The state of emergency to stop the spread of the coronavirus prompted the evaluation of places to be “essential” and “non-essential.” I understand this concept well as a nurse because it’s similar to the triage of what’s important and urgent against what is non-urgent. But how are you supposed to grasp that a place where you’ve come to know God, joyfully worship Him, and fellowship with His children is non-essential?
You may feel like a wandering sheep looking for your shepherd now that many churches have closed. It’s disheartening to think of you and your fellow Christians to be without a place to meet God.
The moment you set foot in the building, you know you are in a special place. You immediately feel at home. You know there are people you can trust all around you and feel invigorated by the Holy Spirit. It’s a time to sing praise and have fellowship in the good news of Jesus Christ. Your kids are safe and happy when learning in the daycare during the service. It’s a place you can truly be filled with joy.
But church isn’t the building, it’s the people.
You are part of the church led by Jesus Christ. He is the High Priest and King of Kings. He said where two or more are gathered, I am there (Matt 18:20, NKJV). There’s no instruction saying you have to go to a building to worship Him. The most important part of being a Christian is having a relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s an intimate, daily walk with Him. Submissive and humble to His instruction in your life. The Holy Spirit comes into your life as a gift when you receive Jesus as your Savior, not because you entered a specific building. Your body is your temple.
The relationship you have with Jesus Christ is an unbreakable bond that no man can destroy. It doesn’t matter what is going on in your life, your connection with Him is entirely yours. You don’t need a church building to foster it. You just need to give Him the time.
We are all part of His church. We are essential.
In America, we see mega-churches becoming a popular trend. When I see thousands of people gathering to celebrate Jesus it absolutely warms my heart. All those people reaching out to Him is glorious! But sometimes the church is more simple than that.
It’s you with your friend who desperately needs to talk. Your friend is going through a difficult time and needs to be encouraged by your faith and comfort. She needs you to pray for her, so hold her hand and pray together.
Jesus is there.
Those moments won’t always occur in the church, but rather in your everyday life. Your heart needs to be centered on Jesus, so you can be ready to provide the faith gift He needs you to use to minister to His people. We are all part of His church. There is no shortage of people who need the encouragement that you can provide through your faith and love in Him.
3 essential attributes of the church
1. God-Centered
Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matt 7:15, NKJV). The truth is God’s word. False teachings that involve self-centered concepts are rampant throughout the world. Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God who came to earth, fully man and fully God, to sacrifice Himself for the salvation of the world. He died and rose again after He defeated death. This is the truth from the word of God. You know the truth when you test the spirits and whether they confess Jesus is the Son of God. “By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God” (1 John 4:2-3, NKJV).
God’s word has to be the center of the church, or it’s not of God. Jesus is His living Word, who became flesh (John 1:14, NKJV). Wolves in sheep’s clothing are those that twist and turn God’s word to be for their own benefit. When Satan tried to tempt Jesus, He used God’s word but manipulated it to try and make Him falter. These ways, whether intentional or not, are not of God and have serious repercussions.
2. Relationship with Jesus
The way you meet Him and learn with Him does not have to be within a church building. You can meet Him every morning in your room when praying. You can be part of mission trips that reach out to people desperately(new word) in need of Him. Maybe on your way to work, you listen to a bible study or podcast. Or even late at night when everyone in your house is asleep, you like to read and pray. The way you spend time with Jesus is between you and Him. Therefore, the most important thing is that it occurs.
3. The People
One of the best parts of the church is the fellowship. Fellowship with other people who have a love for Jesus like you is indescribable. It gives you hope. You see other people trying to live a life just like you. They struggle, they’re not perfect, and they don’t judge you for your mistakes. A church of people filled with humility is truly sharing the mission of Jesus. You can find comfort in their grace. You celebrate the life of Jesus together in a way that fosters the purpose in your heart for God. These people help you in your difficult times and celebrate your joyous moments.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
People thirsty for the truth, but can’t find it, are like wandering sheep. They need a shepherd to care for them and lead them. The shepherd nurtures the sheep and does whatever it takes to make sure they are safe. Anyone who doesn’t care for the sheep leaves them to face the wolves alone. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The Shepherd knows His sheep, and they know Him. They hear His voice and see the way. “I am the good shepherd and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep” (John 10: 14-15, NKJV).
The bond of Christ to His church is like the marriage bond between a husband and wife. The wife is submissive to her husband as she is to God. The husband honors and loves his wife. He gives himself for her, and loves her as he loves himself. “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church” (Eph 5:29, NKJV).
Christ is the Husband and we are the wife. “For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones” (Eph 5:30, NKJV). We submit to Him out of love and He cleanses us through Himself.
Christ wants you to walk in wisdom and understanding. Spend time with Him to realize His will for your life so you can grow in your knowledge. You can trust in Him. He will never separate Himself from you.