Last week I mentioned that I listen to podcasts in my truck as I drive and was listening to a recent podcast by Brad Harrub and Jack Wilkie on THINK, as they discussed what church should be like between Sundays.
As a summary of last week, they made the point that we have redefined church today. We talk about the church as a place we go for worship, rather than WHO WE ARE. THE CHURCH CAN AND DOES EXIST WITHOUT A BUILDING. We do not talk about “family” that way. And we noted last week that we CANNOT bear one another’s burdens just by rushing in and saying “How are you” to one another, saying “I’m fine,” and walking away.
Hence, there are some other things that we cannot do as a church if we limit “church” to Sundays when we gather for worship.
First, we cannot have real relationships; grow closer together and bear one another’s burdens just on Sundays. (Galatians 6:1-2).
Second, we cannot have really deep learning and in-depth Bible study and growth just on Sundays. Preachers preach maybe 20-30 minutes, occasionally maybe 45 minutes, but that is not enough for real spiritual growth. If the only time we study God’s word is Sunday worship, then we will die spiritually. We all understand that if we do not eat physical food every day, we will waste away and die. IF WE DO NOT SPEND TIME IN BIBLE STUDY DAILY, we will shrivel up and die spiritually.
If we were able to X-ray our souls, what would they look like? Would it be strong and robust because of our good diet of the Word of God? Or would there be concern about being put in the intensive care unit because we are so close to spiritual death!
In literal battles between men and arms, training is constant and intense. In the battle with Satan our training must be constant and intense. We need to go over scripture time and again, because our enemy, Satan, looks for every opportunity to attack us. This is yet ANOTHER reason why we need to work at spending time together and encouraging one another in the battle. One soldier cannot fight an army by himself. EVERYONE NEEDS TO GET INVOLVED. Some have been on the battle field a lot longer and are more aware of the ways in which Satan will attack. In the midst of battle, we need and must rely on one another. If a brother or sister is weak in one area, we need to help them so that the attack from Satan does not come against them and weaken the whole force. Weakness among members of the church does affect the church!
Third, when it comes to us fulfilling the mission Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:18-20 (And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.) we need to understand it is easier to practice evangelism as a group instead of one on one. Jesus sent out the disciples two by two (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1) in the limited commission. Perhaps this is why we have now limited most of our evangelistic methods to the building. Yet, many will not come to “church” anymore; they may come to an invitation to their neighbor’s house for dinner, and then sit down and discuss religious matters. We need to build relationships with our friends and neighbors, then sit down with them and talk the gospel.
It doesn’t have to be much – a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a cup of coffee.
Someone might say, “Well, that is easy for you. But I don’t have the time.” Yet, the harsh reality is that we all have the same 24 hours of every day. We make time to do the things we want to do. If we truly want to see souls saved, we have to make time intentionally to engage people and help them to know Jesus! Where do you find time? You make time, you intentionally engage people and help them to know Jesus. Start with friends, relatives . . . and remember, SATAN loves it when you are so busy that you can’t find time (or won’t make time) to do the Lord’s work.
MORE NEXT WEEK
Tommy
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More next week
Love, Tommy