some unbeliever or outsider comes in, he is convicted by all and is called to account by all. The secrets of his heart will be revealed, and as a result he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is really among you.” 1 Corinthians 14:23-25
What is it that Paul is concerned about in this text? He basically tells them they will appear to be crazy if they are speaking in tongues as people gather for worship. If there are those who are not Christians in the midst, they will have no idea what it is or what it is for, so the worship will appear to be nothing but a chaotic mess to them. If this were to be the case, do you think the non-members of the church would ever come back in the future?
On the other hand, if an unbeliever is in their midst and that person hears true prophecy, the authentic preaching of the Word of God, what will happen? Paul says they will be convicted of their sin as the truth of their own hearts is revealed. They will hear the message of God's redemptive love in Jesus, and as the Spirit works in their lives, they will know with certainty that God is present among them, and they will believe. Is this not the reason we exist?
There are far too many churches who have lost their focus. Too many preachers are pop psychologists. Church programs are about making people feel good, or what we might say, meeting people's felt needs. When was the last time you were confronted with sin in your life? When was the last time you were reminded that if it was not for the grace of God you would be going straight to hell? How long has it been since you were on your knees before the cross, crying out to God for His mercy and then trusting in His grace?
The mission of the church is to proclaim Jesus. The purpose of the church is to bring salvation to the lost. We exist as the people of God in this world to accomplish our mission and purpose. There is no other reason for us to be here. We are not here to have a good time, or to accomplish great successes, or to accumulate great wealth, or anything else the world deems as valuable. We are here for Jesus. It is not about us, this momentary existence on planet earth. We have eternity assured to us by our Father who loves us. Once there we will experience the joys of heaven for all eternity. But until that time comes, let us be diligent to our calling and be the people whom God has created us to be. We are those who represent our Savior Jesus to a lost and dying world.
In Christ,
Pastor Russ
Well, as we find ourselves only 2 1/2 weeks away from the celebration of Christmas, December 7th has a whole history of its own. It seems that Pearl Harbor day and Christmas Day would have very little in common, but in reality, they're both about the same thing.
What was the purpose or the reason why America entered into the fray? Why did we sacrifice hundreds of thousands of men and millions of dollars to fight a war which was already taking place around the world? It's because evil touched our lives. While there were many people who petitioned and protested to stay out of the war, once the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor the dye was set. America took its stand against evil and one freedom for the world.
What does this have to do with Jesus? When evil drew close to those whom God loved He was determined to take a stand. That stand found its fulfillment in the battle which took place on calvary's hill and the victory that was ultimately won at the empty tomb. Through the actions of God, we now have freedom from the one who would reign in tyranny over us.
It would have been wonderful if the evil in the world had truly been vanquished at the end of World War 2, but evil is everywhere. The end of hostilities did not end the corruption in men's hearts. The same is true for the cross and the empty tomb. While the victory has been won there are many who resist, and evil still reigns in their hearts. The sad truth is we find this just as much in the church as we do outside of it.
As Paul addresses one more time the proper use of tongues in the church he hits upon the true purpose of the church and what God is seeking to accomplish through his people in the world. Listen closely to what he says and see if you can decipher what he reveals concerning the church's existence, purpose, and mission in this world.
If, therefore, the whole church assembles together and all are speaking in tongues and people who are outsiders or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? But if all are prophesying and some unbeliever or outsider comes in, he is convicted by all and is called to account by all. The secrets of his heart will be revealed, and as a result he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is really among you.” 1 Corinthians 14:23-25
What is it that Paul is concerned about in this text? He basically tells them they will appear to be crazy if they are speaking in tongues as people gather for worship. If there are those who are not Christians in the midst, they will have no idea what it is or what it is for, so the worship will appear to be nothing but a chaotic mess to them. If this were to be the case, do you think the non-members of the church would ever come back in the future?
On the other hand, if an unbeliever is in their midst and that person hears true prophecy, the authentic preaching of the Word of God, what will happen? Paul says they will be convicted of their sin as the truth of their own hearts is revealed. They will hear the message of God's redemptive love in Jesus, and as the Spirit works in their lives, they will know with certainty that God is present among them, and they will believe. Is this not the reason we exist?
There are far too many churches who have lost their focus. Too many preachers are pop psychologists. Church programs are about making people feel good, or what we might say, meeting people's felt needs. When was the last time you were confronted with sin in your life? When was the last time you were reminded that if it was not for the grace of God you would be going straight to hell? How long has it been since you were on your knees before the cross, crying out to God for His mercy and then trusting in His grace?
The mission of the church is to proclaim Jesus. The purpose of the church is to bring salvation to the lost. We exist as the people of God in this world to accomplish our mission and purpose. There is no other reason for us to be here. We are not here to have a good time, or to accomplish great successes, or to accumulate great wealth, or anything else the world deems as valuable. We are here for Jesus. It is not about us, this momentary existence on planet earth. We have eternity assured to us by our Father who loves us. Once there we will experience the joys of heaven for all eternity. But until that time comes, let us be diligent to our calling and be the people whom God has created us to be. We are those who represent our Savior Jesus to a lost and dying world.
In Christ,
Pastor Russ
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