Weekly Thought, 09/14/08

Our understanding of the Church determines the way we live our Christian lives. If we understand the Church as just a human institution consisting of individuals choosing to join an organization governed by the laws of the social interaction, we will see our Christian lives as private matters independent of the Church. Our ministries will be personal projects to fulfill our desires and goals. If we understand the Church to be first a people that God has called into being, then God’s vision for the Church determines our lives.

The people of God have always known that the Church began with God. The New Testament Greek word for Church, ekklesia, means “the called out ones.” The Old Testament equivalent described Israel as the people summoned into the presence of God to hear Him and to respond obediently to Him. God commanded Moses, “Assemble the people before Me to hear My words so that they may learn to revere Me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children” (Deuteronomy 4:10) . Deuteronomy 5 describes Moses and Israel obeying this command. The formation of ancient Israel as the people of God was neither Moses’ nor Israel’s idea. It was God’s idea. God called Israel into being, and God calls the Church into being. When God called His people, He called them into a covenant community. –Roger Hahn

A covenant community is based on a relationship of faith and trust in God and others. Our relationship with God transforms us into holy people. The Spirit of God creates the Church as an organism of holiness. The Church is not just another organization but a body of believers who have experienced the reality of holy living in the person of Jesus Christ.

 

Philippians 2:1-2“[Imitating Christ's Humility] If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.