This term we are asking the question why? Why do we Christians come together on a Sunday? Why do they read the Bible? Why do I need to be saved? It’s very easy for us to assume we have all the answers and know what it’s all about but I have found one of the best ways to become wise….is to ask the whys.
Last week at Chapel we asked why do we gather? When we think of church we think of a building where Christians meet, usually on a Sunday. To some, this is seen as the whole point of being a Christian. You go to a building with other Christians and you sing some songs, read the bible, and listen to a really long talk. But why?! Why do we ‘do’ church and what was Jesus’ original intention for the church.
The first mentioned Jesus has of the church is in Matthew 16:17-18. Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
In this passage, Jesus calls Simon, Peter (rock). “And on this rock I will build my church…” The word Jesus uses here isn’t one he made up, it was borrowed greek word; Ecclesia. An Ecclesia was an assembly of citizens in response to something. Whether it was war, a famine, leadership, or any kind of emergency. The assembly would then decide on a course of action and go do it.
Jesus’ idea of church wasn’t to be seat warmers, where Christians would come together just for the sake of it. His hope was that those that heard the good news would come together to go out and do something about it.
As a believer, someone who professes to know Jesus and given my life to Him, I admit that we have gotten it wrong. That the church hasn’t been what it’s supposed to be and has in some cases really failed people. There have been hurts, abuse, and manipulation. This is a great shame and I am truly sorry for the damage that has been done. Whether to you, your family, or someone you know. This being said, I do believe in the church. Not the church that has failed people but the church that Jesus set up. The church with His original intention. To go out into the world and bring the good news. Life, hope, and peace. This is the Jesus I know, and where people have failed, He will not.
Mr Jake Hartgers/ Chaplain
