TWC – The Word Connects: Connecting you to God and to one another …
Tuesday 26 March 2013
The church has evolved tremendously over the centuries. What comes to mind for many people today when we think of church and how the Christian faith started is vastly different. Common images of church today include large gatherings, joyful singing, highly professional worship music, well-dressed people who may or may not know each other, well-groomed ministers, great architecture, air-conditioned sanctuaries, etc. What were the common images of church in the New Testament? Inconspicuous house gatherings, people dressed in common clothes in order not to draw attention to themselves, unprofessional singing and closely-knit groups of believers. As the church continues to grow, she will continue to evolve. Yes, music, fashion, architecture and religious freedom may change over time, but there are some things the church must not forget. First, we are a people saved by the grace of God, saved through the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross. How often do we reflect on that today when we think about church or when we go to church? Why is there a cross in every church sanctuary? We have a big silver cross in our sanctuary, and I wonder if anyone looks at it and thinks about what Jesus did for us on the cross at Calvary. One thing I do know, no one has ever talked about what they felt or are reminded of when they see the cross in the sanctuary, at least not to me. Second, while we are a people who celebrate the victory of Christ through great songs of praise, we are also a people who must take time to reflect on the love, grace and suffering of Christ in our quieter moments of worship. Third, we may be strangers who happen to worship in the same church or friends who share the same faith, but we are more than that. We are fellow recipients of God’s amazing grace and we are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are the Body of Christ on earth. Fourth, as the Body of Christ on earth, we must boldly and courageously share our faith and preach the good news of Jesus Christ as the early church did. Remembering and applying these things about the church close the gap between the church today and the early church for the church has always been about the grace of God, worship, fellowship and God’s mission on earth. Have a great day!
Today’s Bible text: “8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph.2:8-10)
Pastor Barnabas Chong
Email us at twc@cairnhillchurch.com
Today’s recommended video: What is the church? … Click here for YouTube link
twcdaily.com 