Are you sure you know what the church is?

Are you certain what you believe about the church is right and true? These are questions at times we ought to think and ask ourselves. And surely, some or many of us might shrug it off these questions; Not really scrutinizing what the Bible says about the church. Nevertheless, understand that these questions has been a debate over decades of years now and sadly, most people neglect and care less about it. But the worst, are those who call themselves as Christians giving no importance to it or value.

I'm sure many will not desire nor take time to read my thoughts or beliefs on this matter. Nor, take the challenge to challenge their beliefs. But if at least one would reads this article, and take a moment to reflect and really be challenged to search the truth then that is something I would appreciate. More so, I hope it will be a blessing to whoever reads it.

Thing is, I am not saying one should accept my thoughts or my understanding of what a church is. But to really go through God's Word, the Bible, of what does it really say about the church, the Christian church. Let me lay these verses as our references first (I know it's long but I hope you have patience):

Ephesians 5:22-33 English Standard Version (ESV)
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.[a] 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 English Standard Version (ESV)
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves[a] or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts,[b] yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

There are more Bible verses we could cite if you like (try googling "church bible verses"), but we'll try just to cover about these verses. And on these verses, there is actually one point about the church that we or I will talk about. The church being compared to as a "body".. and Who is the head? that is of course the Lord Jesus Christ, none other. The Bible actually can speak more about the church, like the church being declared as the Bride of Christ and others. But we can't cover all those stuff.

Now, there are some who views differently as what I'm sharing which is Jesus being the Head of the church. But if we would look at the verses and I'm sure it's very clear that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church and no one can replace Him. You might ask, "But Jesus is not around to head the church!?" Sure He is not, but He is alive and well with the Father in heaven. And does that hinder Christ being the Head? Furthermore in the book of Acts, Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit to be the Teacher,  the Comforter, the Guide for the church and as Jesus explained in the gospel, He will remind you ALL things Jesus taught them. Now, talking about the Holy Spirit is another whole big subject to talk about. But just to give understanding and by studying further, the Bible declares what when a person becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit in-dwells the person, as God's mark declaring His ownership and of whom God relates to be His child. Again, as I've said this subject is another whole new discussion or subject matter and possibility there are those who don't agree to it. Nevertheless, I hope the reader will try to see this perspective and try to compare it to God's Word, whether it be true or not.

Now, the Holy Spirit is actually very valuable and is very much connected with the church and the church's function which I hope will be discussed later.

Let us go first in the question, "Why Christ or the apostle teach that the church is like a body?" Well, these question is actually already answered by the verses read awhile ago. But it is important that we ask, to give much emphasis on "why"? The Bible declares that each Christian is a part of the body of Christ, and also declares that as the members of the body is important, so to with every members of the church. By the way, I hope we understand already that the church is NOT the building or the structure made where we worship or fellowship, but it's the group of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The church are the people, not just people but those who have faith in Jesus Christ. Now why is each member of the body or the church important? Because they actually have functions or work to do that others CAN NOT do. But it doesn't mean that one part or member is much more valuable or important than others. No! Each has its own value and each one must understand and acknowledge the value of each.

Furthermore, if we understand how our body works, we should understand that each member does not function on its own or for its own. It actually functions for the whole body. Just as our hands and feet are used. They do not do the things for themselves but for the body. Reflect on the heart or the lungs, they actually function to give something for the other parts of the body in order for the body to function well. So is the same with the church. The members of the church functions to serve others, not for themselves. Whether it be praying, giving, serving, teaching, preaching.. it is for the betterment of others.

One of the things that I believe (which I am unsure if others believe) is the concept that the leaders of the church like the pastor and deacons are actually part of the body or of the church. (This is just my observation) But it seems that most Christians think that pastors and deacons or the leaders are actually not part of the church but seen as the head of the church. Which I believe, shouldn't be. Pastors, deacons and leaders may lead, but they are not the head, Christ is! How can that be? See I Cor. 12:28-30 and Eph. 4:11-16. Pastors, deacons and leaders have a role, and they are actually gifts given by God or the Lord Jesus Christ to the church. Therefore, they are part of the church and still Jesus is the Head. Why Jesus is the Head? Because it is He who gives the Word or decision or direction on what the body should do. And pastors, deacons and the church as a whole fulfills or obeys it.

Now, my previous argument or declaration, it's possible that many would go against it. Why I'd say this because I've heard already some declaring "This is MY church!" and not "This is God's or Christ's church!".. while others do not indeed declare this, but by their actions they do. Well, you may say I'm judgmental or something but I hope we become more of a critical minded people observing what is happening around us. Comparing what the Bible is declaring to what our church is doing. Who do we really follow? is it the self-proclaimed righteous people or Jesus, the one Who became condemned and died for us? I do not wish that you think like me, but that you think like Christ. Because that is the whole concept of Christianity, to be like Christ.

Now, let me connect the connection of the Holy Spirit with the church. If one would actually study and understand one of the work of the Holy Spirit, is to enable God's people to do God's will like that of the great Commission. Reading through the book of Acts, we find fishermen who didn't really attain great education and yet stood up declaring God's Words with authority and was able to turn the world upside down. The greatest thing we could observe on their lives which we rarely see these days is that, they were able to give their lives (even to the point of death) for the sake of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ (The good news of Jesus Christ). These days? People (and I would include myself on this) would be satisfied and desire comfortable places when serving God or declaring the gospel. In simple terms, our fleshly desire / worldly desire have been overcoming the Holy Spirit's desire to plainly go and preach the gospel even in the most unpleasant places or circumstances. And most often, the church as a whole is forgetting why the church exist. While the church's one reason of existence is to furnish or equip God's people to be more like Christ (2 Tim. 3:16-17), the church's main goal of existence is actually the fulfilling of the Great Commission, which is to preach the Name of Christ! (Matthew 16:18-19, Matthew 28:18-20) and God has not given that responsibility only to the few, but to the church as a whole.

One of the saddest and sorrowful situation of a church are those examples written in the book of Revelations in chapters 2 and 3. Here we find that there are no perfect church but there are commendable churches. But worst, most examples given are a disheartening churches. Which we could actually reflect on churches of today. Many have forgotten what a church really is. There are many churches with great number of members, but does not reflect the early Christian church (see Acts chapter 2). Many look for what they acquire or benefit or profit... rarely does the church think of others. Many do things and reason out it is for others, but actuality in the long run, it is for themselves.

Now, what am I really hoping to impart with this? or main goal of sharing this? Well, if you have survived reading until here. And if you are a Christian, one who has personal relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ, I hope you understand that you are important and valuable in the church, in the body of Christ. You may not know what exactly your function is, but simply pursuing towards Christ likeness, I'm sure you will find out. Because in all honesty, churches nowadays need to wake up from slumber. Because as I have shared early on, the examples of churches in Revelations pictures most of the churches these days. Like that of the example of Sardis church, declared by Christ as a dead church, yet there are few who remains faithful (See Rev. 3:1-6). If a church is in this state, even the simplest gift of encouraging the weak and few is a great service one could ever do. And even your presence as means of support can give much encouragement to the wounded and discouraged.

Church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7)

                How do I start sharing my thoughts on this? Or what I’ve learned out of it? But in actuality, I think I learned just a few. Most of it would be a reminder and a rebuke! I’ve chosen to write my thoughts on these as a means of mastering / practicing my thoughts on this topic, as I will be sharing this Bible verses to our brethren at The Living Word Baptist Church (TLWBC). 

                It’s a reminder since I still remember before Bro. Roy Sanoy spoke about these things in the early years of the TLWBC. But I hardly can remember what were his points or the lessons or message from it. And that would be a good question to ask the members if they too can remember some of it. It is indeed interesting that most often, we forget what we learn. But nevertheless, I’m sure one of the main goal of every teaching / preaching of God’s Word is a changed life, a life that leads to Christ-likeness. I could still remember the question of manong Roy every time he speaks, “So what?” Meaning, what’s the point of learning all these things? And it’s good to ponder and personally realize it. The Word of God is not just about acquiring facts or knowledge but it’s about a changed life leading to glorifying God.

                Now let me get back to the topic itself! As per my research, the book of Revelations was written or authored by John, the last apostle of Jesus also known to be the beloved John. He wrote this book (Revelations) approximately 90 years A.D. and on this time, Christians were persecuted still under the Roman Empire. And so, the book of Revelations was written mostly known to be a prophetic book, but its main content or goal is to give hope amongst the persecuted Christians. Hope that truly Jesus Christ is coming again to take His people and to reign as the King of kings and the Lord of lords! For a truth, it has been 2000 years long and Christ has not come yet, nevertheless, His coming is sure for God is a Faithful God and does not lie. As His Word has promised, so shall it be fulfilled and therefore His coming is very near than it ever was.

                It is interesting that even with the current issues of the government or presidencies; this is a good reminder that there will never be a real perfect and greater government than that of the Lord Jesus Christ’s. People these days hope on a man or a person, but so easily man itself will look for holes or something that will pull the man down. And thing is, they surely will fall! Because man is not perfect! Only God is! Only the Lord Jesus Christ! Sad thing is we Christians tend to forget where we place our hope. I hope it’s not in this world but it is in Christ and for all eternity. Therefore, please do not bother yourself on the things of this world or even be consumed by worry or fear. Our life is in God’s hand! So whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s (Romans 14:8).

                Now, about the book of Revelation! It’s a book to give hope for Christians even in the midst of persecutions or strife or struggles. And I pray indeed that we are reminded of that blessed hope.

                Now, the verses 1-7 of chapter 2 reveals God’s message to the church in Ephesus. A little background of Ephesus is that the place is actually a center of trading and a place of dockyards where ships dock coming from different places. And, understanding this situation we could get to understand more by picturing our own place of trading, where ships comes in and foreign people come in. Understanding this, we could at least see the kind of people live in this place and what are their practices. And it is more probable that immorality can be visible in the area. The believers then most likely are the minority. Therefore standing for what you believe in Christ is a great struggle in the area.

               

V. 1        “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands."

                Angel of the church as we know is God’s messenger, which at this time we know as the pastor. “Him who holds the seven stars” talks about Jesus Christ.  

V. 2        “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false."

Two things I wish to share from this verse,

               

                First, is the key word “know” from “I know your works, toil and patience / endurance…”. And if I may ask, “Does God know our works as a church? Do you think our church is doing well?“ Our churches should be, unless we choose to be ashamed of our church and that God is not interested of our church.

                Second, is the key word “tested” or “tried” (from other version). It indicates that the Ephesian church is able to know who’s who? Who are the true apostles of Christ and are not? How about us? Do we have the ability to discern who are the genuine and true teachers / preachers of God’s Word? Or we simply listen to any doctrines and false teachings? Teachers will not say “I’m now going to teach a false doctrine!” That’s absurd of course. Thing is false doctrines will look like a good and great doctrine. It will never manifest itself as false or wrong or evil. And how will we discern which is which? Be like the Berean Believers (from the book of Acts)! They compared and checked every word that came out of apostle Paul whether it is indeed written and in accordance to God’s Word. Be warned! It doesn’t mean it’s a verse from the Bible and we simply believe it. This requires also extent of studying and really comparing from other principles or doctrine of God’s Word because we should understand that no principle or doctrine in the Bible should contradict itself. If it contradicts principles / doctrines, then there is a problem on how we understand God’s principles.

                Considering these things, a Christian has to really grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Learning and growing towards maturity is truly a life long journey! It stops only when you stop breathing. Therefore, never ever be satisfied in what you already know for if Paul himself declared these words “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Phil. 3:10), how much more ought to be for us?

By the way, growing mature in our spiritual life does not depend on the years we listen or read God’s Word. It is measured on how our life reflects what we learn and how we manifest Christ-likeness as what I’ve shared early on (Romans 8:29).

V.3-4     “I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first."

Two things I wish to share from these 2 verses.

 First, is the question to reflect, “Are we also enduring, patient even in the midst of being scorned, persecuted, or in the midst of a great trial? How are we bearing the name of Christ?” Do we call ourselves Christian only on times we are fine and happy? Whereas, take it off when we are in trouble?  The Ephesian believers did not but continued faithfully and steadfastly!

But second thing I wish to ponder on, is where we would really be shocked or greatly stop and think hardly of it! The Ephesian believers left their first love! Their love for God has grown cold! And yet, it is amazing that they could still do what God has told them. Possible? Yes! Of course, it’s possible! We could observe that amongst ourselves. Even pastors or workers, especially them, are the biggest target. Teaching or preaching God’s Word, but the heart is not right. And if we read furthermore from the verses, the result is disastrous or tragic.

It makes me wonder though; do we really personally understand what it means to love God? For me? The thought of loving God is somewhat indescribable or unfathomable. How can a creature love an Almighty God, One Who is above and exceeds the limit of what we can even know? It is for me incomprehensible, but I look to His word for a better understanding and one that we could relate to. When it comes to God’s love, the 2 greatest commands come in. Love God with all that you are and love thy neighbor as thyself! Further on we read I John 4:19-21 and these verses instruct us that we manifest God’s love on how we love others, specially the brethren in the Lord. And so we ask? How is our love for the brethren or for others or even our enemies? Remember Jesus’ words? Some or many would say “impossible!” Well, yes if we let ourselves have full control of our will and our character BUT if we let God or Christ live in us and through us, SURELY IT CAN BE DONE! Because our forefathers in the Faith have already been able to do so! Still, impossible? Apostle Paul is one example. Have you not even comprehended how great a sacrifice he had to go through? All in the name of the gospel of Christ! It was for people he never even knew! The gentiles as we are, filthy in the eyes of the Jews! And yet the gospel of Christ was spread all throughout the whole earth. What an amazing love!? And that love comes from the love of God!

                In reality, we can never love God unconditionally like how He loves us. That’s because He already first initiated (chose without any condition) to love us. And so, we have no other chance         to love God unconditionally. We love Him because He first loved us!  

So, how are we manifesting God’s love towards others? Are we helping, serving, giving and forgiving others? If not, we ought to check our hearts. But one has to also check, that doing these things does not guarantee that you really love God. It is a little bit confusing, but the point is, these things we do for others are the result of how we really love God. It is not a cause or the initial spark of our love for God. Instead, it’s a reflection. Or, like the ray of the sun, that ray represents our action or our love towards others whereas; the sun represents our love for God.

Well, I hope we get at least an idea of how do we really love God. And as the verses warns the Ephesian, hope we are warned too. As Christians or even servants of God, the enormous number of activities or programs we do is not the measure of how great our love for God is. And it’s not in numbers of attendees or members I believe God is interested on, but on how many are truly converted and how faithful and passionately growing and serving they are. It is my prayer that we Christians indeed continue to grow, continue to know and continue to love God and others. But further on, be watchful that our love for God does not grow cold. For when it does, all our doings or actions or activities or programs are worthless and vain. It will be for nothing. Because reading verse 5 says, if one does not repent, God will take away the light as a church. In other words, the church becomes useless and powerless in the midst of where it stands. It becomes like one of the dark. The church may be big and has huge number of members, but without the love for God, it’s just like an organization. Doing all the things they could do, but without power and no impact on those that surround them. Want to know how your church is doing? Go out and ask the neighborhood who is not a member of the church. Then you will know. It’s far from the picture of the first Christian church, where people’s heart was broken just simply hearing the gospel of Christ. Souls were moved by the Spirit and the Lord Himself added to the church daily.

(V. 7) Those who has ears to hear let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches…

Gumatdang Hiking & work fellowship

Work Fellowship last October 10 & 11, 2015. Men and Ladies from Loakan Baptist Church and The Living Word Baptist Church (Apalan / Guisset/ Camisong / Bingo / Beckel) gave a hand in building Gumatdang Christian Fellowship's temporary chapel in the newly acquired lot.

The video below shows the length and the hiking experience of the brethren who went to work and fellowship with the Gumatdang brethren. Enjoy watching and God bless!