What is a church? This seems like a simple enough question. A dictionary definition says it is a building used for public Christian worship. This is the traditional church on the corner concept. For most people, the concept of what a church is would be drawn from the culture they experienced growing up. For all of us our childhood experience as well as the media and pop culture play into the formation of our impressions. A little more obscure, but a powerful influence would be what people want … [Read more...] about What is a Church?
Church
The Fullness of the Father
In his letter to the “saints and faithful brethren in Christ in Colossae,” the apostle Paul expressed many thought-provoking comments about Christ’s role as the head of the Church. For Paul, the Church and Christ were one and the same. “He is the head of the body, the Church …" (Colossians 1:18). It is through Christ that a person can be brought into a relationship with the Father – a state of being reconciled. This reconciliation of humans to the spiritual Father produces what we know as the … [Read more...] about The Fullness of the Father
Psalm 133: The Dew of Hermon
Recently we discussed the concept of vertical unity. This is not a new or unique concept, but a way to picture the unity that flows from the Father, through His Son, and into the body. As each member of the body seeks to unify him or herself with God, that unity then allows the aligning of each member in relation to other members. As the Apostle John pointed out, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6). Unity is established vertically and is then … [Read more...] about Psalm 133: The Dew of Hermon
God’s Law Builds Relationships
The law of God requires us to focus very heavily on relationships, our reconciled relationship with the Father dominating. However, from our close relationship with Him flows our relationship with other people. All people are created in the image of God and with the potential to be members of God’s family. We should never lose that focus. God’s law embraces our relationship with all people. A good example of this is in Leviticus 19 where several principles of how people should relate with each … [Read more...] about God’s Law Builds Relationships
Brexit
When Theresa May was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, she told the country in her New Year message that if her Brexit deal was passed by Parliament, the country could move forward together and begin a new chapter. The government could then work on fixing important domestic issues. If it were only that simple. Britain’s participation in the European Union for years, and the desire to leave has led to a complex and difficult situation as the current political impasse testifies. … [Read more...] about Brexit