Have you given up on the Church?

Don’t give up on the Church.

The church might mean a lot of different things to different folks. Some may immediately dismiss it as irrelevant and out of date. Others may have had a painful experience while attending a Church, and thus have given up on it. And then there may be those who are just busy, tired on Sunday, or have gotten out of the habit of attending Sunday morning. Still, there are those who find the Church comforting. It is their safe place where they find connection with God and community.

Whatever your view of the Church is, please don’t give up on her. The Church is not perfect, but it is worth it.

There you will find broken people on the way to healing. The Church is occupied with people who have big problems that are in the process of being resolved. In it you will find hurting people that are finding ways of forgiveness and restoration.

The letter to the Church at Corinth has within it the “love chapter” which was more of a rebuke than an inspirational piece. It was written as a reminder of how important love is in the midst of the dysfunctional mess that existed in this early expression of the Church. Within this Church, we see human problems like, factions, harshness, divisions, adultery, lawsuits, divorce, elitism, classism, and neglect of the poor. Still the Apostle Paul did not give up on this malfunctional Church. This is the way he addressed this ragtag people, “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,” (1 Corinthians 1:2) 

Notice he identified them as “the church of God”. He went further and called them “sanctified” which means set apart and “saints” which means holy and pure. Paul fully realizing there were problems here, but never gave up on this group. He saw potential, possibilities, and promise.

Jesus never gave up on the church either. In fact, he so loved the church that he identified it as his “bride”. Jesus envisions beauty where there is brokenness. When sin is present, Jesus is right there to bring forgiveness and healing. Even though the Church might be a band of misfits, Jesus envisioned a radiant, perfected bride.

The Church, with all its imperfection is still God’s answer to a hurting, failing civilization. It remains as the demonstration of God’s love and healing to the world. So let me say it again, don’t give up on the Church. It is the vehicle God has chosen to bring salvation to the world, and sanctification to our soul.

This Sunday is Communion Sunday. It is when we come together as a family to eat at the Lord’s Table. We look forward to seeing you.

Jim Reimer, Pastor

August 8, 2019