The Church
In my leadership meditation book this morning it used Phil 2:3-4 to describe to purpose of the church.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Reflection: In what areas am I expecting the church to meet my needs? Are any of these areas impinging on the church's ability to reach out?
Prayer: Discomfort me Lord, when I want to get comfortable, and help me to use my church not merely as my personal religious social club but as a rescue station for those who desperately need you.
"The church is not a museum for finished products, It's a hospital for the sick" Bruce Larson.
I saw another qoute on a church a couple of weeks ago, "This is not a shrine for saints, but a hospital for sinners." My thoughts on this come as I have a desire to reach out to the lost, but feel as though I am trapped in the walls of protection provided by friends and 'the fellowship'. Why do I feel as though, we as a church and youth group focus on ourselves and not on others---My personal application would be to examine my life and see what I can change in this area.
As I continue to study the word and speak with friends and family I would ask for input on the purpose and role of the church. (Has anyone posted anything on this--I can't remember if there was a round table on Luke's blog or not?)
Matt 9:11-13
11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mark 2:16-17
16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 5:27-32
27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.
28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Reflection: In what areas am I expecting the church to meet my needs? Are any of these areas impinging on the church's ability to reach out?
Prayer: Discomfort me Lord, when I want to get comfortable, and help me to use my church not merely as my personal religious social club but as a rescue station for those who desperately need you.
"The church is not a museum for finished products, It's a hospital for the sick" Bruce Larson.
I saw another qoute on a church a couple of weeks ago, "This is not a shrine for saints, but a hospital for sinners." My thoughts on this come as I have a desire to reach out to the lost, but feel as though I am trapped in the walls of protection provided by friends and 'the fellowship'. Why do I feel as though, we as a church and youth group focus on ourselves and not on others---My personal application would be to examine my life and see what I can change in this area.
As I continue to study the word and speak with friends and family I would ask for input on the purpose and role of the church. (Has anyone posted anything on this--I can't remember if there was a round table on Luke's blog or not?)
Matt 9:11-13
11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mark 2:16-17
16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 5:27-32
27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.
28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
posted by Will at 11:43 AM
1 Comments:
Amen! Excellent words, a verse that means so much to me is:
Matthew 25:23
"...You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
I find it applicable here because if we want to be a church that is a Hospital to bring in the unsaved we need God to work through us, and the only way we're going to get where He wants us is to start with the small things He entrusts us and if we are surrendered at that level He keeps us moving up to bigger and better ministries, but we must first learn to be faithful in the small things so that we can serve God as He desires, I continually must pray for the grace to get over all the stupid "little" sins in my life so that I can get self out of the way and serve God as He would want.
God bless
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