Issue 789 – The Problem – June 28, 2022
This morning’s image is the Dura-Europa church, the oldest known church building still standing (at least partially.) Located in Dura-Europa, Syria, this building was erected early in the second century, probably as an outgrowth of a group meeting in someone’s home. Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.
There is much to commend the early church. People often express a yearning to see the modern church more like it. The early church in Jerusalem stands as an example of how things could be.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. Acts 2:42-44
Of course, we know that the early church was far from perfect. All one needs to do is read the epistles to see that. Heresy, apostasy, pride, rampant sin and more were already commonplace long before the end of the first century. Like today’s church, the early church had stellar highs and crashing lows.
Perhaps as early as sometime in the first century, the church’s decision still haunts us today. Things were going so well that they decided to erect a building to meet in. I am sure that most religious/faith groups have done this to some degree. They all have their meeting places, worship centres, and temples.
Perhaps the first church resembles the Dura-Europa, or it may have been radically different. We don’t know.
Some buildings are simple and utilitarian. Others are ornate works of art and architecture. Still, others are blatant towers of pride and self-worship designed to massage the builder’s ego.
Believers gathered at that building for fellowship, worship and teaching. No doubt they felt richly blessed to have such a facility. Somewhere along the line, people began to call the building the church because that’s where the church met.
There is nothing wrong with having a church building as a place to meet. It can often be a real blessing.
For many centuries the church building was the meeting place for the community, its heart and soul. That changed over the last century; now, most church buildings are only open on Sundays. It often breaks my heart to drive by a church on a weekday or evening and see it locked up tight with no one there.
That is sad, but it isn’t the problem with church buildings. The issue with church buildings is that at some point, believers started to think of the building as the church. Church became a place to go and a thing to do.
The facility designed to enhance meetings and reach out to the community began to reflect the difference between having a relationship with Christ and having a religious duty.
The church is not the building we gather to worship and serve. The church is all of the people who have accepted Jesus. It’s not something we go to once a week; it is who we are.
The church, the body of believers, comprises her people. It is a group of people united in Christ.
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6
Next time you are preparing to “go to church,” remember that you are the church. The only real church many people may ever see the inside of is when you show them your heart.
By all means, enjoy having a convenient place to gather. Use the facility to its maximum potential. Just remember that the people there are the church, not the building.
Until next time, may the inside of your true church be open for all to see. May the building simply be a tool for the use of God’s elect.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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