While many times we get caught up in the function of the church and all the programs, ministries and systems that keep it running we forget the real building that needs to take place.
While we stand in the corner counting how many people are attending, the very people we count need more than just being a number on a piece of paper. They need spiritual leaders who are investing in their lives leading them to become more like Jesus tomorrow than they were today. This helps define the "what" Jesus is building to push back the gates of hell.
As people are being to built into authentic followers of Jesus, the Church is being built into a strong spiritual force. When spiritual leaders like Jesus stayed connected to people and intentionally invest in their spiritual well being the Church is being built. We often measure our success in the church world based on how many people we see showing up on a Sunday. Jesus measures it on the number of changed lives that occur through disciple making.
It is through disciple making we begin to see Jesus build His Church. Disciple making is the strategy Jesus used most successfully and it should be to strategy we use. It is easier to stand in the corner and count than it is to get involved in messy lives that need spiritual leaders who are willing to invest in seeing them become more like Jesus.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Monday, June 29, 2020
Jesus Builds His Church
Jesus said boldly, "Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18).
Have you ever really thought about what Jesus means when He says "I will build my church"? Obviously He means that the church is His. He is Lord and King. He is in control and is the one that does the building. But builds into what?
What is Jesus trying to build when it comes to the church? Quickly the image that comes to mind is a large structural building with plenty of seating, a stage and maybe multiple services. People who long to "go" or "come" to church. The more you have "going" or "coming" must mean Jesus is really be pleased with you because He is building your church into something bigger and better. This is the paradigm we operate from isn't it? But is that the "what" that Jesus is trying to build? Probably not.
Jesus had something bigger and better in mind, but it is not what we perceive the church should look like. It is not in our own image, it is in the image of Jesus which should be in focus.
So, what is Jesus trying to build? Let's rephrase that, what is Jesus building, whether we are involved in the process or not?
Throughout the world Jesus is building His church and in many places the way we see the church, buildings, worship services and how many people come is not how they see The Church. Their focus is on one thing, "Making Disciples!" So much of the other stuff we focus on takes away from the mission and our involvement in Jesus building His church.
Sit and think about that for a while. In your disagreement, try to find verses that defend your paradigm. Let's walk together as we discover the "what" Jesus is building that push back the gates of hell!
Have you ever really thought about what Jesus means when He says "I will build my church"? Obviously He means that the church is His. He is Lord and King. He is in control and is the one that does the building. But builds into what?
What is Jesus trying to build when it comes to the church? Quickly the image that comes to mind is a large structural building with plenty of seating, a stage and maybe multiple services. People who long to "go" or "come" to church. The more you have "going" or "coming" must mean Jesus is really be pleased with you because He is building your church into something bigger and better. This is the paradigm we operate from isn't it? But is that the "what" that Jesus is trying to build? Probably not.
Jesus had something bigger and better in mind, but it is not what we perceive the church should look like. It is not in our own image, it is in the image of Jesus which should be in focus.
So, what is Jesus trying to build? Let's rephrase that, what is Jesus building, whether we are involved in the process or not?
Throughout the world Jesus is building His church and in many places the way we see the church, buildings, worship services and how many people come is not how they see The Church. Their focus is on one thing, "Making Disciples!" So much of the other stuff we focus on takes away from the mission and our involvement in Jesus building His church.
Sit and think about that for a while. In your disagreement, try to find verses that defend your paradigm. Let's walk together as we discover the "what" Jesus is building that push back the gates of hell!
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