Wednesday - "You=Church"

Acts 2:42-44 "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common."

I was driving past an old church's billboard and noticed an interesting sign out front... it said "CH __ __ CH - What's missing?" It took me a couple seconds to realize what was missing from the sign. The letters "U" and "R".... What was missing from Church? You are.

As clever (or sarcastic) as that old slogan might be...it's true. Without you...without me..the church is just a building. Just four walls with some decorations...just a preschool room with toys that lay dormant...just a bunch of empty chairs... We are the church...and that is important for two reasons:

1) We must grow to help others - If we are the church...it is our responsibility to grow in our walk with Christ so that we can help others in their respective walks. If we are going to grow...then we have to learn the disciplines of service...getting plugged in to a ministry. Serving. Attending regularly.... giving of our resources... etc. Each of these facets help us reach the potential that God has put into us...and allow us to help others that may be just starting out. That's the way the church worked in the book of Acts...and still does today. We are the church.

2) We must carry the experience outside the building - If we are the church...then it is our job to carry the values that we learn inside the building to those on the outside. Share the gospel...stand up for what's right...be a light in a dark world...

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14,16


We ARE the church...the relationships, growth, and fellowship that takes place within the walls are what defines "church"...not the structure itself. This morning, as you spend your quiet time in prayer...ask God to reveal and confirm this truth to you...and then go out into the world and show those you come into contact with a little bit of the church that Christ had in mind...

See you tomorrow...
Pastor Brian