by When I began pastoring my first church, I remember visiting with people around town, inquiring about the church that they were a part of. While there were many who gave various responses to my questions, Baptist, Methodist, PCG, etc. one answer always confused me. “I go to Brother Rider’s church.” Funny, I pastored the church that Brother Rider led so faithfully for 51 years!
While that answer eventually transitioned to Pastor Chad’s church, in reality, I had accepted no ownership of the church in any way. Understanding that it is a response that people often give, attaching a pastor to the vision, ministry, and direction of the church, I never took it personally. I always thought it funny when my girls were asked by their friends “Does your dad own the church?”
Paul reminds Timothy and the church:
…I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14–15 (ESV)
God, in His infinite wisdom established the church to accomplish His mission on earth. This Christ-led institution is the foundation of and primary communicator of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! We must never confuse the most important purpose we have of sharing the message of forgiveness, renewed relationship with God, and eternal life in Christ Jesus!
We as a church must preserve and practice the truth of God’s Word which was revealed through Jesus to those who have been commissioned to deliver the most important message in human history. How?
- Uphold the truth of God’s Word by receiving and obeying it’s direction for our lives.
- Hiding it in our heart through memorization and meditating on it.
- Proclaiming it as the word of life to those who believe.
- Demonstrating its power through the guidance and enablement of the Holy Spirit in our own lives.
May the church of Jesus Christ fulfill it’s most important role in this day and age. Live and proclaim that Jesus is Lord of His Church!
Blessings,
Chad
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