The Church - A Simple Plan

So what constitutes a great church from an ok church?

Its rather simple really.

A great church has the following in place:

- a high view of Scripture and all that accompanies it.

- people that enjoy hanging out with each other.

- people that eat together. a lot.

- people that continually pray for each other.

Nothing that grandiose.   It's not a great building.  It's not a great worship band.  It's not a website that uses flash technology. 

Luke says it this way in Acts 2:42-47,     

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

What's amazing about following this simple plan is that it became contagious to a point where others, non-believers, wanted to join in.

So, the question is, how are you doing in this?  Or how is your church in this?  

The result should be 

- hearts filled with joy

- the worship of God

- unbelievers coming to Christ  

If you don't see those things happening in your church and life, then perhaps you have been focusing a little too much on making sure that your favorite songs are in the worship service.

God Save the Doubter

 

Exodus 14:14 "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."

This, of course, comes as a command to the Israelite's as they are stuck between the Red Sea (i.e. death) and Pharaoh and his army (i.e. death).

 

Moses says to this motley crew of people... these soon-to-be nomads “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again."

 

Can hear the thoughts... the responses... from the people Israel?  

"Uh... what???"

"Yeah, but have you seen how many there are?"

"That giant body of water is in front of me and we have no boat!"

Sometimes when I am unable to see what is ahead I become fearful.  OR sometimes when I do see what IS ahead of me, fear settles in.

How quickly the Israelites doubted a Sovereign King.  

How quickly I doubt a Sovereign King.

Of course, on this side of the story, we know the outcome.  We know from reading Scripture, that God's people make it to the other side of the water.  That Pharaoh and his men are crushed.

We must not look to quickly here at just the deliverance.  For the beauty is not just the saving.  The beauty is found in God saving doubting people.  For that is what should give us great hope.   Even in the midst of forgetting whose we are, who we are - God still saves.

Two Things

Every man is essentially called to two things in his life.

1. Exalt God
2. Teach others to do the same

This is a "rule" of life that I have learned many years ago and often times do not put into practice.  So, it's a journey.  Exalt God and teach others to do the same.