That is one of the questions we have been asked many times since returning from England and the Philippines. It is an interesting question because most of those who have asked us this are asking where we will go to hear sermons preached on Sunday mornings with a host of other people who are following Jesus.
I recently read a post by “Grace” related to this type of question entitled Building + Attendance = Church. Grace had a difficult church situation some time ago that led her to seek God more diligently and the result has been excellent for her growth in Christ. One of the comments in response to her post really caught my eye because it reflects much of what God has been revealing to me about Himself, fellowship, relationship and “church.” John Lynch wrote:
I’ve increasingly enjoyed the reality that Jesus calls us not to a church nor even an “ekklesia” but rather into a kingdom that is alive in Himself, the King. It’s redefined my understanding of my identity and role in His kingdom and in relationship with Him.
And what a kingdom it is! May the Spirit of God give the whole kingdom family eyes to see what we have entered into so that we might deny our self-life and self-righteousness and begin receiving the perfected life and lifestyle Christ so freely offers! Then we’ll really have something worthwhile to invite seekers into!
Living in the reality that God’s Kingdom is here and now (“Thy Kingdom come; They will be done, on earth just as it is in Heaven.”) and that God has made us new creations into one Body by calling us into the Kingdom of Jesus is exciting! Where two or more Kingdom citizens gather, there He is with them, teaching them, encouraging them, and growing them into His image! We aren’t called to go to church just for what church can give us; instead, God calls us together for mutual edification, the work of a living, breathing Body filled with different parts, all of which are gifted to strengthen the entire Body. This doesn’t result from gathering and listening to some music and a sermon once a week; it results from all of us offering up ourselves as living sacrifices 24/7, prepared to do whatever the King asks of His citizens.
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I don’t want to go to a place called church. I want join with other followers of Jesus and be the Church. I want to fellowship and live and love, filled with the Holy Spirit, demonstrating to all the world that I am a part of the greatest Kingdom ever. I want to be someone who builds others up and never tears them down. I want to be a friend to others just as Jesus is my friend. I want to make Church a reality in my life every moment. As the bride of Christ I don’t believe it’s a one day a week thing or limited to one place or building.
How about you?