Ramblings from Retirement – The Church, Jesus’ body in the World
By Pastor (retired) Lee Hemen
April 5, 2022
It is amazing to me that so many convoluted ideas have taken root in today’s Christianity. It makes me wonder if anyone, who calls them self a “Christian” truly takes the time to know what this means or if they ever read and study the Bible. Far too many churches have abandoned Bible Study, Sunday School, or whatever you want to call in favor of video symposiums or sermons in a second. And do not get me started on what people think and teach about the coming of Jesus. Most of it is founded on heretical teaching that has taken root like aggressive weeds in your lawn and has no basis in orthodox Christianity, the history of the church, or what the Bible actually says concerning the subject, anyway, this for another Rambling on another day.
Jesus established the church for a reason, and we see this when he asked his followers, “Who do the people say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Immediately Jesus declares, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:13-18 NIV84)” Jesus continued to relate that his church would be in charge of administering his will on earth. Now contrary to what some have taught, Jesus did not establish a specific person to be his mouthpiece and ultimate representative here on earth until he returns. Rather, Jesus was speaking to the establishment of a body of believers to do his work and will here on earth until he returns, meaning his church, his body.
So, what I wanted to ramble on about today is the false notion that belonging to a local church or actually joining a church is not necessary for one’s faith walk. This is simply unadulterated bovine poo. If Jesus took the time to set up his church and remark that it was for administering what his teachings were about, then we should take this very seriously. In fact we find Jesus relating, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. (Matthew 18:15-20 NIV84)”
Paul also knew the importance of the local church in teaching, encouraging, and developing believers, and he wrote, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many… Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27 NIV84)” He was teaching about how spiritual gifts were to be used within the local church, but he is also referencing the fact that the local church is important. In another letter Paul would write, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV84)”
The writer of Hebrews, knowing how important being in worship and being a member of a local church was, would state, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25 NIV84)” Paul would teach about and instruct pastors, elders, deacons, teachers, and others who are to make up the local church. So why would you as a believer in Jesus forsake a foundational teaching of being part of a local church? A burning log by itself soon becomes just smoldering charcoal and soon dies, but many logs make a strong fire, and it is the same with the church. So, today, if you have not actually joined a local church and become a responsible active member, shame on you. Go find a church and get involved, by doing so you will be part of Jesus’ body in the world until he returns.
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This article is copyrighted © 2022 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.
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