THINKING ABOUT CHURCH/COMMUNITY:
No legalist
about church attendance, I have thought for a long time now that something has
happened in the life of a Christian when she stops meeting other Christians at
the Meeting House on the Lord’s Day. When the worship of God is not important
anymore, hasn’t something serious gone awry?
Moreover, I have observed that Christians
who never find a place of service in and through a local church often end up
with a trainload of complaints and criticisms of that church. Affection
evaporates. But those who know the church best, warts and all, and who give of
their time, talent and treasure to the life of the local church----those people
usually “put up” with church.
Eugene Peterson said, “Our membership in
the church is a corollary of our faith in Christ.”
“Church”/“Community” is more than an
abstract theological concept; it is a way of life. “Church” has an address,
such as 511 High Place, Macon, GA 31204. “Church” is a forgiving place, a
growing place, a giving place, a sharing place. “Church” comes down with both
feet in the midst of sinful, petulant, often repulsive, people. “Church” is
impossible without presence, without two or three gathering together.
Taken from Walter B. Shurden's Preaching Journal Vol. 5. No. 43
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