Just wanted to take a moment and share some thoughts about the local church. Many people have many different thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about the local church and it's role in society. I want to be very clear, I am a local church guy. I believe the local church is the hope of the world. I am a part of a dynamic, spirit filled local church, The Life Church of Memphis. This weekend my pastor asked a question during his sermon and it was this, when you think of the local church, what ideas, feelings, thoughts surface in your mind and heart?
I'm sure many people have experienced many different experiences in their respective local church. Some good, some bad, some memorable and some you simply want to forget. There is no perfect church, but there should be life giving, warm, accepting environments where people feel connected and valued.
I was brought up in a very traditional church setting. It was a small church, where we were truly like family. While that had it's benefits, there was also downsides to that type of environment. Without a doubt, I can say the local church has been a difference maker in my life. When I think of the local church, many thoughts run across my mind, like the Summer I spent leading teenagers vacation bible school as a college student. The old hymn that my grandmother would lead during Sunday morning devotions, even the week long revivals and the mourners bench. The night my brothers and I gave our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. I am able to share those stories because I was a part of a powerful local church.
We live in a day were many people are skeptical, critical, and anti-church. The reality is the church as a whole have a part to play with this attitude that's shared by so many people. When we get back to the basics, the foundation of what the local church was intended to be, we will see revival in our cities, countries and world.
The only thing Jesus ever promised to build was the local church...its time for you to get plugged in!
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