We also are the ones who make up the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ.
So with us in the mix, things are not perfect.
OK. Simple equation.
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| Colorful patchwork - A World Bride of Christ Taking Shape |
Does not "being perfect" erase the fragrance of Christ Jesus out of our lives?
There are some remarkable things the church has done, is doing and will do in human history.
Somehow things have been turned around and we end up agreeing with the Enemy and his assessments of what the Church is; her success or failure is defined in terms Jesus never gave us to measure her by.
Just take a second and imagine the world without the witness of Jesus Christ.
No churches anywhere. No families devoted to loving Jesus and the world the way he does.
NO alters of worship that reflect the beauty and glory of the Lord.
NO Scripture bring forth the true witness of Jesus Christ and his work for us.
So here are 7 Amazing things about the Bride of Christ - The Church.
1) The Church welcomes the poor, needy and downtrodden every day into her refuge in the Lord.
In America alone the number of believers joined to Churches that distribute aid, food, lodging and immediate response for no personal gain is staggering. The entire engine of the Church runs on compassion fueled in the witness of the Lord Jesus.
"A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. 6God
makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into
prosperity. Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land.…"
Ps 68:5
Ps 68:5
2) The Church welcomes people, with no where to go and no resources to go there, into their hearts everyday.
All around the world today people are finding assistance, food, financial help, encouragement, love, a place to sleep, a family to join, a home to stay in, a meal, a place to join a family. Jesus inspires his Church to spend millions giving away to people who can never pay it back.
Did I say the same thing twice?
If I did, The Church deserves it.
These people sacrifice their time, talents and treasure
to make a difference in the lives of those they meet.
The Door is always open in a thousand somewhere s
across America and the World everyday.
People find refuge and grace everyday in the Church around the world.
I don't know about you but I am eternally grateful for the church
family that shared the gospel with me
Introduced me to Jesus
Poured love on me when I was not too lovable
And welcomed me into their lives, their dinner tables, their hearts.
3) The Church welcomes people from all social strata, economic standings, race, and life circumstances into One Family of God. Into local families of God in nearly every town in America everyday.
Only God can keep a Church together in it's truest form. Rich and poor as family. Educated and uneducated as brothers and sisters. Political differences and parties all in one house of worship. Gun crowd and pacifist's eating together and fellow-shipping in Jesus. It works with Jesus Christ at the Center of it all. Jesus, making us ONE. When this is done well it confounds the wise and brings a beautiful witness to God's grace. Heaven gets demonstrated on earth.
4) The Church runs on pure worship, prayer, generosity and love.
Most of us would not consider starting a business, movement or organization on the basis of generosity, giving and devotion to worship, but Jesus did. Worship is the basis for all the work, love and sacrifice of the Church. All around the world in 1000's of churches Christians pray and worship God. Praise does not cease as the sun rises and set across the globe. Having an alter of worship that lifts up the NAME of Jesus in truth and righteousness is an amazing thing. All the donations, gifts, offerings that make every single church run come from those who GIVE. Those who worship. Giving makes the engine of God's love flow into ministries and services and outreaches and hospitals and institutions that try and imitate the heart of God for the world.
He heal the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.
Ps I47:3
5) The Church carries the torch of God's love and the witness of the NAME of Jesus to every piece of ground and heart on the planet. There is no other name and no other witness.
She manages pathways along the narrow way. She is to guide and enable, empower and bless, build up and encourage, all those whose God is the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Church is the witness of the NAME of Jesus in living color. The only reality the world will know of Him that is tangible, active, living and in the world is found in those who love him. Of course the Father is working in the world, but we are the ones tasked with the greatest task of all time. Show the love of God and the Way, Truth and Life to the world in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church does that.
6) The Church has incredible significance and status in the Heart of the Father. She is Jesus' Bride. There is going to be a wedding - the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. You don't want to miss this party.
The Father is going to throw a party - in a place with no time - over the greatest love to happen in human history. He is going to present us to Jesus forever. The result of his worship and perfect obedience. We will shine with and reflect his glory and we will see him as he is face to face. We need to guard our hearts and minds and bless that which he loves so much. Correct, Rebuke and encourage, but don't condemn, put down or tear down Jesus' girlfriend. That does not go over well here between us. I'm sure it is the same with the Lord. He paid dearly for us. He is working with all power to see us come into all glory and power in his name.
7) The Church, like us, has it's weaknesses filled with the strength and power of the Trinity God. His strength is perfected in our weakness.
God takes our weakness and shines a light through it that speaks a word of hope, love, endurance and peace to people. The sound of those things flood light and grace and truth right into a world dark and dehumanized.
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| All the Streams make a beautiful river of Witness to Jesus |
The Church is Amazing. I am crazy in love with her just like Jesus.
We should have 1000's and 1000's more in America and millions more in the world.
I want a 100 more in my town at least.
Imagine all the amazing worship, prayer, love and acts of kindness that would shine forth.
Imagine all those without a family that would find the Family of God.
He is calling out for those who love what he loves!
I have all faith that she will become "the most beautiful" and that Jesus will bring her into the fullness of everything in his heart.
Comments? Ideas? Testimonies?
Send those to me.
Thanks for +1's and re-shares.
Other posts that may interest you:
Thanks for reading.
The dialogue is awesome. Thank you.
Testimonies? Share em with me.
I am hoping to do Google Hang Outs Soon on Friday's.
I will be in Uganda Feb 20-March 1
Special Blog posts from there!
Thank you for your prayers and support!
So appreciated. Such an offering.
With much love in Jesus
You can do this thing! He's got you.
Jeff Reynolds ---
Brother Jeff
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