Church

Church

   My mind is wandering today as I think about "church." I was on Skype briefly with a friend in Kentucky this morning, he said their weather last week had been so bad they called off church. Well ours was like that 2 week-ends ago. Then it set my mind to reeling... now we didn't call off church, really, we called off our gathering together. Church means people and church goes wherever one of Christ's followers goes. hmmm

 

   Isn't it funny how we get set on words meaning one thing and I am sure someone else ties another meaning to the word.

   Church is not our building, "church" is a word for the collective body of people that profess a faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Church/the people are His hands and feet and mouth here on earth.

   Once in awhile there is evidence that HE is NOT in control by the things his "church" (a person) says, or does. BUT HERE that is not very often to my knowledge, praise the Lord.  Here all year long I see the "church" at work. We gather together at our building on Colfax St. in Griffith for numerous reasons.

   Personally I come to First Baptist Griffith, not looking for a problem, but to see what I can give to others, and get for me from the messages, Bible study, and Singing, and how I can Worship the Lord in the process of all of that. 

   We gather together to worship on Sunday morning and evening with the family of God to sing our praises to the Lord, to hear what He has to say to us through the preaching of the word or the singing. And as we gather together we give our Tithes, and offerings... to further God's work, to aid missions, to keep our gathering place going and supplied.

   We gather together to study His Word, to be changed by it, to be encouraged by it, to be challenged by it. Various classes do various ministries of their choosing. You would be amazed! 

   We gather together to eat, yes we are good Baptists.. haha, but we join in around the table with ~ a family to comfort one another when there is a loss.. to celebrate a baby's coming, a wedding, or to give donations at Fish Dinners toward our "Builders for Christ."  We gather to hear missionaries tell of the help we've given, and the tough times they are going thru and their need of our help and prayers. Our Angel Tree Prison ministry had nummy pizza & home made goodies last Sunday evening also as Gifts were given to those children. Sunday School Classes gather for fun and 'fellowship' (eating) lol another word I could do a post about too.. but I digress...

   We gather together to pray together collectively concerning our nation, our 'churches' our families, our friends, our neighbors & those needing a relationship with Jesus, and on the list goes.

   We gather together to go visit someone. To go to the shut-ins, or those that have visited our 'church' ~ to go to the sick, to take the message of Jesus Christ, to visit someone that has been absent for awhile and see if we can help.

   We gather together to share in the partaking of the Lord's Supper. (One of God's "Do This") The remembrance time of what He has done for us, and to be thankful to Him. Such love extended to and for us all.. 

 

    As we have gathered together thru the years, people have heard the call of God on their lives not only for salvation but to "do this."  Be it a mission trip to Africa, or Scotland, or to work on the building and grounds or to learn an instrument to make music unto the Lord, Or to teach a class, Or to be a doorkeeper greeting and directing people. Or..... There is Lots to be done, and everyone can be a part somewhere. We are all unique and gifted in one way or another to be God's hands, feet and mouth somewhere.. at home, in our community, where we work, "as we go.."  

   

   As you see I could go on forever about "Gathering together." We gain strength and encouragement as we gather together also.  I see faithful people of ALL ages and health stages there most every Sunday, and how that blesses me. We get and give hugs, smiles, a good word..

   Yes, if you are NOT a part of a "church" let Jesus have your life and join his family and the Army of God and see for yourself... No we are not a perfect people, but we are committed and doing our best to be the children of God that pleases Him...and be patient, God is not finished with any of us yet. :-)  

For J O Y in your life, put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last... and, we are a Fellowship of JOY.

  AND "as we are going" I or someone else may bump into you...and find that a stranger is just a friend I hadn't met yet. :-)