I have been asking myself a question the past few months. This question was originally birthed from a sincere evaluation of the Biblical Christian Life and relates to the function of the Local New Testament Church. The question is this:
Why are we here?
Is it to gather together on a Sunday or Wednesday, sitting in a pew and listening to someone Preach? Is that really the culmination of the Christian life? It would appear that for some it is. ”Going to Church” is what it means to be a Christian to the majority of our Church members.
If “going to Church” defines us as Christian, then what does Monday and Tuesday and Thursday and Friday and Saturday hold for us?
Biblical Christianity is a LIFE, not a meeting.
I affectionately refer to this as the “Rut of Religion”. But I don’t know what to do about it. I Preached not long ago on this and asked the question: “If someone was to follow you around for 30 days, how would they define what it means to be a Christian? For most, it would be a list:
- Go to Church - even faithfully
- return the tithe
- give to Missions, etc…
- teach/sing/work nursery/parking lot/etc. – whatever ministry one is involved in
- read the Bible
- pray
- … – the list may go on.
For many, this is it. But that is not Biblical Christianity. For many, this list is an end – it says “I am doing well…” – the problem is the word “DOING” – the Christian life is supposed to be a deep, passionate relationship with our Saviour. Out of that will come sevice, but that service is a result of the relationship, not an end to itself. God help us to not be satisfied with a few chores – help us to be “constrained by the love of Christ”. God help me to teach and to Preach the relationship not just to service. And help me to live it.
This is sort of an unintelligible mess – sorry. It has been been a long time since my last entry and I am trying to get more consistent. So rather than scrap this, I decided to finish it. Lord Bless you all.
