This week I would like to speak a little about our churches. When we hear the word church, we usually think about the actual building. The dictionary defines church as “a building for public worship.” It may surprise you to know that there are over 4,000 recognized religions in the world. Wow… with that many religions there has to be a whole lot of church buildings. It is estimated that there are over 37 million churches.
When we hear, “The Church,” it starts to convey a different meaning all together. The word church in the Bible comes from the Greek word, ekklesia, kaleo (to call), with the prefix ek (out). Thus, the word means “the called-out ones” or those “dedicated to the Lord.” The real church is the people who believe not the building.
I want to take a look at some of today’s Christian Churches. Let’s take a look at three different ones, that I refer to as the Hospital Church, The Rest Home Church, and The Used Car Lot Church. Remember that the Church is the people and not the building.
1st. The Hospital Church – This Church of believer’s who worship together with a goal of healing and helping others with their relationship with God. We find people in the emergency Room, (the Alter) getting healed or saved. The operating Rooms are full of people changing their life’s. In the hospital rooms find people recovering, learning, growing, and living a healed life. This is a spirit filled Church doing God’s will!
2nd. The Rest Home Church. – In this church we find many God-fearing believers that has lost some of the original shine. They were once glowing brightly for the Lord in all things. Over time they have grown complacent or satisfied with where they are at. Even though many around them are needing help, they just say a prayer and let someone else take care of it. This church is lifeless, if you look at the peoples faces when they worship, it looks like a funeral. There is no excitement. Like a rest home, they want to be care for until the day they die. Jesus gives a warning in Revelation 3:15-16, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
3rd. The Use Car Lot Church – This is a church where you can be sold a line of goods. In other words, lies based on a truth. When we see that shining bright red convertible, our desires take over. We want it. The salesperson tells you what you want to hear. The car was never wrecked, driving by a little old man to church and back, and runs great. Though you see some “Red Flags,” you buy into it hook and sinker, only later to find this car was in a flood. Likewise, there are churches that will tell you what you want to hear. They will accept your desires and wants, even if it is contrary to what is written in God’s Word. They will accept a sinful lifestyle. It’s okay if it makes you feel good. Open your eyes… This church salesman is none other than Satan himself. In 2 Corinthians 11:12-13 we find this warning, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” You may think you’re okay with God, but the truth will be revealed after your death. It’s too late… You have made your eternal choice. You have allowed yourself to be deceived by Satan. Jesus said in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
In summary, this is just a general look at 3 types of churches. I’m sure there’s many more. I think it’s time we look at what type of church we are going to. The Hospital Church putting its faith to work and doing God’s will. The Rest Home Church showing little signs of life, maintaining what they have, letting someone else do the work. The Use Car Lot Church where we find a lot of people believing in self. A feel-good church and a substitute to the real thing.
In closing – We will all stand in front of our Lord on judgement day. God will separate the believers from the non-believers. One to Heaven and the other to a eternity in Hell. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:41, “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:”
My question to you is this. Are you on the left hand of God? None of us are promised another day. So please don’t put this off! There is no better time than the present to start or maybe renew your relationship with God. Take a moment now and dedicate yourself to Christ Our Savior.
Please… if you don’t know Christ or have fallen away, please pray… Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and rose again. Tell God you are sorry for your sins and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 peter 5:8, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Please don’t let it be you!
I pray that God will truly Help and Bless you. Bob
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observations. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place where we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
