What is Church, part II

Ok...lots of 'lurkers' out there, but no takers on What Is Church comments. I'm not surprised. The reasons for that form part of my beliefs on church. How about this quote then,

"As I look around on Sunday morning at the people populating the pews, I see the risk that God has assumed. For whatever reason, God now reveals himself in the world not through a pillar of smoke and fire, not even through the physical body of his Son in Galilee, but through the mongrel collection that comprises my local church and every other such gathering in God's name. In this confused and confusing world, we are called to share in the representation of what God is like, to give God form in this world. Martin Luther called us "God's masks": because the world cannot withstand the direct force of God's glory, he said, God uses human beings as the prime expression of himself....We humans cause God great pain, yet God remains passionately involved with us. Should not I have something of that same attitude toward the church around me?"

The above quote is from Philip Yancy in his book entitled, Church: Why Bother? Interesting thoughts that come from a section of teaching out of 1 Corinthians. I don't think any believing Christian would argue his thoughts. My question to you is this, how do you think that relates to the institution of church? Do you believe scripturally that the Lord commands us to be in community within a church setting? What do you think? Game enough to leave a comment....?

What is Church?

I've been asking a few people lately why they go to church? What they believe the purpose of church is? What Hebrew 10:23-25 means to them? What role the church is to be in their life? What would your answers be? Leave me a comment or two...

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24


Are you familiar with the song I Worship You by Steve Merkel? Great words, great tune. Travis Cottrell has one of the most moving versions of this on his Unashamed Love album. Here are the lyrics....ponder these today.

I worship You Jesus
I worship You
For You alone are holy
You alone are God
You alone are worthy
Of the longing of my heart

I give You praise Jesus
I give You praise
For You alone are holy
You alone are God
You alone are worthy
Of the longing of my heart

I love you Lord Jesus
I love You Lord
For You alone are holy
You alone are God
You alone are worthy
Of the longing of my heart.