In His name
I
send these sermons to my
Friends and Family who may, or may not, be
able to attend the traditional ‘church’ services. It is a Biblical fact
that we Christians are the body of the church and Christ is the head.
(Ephesians 4:15) Some sad facts are that a Christian polling firm has
data that reflects that seventy six (76) million people, who identify
themselves as Christian avoid going to church services at all and of all
Christians, thirty four percent attend services only for weddings,
funerals, and other special events.
Sadly,
of all Christian church groups, only seventy seven (77) percent say
that they are totally or ‘somewhat’ committed to the Christian faith!
People, we, the Mature Christians, are the church and Jesus Christ is the head of our church.
Ephesians 5:23…like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church…
Ephesians 5:29 …just as Christ cares for His body, which is the church.
It
is better if you can join in with other Christians and praise and
worship the Lord. You owe that to the Lord as in fellowship you can,
more perfectly, worship Him as you must!
If
that is not possible, for one reason or another, then be not fearful
but meet with at least one other Christian and pray with that person.
You must, either in a ‘church’ setting or in a small gathering,
fellowship with other Christians. This is an absolute must because to
only pay ‘lip
service’ and say, “I am a Christian, will not get you on God’s narrow
path.
If
you cannot go to a ‘church’ gathering and must meet with only one or
two other Christians, I’d be even joyful if my sermon was to be read
aloud by one and then discussed amongst the two or more of you. Then you
would be a church gathering.
Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together, in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (KJV)
Matthew 18:20 “…because they are mine…” (NLT)
Matthew 18:20 “….come together…” (NIV)
Some
denominations are quick to deny even the teaching of the Bible in
this area as this can affect the tithes given by the body of the
church. This is sad. Sad because tithes should not be a concern if the
Christians spoken to or sermons delivered to are true to Christ. In
being true Christians, take care of the ill, feed the hungry, clothe the
needy and, see to the needs of the poor. The true purpose of ‘church’
is to lead others to Christ.
In
support of my assertions I have studied the Bible and have been lead to
cite many verses of Scripture that directly relate to this matter.
Acts 2:41 Those who believed what Peter had said were baptized and added to the church- about three thousand in all.
Romans 16:23 “…I am his guest and the church meets here in his home…”
1 Corinthians 5:4 …you are to call a meeting of the church and I will be
there in spirit, and the power of the Lord Jesus will be with you as you meet.
Acts
2:41 says those who believed and were baptized were added to the
church. There was no formal name of a church at that time. Three
thousand believers would not have fit into any ‘church’ building. In any
case, the three thousand were from areas that would have made a single
congregation, as we now see them, virtually impossible.
In Romans 16:23 we learn of the church who meets in a man’s home. How does any building meet
anywhere? The body may meet anywhere and the body can be as small as two Christians!
1 Corinthians confirms God’s promise that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be with us when we meet in His name.
To
meet in Jesus’ name is to be in the presence of God and not to be taken
lightly. As you meet in Jesus’ name you must see yourself in His
presence as well as He in yours. Be ever aware that it is your duty to
serve Him and to walk
in His footsteps.
Ephesians 1:23 And the church is His body, it is filled with Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence.
When
meeting and with realization that Jesus is with you, know that He is
God. In being God He must not be seen as merely a man, but as God in all
of His Glory. Speak reverently and with full awareness of His awesome
power and love for His church.
Many
seek to be the power instead of allowing God to be present with them.
The purpose of meeting together is to learn more about God and His will
and to be encouraging to those with us. Just as I have told you about
the absolute need of repentance and the need to truly believe, I now
tell you of making God the focus point in your life.
1 Titus 4:13 Until I get there, focus on reading Scripture to the church, encouraging believers, and teaching them.
The
person chosen to read the sermon is not to express views contrary to
the lesson taught in the sermon. It is not that I think myself more
knowledgeable, but I have, in being ordained, accepted the dictates of
God and His power.
James 3:1 Dear
brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the
church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.
The
entire gist of this teaching is to make you aware of what it means to
attend church. It is not going
to a building, it is not going to a chapel or cathedral, and it is not a
meeting of huge numbers of Christians. It is praising God, being aware
of His awesome presence, being in a state of worship, and knowing that
you are fulfilling His will. It is praying to God continually.
Do
not dismay about not going to a set building of worship as God is with
you no matter how humble the setting. Go if at all possible but do know
that you must fellowship with one or more Christians so as to gain the presence of Jesus Christ among your
gathering.
(Closing prayer)
Heavenly
Father, we thank You for Your presence amongst us and praise You above
everything. You are an awesome power and we worship You. Please
accept our praise and our worship. Keep us ever mindful of loving one
another and truly living a life worthy of You. Please strengthen us in
our repentance of wrongdoing and clothe us in gowns of righteousness. We
thank you as our El Shaddai for all You have given us and all that we
receive. Jehovah Sabaoth, we ask that you be with our
military and have Your angels protect them. You are our God and it is
to You we bow and to no other.
In Jesus’ name we pray who is One with You and the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever,
--
Pastor Lee S Gliddon Jr
God's Word Christian Ministry
Conservative Patriot http://conpats.blogspot.com
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