Now that I am not actively pastoring a church, my wife and I have been searching for a church to be a part of. It has been much more difficult than I would ever have thought. We have been to numerous denominations, as well as multiple churches within each particular denomination. It is ridiculous that there are, seemingly, churches on every corner, yet it is so very challenging to find one with which to join. It reminded me of what C. S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity. He mentioned someone being in a hall within which there were many different doors. Each of the doors represented a different denomination or church. He said that some people stood in the hall longer than others, but even the worst of the rooms beyond were better than staying in the hall. (Of course, the point he was making was that the hall and all the rooms were all a part of Gods great mansion.) His thoughts reminded me of what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus. There is one body and one Spirit...one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4a, 5-6) About that verse, Randy Ray wrote, There is much to divide us, but the seven points of our unity are more powerful than any point of our division. Despite the differences in denominational interpretation, there is ultimately one body in Christ. This gives me hope, even as we continue to search for the place the Lord would have us serve. I look forward to settling into a place - but I refuse to settle for just anything, simply for the sake of belonging. I remain confident that we will find a church home with which to join and serve. Then I will parrot the words of the psalmist, How good and pleasant it is when brothers can live together (Psalm 133:1). Are YOU a part of a church family? If not, I encourage you to seek one out. It is quite a daunting task sometimes, but it is well worth the trouble. There are no perfect churches, but there IS a place out there for each of us to connect and serve our God together. Ponder the point made in Hebrews 10:25, exhorting us to remain faithful in our attendance (and participation) in church assemblies. The internet and television just will not suffice; it must be in person! We are going to continue searching until God places us somewhere. I want to know that you, too, are serving faithfully through a local body of believers. Bless you, my friends & family.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 19:52:11 +0000
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