Published by We have thousands of churches in the world today, from the big organized church to the smallest informal congregation at the remotest region on earth. Believers are spoilt for choices as they can choose whichever church suits their needs. The downside of this vast selections is the confusion and frustration of believers trying to find that elusive ‘true church’, the one that truly obeys God. Many left church because of disillusionment and disappointment with various teachings, which varies from church to church. Many came to conclusion that God does not exist simply because they had bitterly disappointed with the weaknesses within the church. This is a sad truth but happens everyday in every nation around the world. To clear this confusion it is essential for believers to turn to the Bible and hear what God has to say about the church.
What is a Church?
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ~ Colossians 1:18
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Contrary to what majority of people believe, a church is not a building, an institution or an organization. A church is the body of Christ with Jesus as the head, and believers or Christians that form the body. A church is an organism. It is a family of God with God as the father and believers as the children. A church building is only a place where the church meets. Having said that, wherever the believers meet, in an open field or a grand ballroom, that is where the church is.
How do we become part of the church?
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
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If we want to become part of the church we must be baptized. Merely attending church meetings will not make us members of the family. We are only visitors or friends of the believers. Baptism signifies our inclusion in God’s family. It proudly declares to the world our identity – Christians. Baptism also not merely an initiation ceremony, but we make our decisions to be baptized with our faith because when we immersed in the water of baptism we are consciously aware that we are participating in Christ death and resurrection. By being baptized we are born again – leaving our old sinful lives behind and being renewed in spirit that pledged to obey God at all cost.
What is our role as part of the church?
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:14-20
Once we become part of the church we are not to be idled and not participating in any active role. Sadly, a huge amount of believers do not know this truth. Many attend church only to gain benefits for themselves such as for knowledge or spiritual insights from sermons. Many come to church with ‘I sit here in the pew and please spoon feed me with your teachings’ attitude. The bible told us that as members of the church we are the body that consists of many parts. Just like a human body that has different parts, so is the church. We have different roles to play according to our talents. Some people have musical gift and they can contribute to the body by playing musical instruments during service. Others have writing talent, study the bible with non-believers or teaching Sunday school. Regardless of our talents, we must do our part and no one is greater than the other. A preacher can not say to the usher that he has a more important role. Everyone is equal and we must all functions as one body.
Can we function independently of each other?
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:21-27
It is important to understand that as part of the church, we can not function alone. Imagine one of your hands complaining to you that it does not want to pick up things anymore. It suddenly makes a decision to do as it chooses. Now, how do you function? It would be extremely embarrassing and awkward! It is the same with the church. As part of the church we can not do as we like and only serve when we feel like it. We can not skip church meetings simply because we do not feel like coming because without our presence the church is not complete. The preacher needs us to be there. So do the ushers, the song leaders, the Sunday school teachers etc. Of course we can be excused if we have valid reasons but the point is, we always make efforts to come and be united as one body.
How often do we meet as a church?
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. ~ Hebrews 3:12-13
The answer is as often as we can. It is absolutely essential for us to keep in touch with other believers as often as possible because we need to encourage each other to stay faithful to God. Unfortunately many believers do not practice this truth. Many come only on Sundays to worship but immediately left thereafter, without fellowshipping with other believers. Many believers have shallow relationships with one another and never make any concerted effort to get to know one another beyond the surface level. As believers we can not live out our faith alone. We need the right community, the church, to constantly spur us to persevere in our walk with God.
What do we do when we meet as a church?
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:24-25
When we meet with other believers either as a whole body or in small group basis, we are not to use this time for idle talks such as gossiping. Use this time to get to know each other better by sharing about our lives and experiences. Learn from each other and encourage one another in whatever difficulties we are facing in life. We can also use this time to confront one another personally if someone is sinning. One word of caution: never do this self righteously. Do it tactfully and with love.
As believers we can not pick and choose whom we like or dislike. We are called by God to love one another (John 13:34-35). If we have differences or disagreements, resolve it together and move on. Use the time to pray together, evangelize, have fun like watching movies or playing sports. We are a family and we do things like a family does – minus the negatives.
What if I’m busy and don’t have time for church?
If you think you do not have time for church, then I strongly suggest to you to reassess your priority. How important is God for you? Is he your number 1 priority in life? Being a part of the church is not about pleasing others with our full attendance. It is about fulfilling our roles as God’s children and become his representatives on earth. If you want to put God as number 1, it comes with cost and sometimes it cost us greatly. If you have to work over time and miss that church meeting, make prior arrangement with your boss if you can come to work earlier instead. Or if you need to have that extra job for extra income, ask yourself if there is something that you have to let go like letting go of that dream to purchase an expensive car or a bigger house. It may sounds harsh and unfair but God always insists on our obedience, to carry our cross for the sake of righteousness. I further encourage you to read Matthew 6:25-34 and pray about it.
A glimpse into the life of first century Christians
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. ~ Acts 2:42-47
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In the above scripture we have a beautiful glimpse into the life of the first century Christians. These people are our brothers and sisters who were totally devoted to one another and made a habit of meeting regularly as a church. I believe God made it possible for this verses to be included in the bible because he wants to make an example out of them. It was included for our sake. That is how the church should be, the example that twenty first century believers must follow.
When we feel confused and disconnected from the church, always remember the above points and scriptures and we can be sure we are on the right track if everyone of us continue to practice them.
