Passion for the church.
Far too many Christians take coming to church far to lightly
By Pastor George Lehman
The most expensive piece of furniture in the church is the empty seat.
We are not in the seat filling business; we are in the heart changing business. When the heart truly changes the seats will be filled.
After a bad sermon a pastor was asked what went wrong. His answer was really good. He said, “Poor preaching is God’s judgment on a prayerless congregation.”
You were formed for a family. From the beginning of time, God has always wanted a family.
A family that will last for all eternity.
From Geneses to Revelation it’s all about God and His family
Hebrews 2:11 (Jerusalem bible) – Jesus and the people He makes holy all belong to the same family. That’s why He isn’t ashamed to call them His brothers and sisters.
NB! We were not just called to believe. We’re called to belong. To belong to the family of God.
John 1:12 (Amp) – But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.
Hebrews 2:10 (NCV) – God is the One who made all things, and all things are for His glory. He wanted to have many children to share his glory.
1 John 3:1 (NLT) – See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children, and we really are!
Paul says:
1 Timothy 3:15 (GWT) – God’s family is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
A building without a support and foundation will collapse. In the same way we need people, a family, for support to help us in our walk with God. That’s why we need a place of fellowship.
Living in the ‘real world’ it is so important to establish yourself on a solid foundation. Surrounding yourself with Christian friends, mentors and make attending church a habit and priority.
As a family we all need each other.
The church is a body, not a business. A family, not an institution.
Ephesians 4:16 (Amp) – For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.
The more you grow in your faith in God the more you’re going to love and treasure the church. Taking up your full responsibility in the church.
When people grow weary, drift and become lukewarm first to go is your church attendance.
Sadly, there are people who say to Jesus, “We love you” but we don’t “love your body”. I accept you, but I reject your body.
We do this whenever we develop the ‘triple C’ [criticize, complain & condemn] towards the church.
Except for a few important exceptions referring to all believers throughout history almost every time the word “CHURCH” is used in the bible it refers to a local, visible congregation of Believers.
A Christian without a church home is like:
An organ without a body.
A sheep without a flock.
A child without a family.
Ephesians 2:19b – You belong in God’s household with every other Christian.
There are some whose faith is not strong enough to bring them to church services, – but they expect it to take them to heaven.
The difference between being a church attendee and a church member is commitment.
Attendees are spectators. Members get involved in the ministry.
If you’re looking for the perfect church when you join it, it won’t be perfect anymore! We are called to – love imperfect people.
Psalm 133:1 (TEV) – How wonderful it is, how pleasant for God’s people to live together in harmony!
Verse3 says: There God commands a blessing.
Ask yourself: Do you build or break harmony in the church? Are you an asset or a liability? Are you a momentum-maker or a momentum- breaker
Real fellowship means: Being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus.
1 John 3:16 (LB) – We know what real love is from Christ’s example in dying for us. And so, we also ought to lay down our lives for our Christian brothers.
Giving yourself, putting others first, being the least, promoting peace, harmony and unity isn’t easy. But God asks us to do it because He first did it.
When there are plenty of oxen in a stable, there will always be a common factor – manure.
Proverbs 14:4 (NLT) – Without oxen the stable stays clean but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
If there’s only manure, then obviously something is wrong.
Here’s a measuring stick:
Philippians 2:3-4 (NCV) – Give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life but be interested in the lives of others.
It’s not about thinking less of yourself. It’s about thinking of yourself less.
Romans 12:10 (GWT) – Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each others.
Romans 12:16 (NLT) – Live in harmony with each other. Don’t try to act important but enjoy the company of ordinary people and don’t think you know it all.
2 Corinthians 12:20 (Amp) – For I am fearful that somehow or other I may come and find you not as I desire to find you and that you may find me too not as you want to find me: – that perhaps there may be factions (quarreling), jealousy, temper (wrath, intrigues, rivalry, divided loyalties), selfishness, whispering, gossip, arrogance (self-assertion) and disorder among you.
If you proclaim to be a child of God, you’re part of the body of Christ. And as a part of the body you have a responsibility to promote unity and harmony.
Colossians 3:14 (LB) – Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.
Question:
How passionate are you to ensure and promote unity in the church?
What did you ‘hear’ in this sermon? The Bible says, “let him who has ears (spiritual ears) let him hear what the Spirit is saying”.
What are you going to do with what you have just heard? You CANNOT remain ‘neutral’.
