It is popular among some to criticize the Christian church today. Being myself a part of the church, I know there are many problems among us. I would so much love to see us all grow up into Christ as Paul described in his letter to the Ephesians. My hope is not in us, those whom God has brought together in Christ, but in Jesus Himself, the author and finisher of our faith. To be clear, I am not referring to every man-made institution that calls itself a church. In fact, I believe many people who criticize Christianity are confusing the true faith with these institutions and organizations that might have truly done things worthy of criticism.
The Greek word translated into English in most bibles as “church” is actually referring to an assembly or gathering of people. Even in the bible it is used in reference to a town counsel as well as an angry mob! (Acts 19:32, 39, 41). The assembly most referred to in the bible is the community of believers in Christ. It is composed of many members and yet it is one body with Jesus Christ as the Head. Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22-23)
In my earlier years I did not have much respect for the Christian church. I felt that I could have a relationship with God on my own. I didn’t believe I needed these other people. I felt they were trying to restrict my freedom as an individual. By my early 20’s God saw to it that I found how much I really needed this diverse collection of unusual and sometimes strange people. 50 years later I remain convinced of my need for them.
At the same time we can be very different from one another. To be honest I have serious difficulties with some others and their beliefs, actions and traditions. I have spent many hours questioning and trying to understand why and how we can be so different. In the end I can only seek the will of God for myself and my family. I will find fellowship anywhere and any time I can, and try to serve others as He leads me.
Part of what I have found to be God’s will for me is found in a key verse in the New Testament. In Ephesians 4:11-13 Paul writes:
“And He (Christ) gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ.”
(NASB)
As a teacher in the body of Christ I am compelled to point out this great purpose that God has for His people, His church. At times I can see the hindrances that we have allowed to get in the way of that purpose. I have been forced many times to see how my zeal for plans that God has not made can become a distraction from His plan for a unified, and mature in knowledge body of believers in Him. Over the years I have failed many times to preserve the unity of the faith, and have seen many discouraging times in the church. This past year has been a time of some very shocking events in my church experience. Yet my hope in God’s plan for us all has not diminished. In fact my zeal to serve Him and His people has been increased! why? Because I am free in Him to a greater degree than before.
While I am still sorting through what I have learned in recent years, I am very excited about the future. Jesus is building His Church, and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it!
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