WHAT IS THE CHURCH? (1/22/12)
The pure definition of the word "church" reveals that it isn’t used as easily in the context of global or universal believers as it is in the local assembly of believers. The definition reveals that it’s more of a well defined local group than a loosely defined larger group of people. Therefore we really can’t be a part of the church if we aren’t regullarly gathering together with other parts of the church. More specifically, the church is a group of people who intentionally and faithfully gather for the purpose of fellowship, prayer, and biblical teaching. To me the best Church is the one that looks and acts closest to the Church pattern seen in the New Testament, proclaiming the glorious Gospel of grace and peace that Paul preached and wrote about. But I can feel at home among any group of Spirit-filled believers regardless of denomination.
YOU ARE NOT THE CHURCH! (1/15/12)
It is becoming too common to hear people say things like, “The church isn’t a building”(which is true) or, “I am the church, so I don’t have to go ‘to church’.” The idea here is that many people feel that they have become so wounded or dissatisfied with their experiences in many churches that they have decided that it’s not only better but even more biblical to minimize participation in an organized church setting. I find this mindset to be unfortunate, unbiblical, and even harmful. If you understand the meaning of the word ‘church’ you could never say that you alone are the church. That idea is contrary to the origin of the word. The Greek word is "ekklesia" which means "assembly” or "garthering". In fact, that word literally means an assembly of people who have been called together by an authority. For us, Christ is that Authority. He has called His people to gather regularly. Those gathings are called "Church" in Scripture.
BERTIE BRITS GRACE CONFERENCE! (1/2/12)
Bertie Brits, founder of Dynamic Love Ministries, an international ministry based in South Africa, will be speaking in Northern Virginia for four meetings February 24th, 25th, and 26th. More details will be added in a few days.
