We live in a society today that has very few remaining
boundaries. Or should I say the Constitution on which we were
established as a country has seized to solidify those boundaries.
In our society, many things have become obsolete or irrelevant. And
if that is the case, where does the Church stand? Do we have a
relevant message for the message or are we blowing a trumpet
without a specific sound?
We live in a society today that has very few remaining boundaries. Or should I say the Constitution on which we were established as a country has seized to solidify those boundaries. In our society, many things have become obsolete or irrelevant. And if that is the case, where does the Church stand? Do we have a relevant message for the message or are we blowing a trumpet without a specific sound?
Why does the Church exist and what is her purpose? Unless someone answers these and other questions, it appears that there is no need for the “entity” known has the Church. But I want to attest that the “church” is alive and well and standing at the door of her finest hour.
Let me start by saying that if we don’t know why we do what we do, it will not matter if it is no longer done, because if it does not have value, we will not commit to it. Many people are interested in the church and attend every now and then, but are not committed. Many are interested in exercise, but most are not committed. What most people have witnessed is people who are interested in the church, but are not committed to her, and therefore the church is usually judged upon this group.
There was an old saying and movement years ago that was used in the Christian community – the acronym WWJD which meant “What Would Jesus Do?” I believe that is a valid question. Let’s examine that question.
The scripture says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” That word “love” in the Greek means “agape” – the God-kind of unconditional love is what is expressed here. God so loved this world that it moved him to do something about it by sending His son. We can not say we love this world, our communities and neighborhoods and not be moved to do something.
Our church has existed and been a part of Hollister for more than 12 years now. We believe it is our responsibility to feed the hungry, clothe the poor and make a difference in our community (Matthew 25). We have been involved in business, politics and education. … We are also commissioned to equip and train others to duplicate this benevolence in their own lives.
In another passage in the “Today Living Bible” confirms this truth: “But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won’t help him-how can God’s love be within him? Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions” (1 John 3:17and 18).
So you see, faith without works or action is dead. But again, it is not about just loving your brother or sister. God loves the world that means the young, the old, every race, color and creed; and yes even you. It does not matter to God what we’ve done in our past. It is our future he is concerned about. God sent His son for the world, that includes every person on this planet.
The purpose of the church is to understand this love that has been given to her and pass it on to others, because we are all dysfunctional and it is with the help of God that makes us functional. He is relevant today through those who will allow Him to reveal himself to them. He can and does heal broken marriages, suicidal behavior, self hatred and self destructive behavior, and yes, lost souls who can’t figure out why they came to this planet with no “instruction manual.” There is a message and it is found in the only instructional manual I know and that is the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God and it has and continues to teach me how to live. I know he heals, because he healed my marriage, my depression, self hatred and self destructive behavior. I don’t portray to know everything. I just can only tell you what He has done for me.
Joy Christian Fellowship is located at 360 Sixth St., Hollister. Phone: (831) 634-1079. Contact Pastor Holly McWhinnie at Ho*******@*ol.com.
