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Several years ago, I invited a friend to visit our church and meet our congregational family. It was not the first time I extended the invitation.  After a long pause he said, “I did that for years...You know that you don’t have to attend church to be a Christian.”  I started to explain my perspective of the importance of church but perceived his disinterest through his expression and just said, “Okay.”  Several years later he died quietly in the night.  I still wonder what words would have made a difference.

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25.

I wanted to express to him how important a church family was to me and my family. Christianity is a contact sport with tip-off every Sunday morning. Our church is a support structure commissioned by Jesus as a vessel for the Holy sacraments, a center for spiritual nourishment, and a faith-based training center. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”1  

 

I am reminded that the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism are available only through the church. It does not necessarily have to occur in the sanctuary but is always led by a pastor and witnessed by the congregation.  Baptism is our means of rebirth and the pathway to eternal redemption.  We all must be reborn.

 

3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”               John 3: 3, 5-8.

Paul understood the importance of the commission of Jesus to create churches. We are not an island to ourselves, but in a church represent a tapestry composed of woven strands, portraying 

the faithful. Each is given different gifts, but all harbor a keen responsibility to family, neighbors, brothers and sisters in Christ and community.

 

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-16.

 

I compare our church to a strand of multi-colored Christmas lights, each representing a valued spirit bringing unique gifts and all energized by the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is our lifeblood. If we pull away or separate from the church, we lose the ability to impact the world with the hope and blessings of the Savior.  Our church is the foundation and cornerstone of the covenant of Christ and the Light to the world.

 

26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 1 Corinthians 14:26.

 

Our church represents unbounded hope, the light on the hill, developing and advancing discipleship and providing support for God’s children. Our church provides the pathway to the Good Shepherd with a ready guide in the Holy Spirit. It represents a Body of brothers and sisters in Christ who pray for one another and believe in the healing power of a loving God. 

 

Prayer:   Jesus, we pray for Your church. Guide us in the task of encouraging people to seek the light of the Redeemer and join the Body of Christ serving and participating with their talents, gifts, and resources.  Help us to recognize and push aside any social or perceived impediments that keep people from worship in our sanctuary.  We make this prayer in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

 

The Wesleyan Bridge is written by K.B. Kelly with the Reverend Valerie Mireb and Pastor Hank Brooks as Theological Editors with Debbie Kelly as Text and Content Editor.