Sunday Scripture

I recently completed my sermon titled “Church & State” which I hope to preach to my church body in a few weeks. I’ve also started writing my next sermon on the prophet Malachi.

Here’s an excerpt from my sermon on “Church & State”:

… You know I keep saying the word “church”, and when I say “church” – I’m generally not referring to the building. I’m speaking of the people who are meeting corporately to learn more about our God – to get closer to Him.

You see no matter where church is done – we must always remember that church is not the building that we’re in. Church is the body of current and future (remember that – future) believers and followers of Christ. We are the church. You and I. We are the church – in here. We are the church – out there. We are the church – at the grocery stores. We are the church – in the restaurants. We are the church – in our homes. We are the church in everything we do – and in everywhere we go. When we are the church – we honor our God. This is His church. You and I. We belong to God.

I’m not a fan of the phrase “go to church” – because – if you “go to church” – then that means that you’re apparently coming from somewhere else – which physically you are, but spiritually – you are too. What I’m saying – is that you’re not being the church in everything you do – and in everywhere you go. If you “go to church” on Sunday mornings at 10 or 10:30 – then you’re not the church before that. You’re the world before that.

When we are the church – we are learning more about our God, and we are getting closer to Him – in here – and out there – on all days – at all times – not just for 90 minutes in here on Sunday mornings.

So we must always be the church, and on Sunday mornings we must bring the church in here – because this is where we meet. Each and every one of us represents God’s church – in and out of our homes. So we must bring God’s church with us on Sunday mornings …

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another – especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)