FIVE PURPOSES OF GOD FOR OUR CHURCH

…and every follower of Christ.

Even as we gear toward more active involvement in Evangelism, and fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus by sharing the Gospel (not gossip) with people, we are at risk of developing busy Christians rather than fully devoted followers of Christ. I had been thinking over the last week as I visited some very busy people, who cannot add yet another thing to their “plate” – “there is more to life than doing church!” I am serious! If we are DOING church instead of BEING church, then we are doing too much.

Could it be that many a church goers just follow the rules, with their heart not in it? I wonder how many people coming to church on Sabbath are connected to the pastor, to the elders of the church? How many people really do come to hear the directions and instructions from leaders? Why do we come to church?

Let’s examine ourselves by looking at five purposes God has for us:

WORSHIP – Romans 12:1-2 à worship is not a mid-day liturgical service, but giving our lives as a living offering of service. It is not about showing up for an hour to pay duty for sake of appearances and participate in a ritual, but is about a daily life devoted to God. Are you worshipping by your living? When you come to participate in the corporate expression of worship do you bring praise and testimony?

FELLOWSHIP – are you connected in growing and healthy relationship? Are you a member of the Body of Christ, being joined by baptism to the local church Body? God does not do “common-law cohabiting.” He cares for His church, and blesses those committed to a relationship. Membership is not about “being on the books” it’s about affirming relationship and belonging to the specific family

MATURITY – are you growing “from glory to glory”? (2^nd Cor.3:16-18) Are you taking the “next step’ daily? Faith is not about memorizing list of rules, it is about looking at jesus and being transformed in His Image day by day, having more and more His Mind, His Attitude, His Love.

EVANGELISM – are continually build relationships to lead people to Christ? Are you discipling and mentoring others? It’s not about how many “pagans” you told that you are an Adventist, it’s about how many “Zaccheus” you dined with, how many people you associated with to impart Christ in you into their lives.

MINSITRY – is not about how much time you spend in church every week. N Have you discovered how God ‘wired” you? Are you making a difference in peoples’ lives? Are you serving others?

In our church we believe that every member is called to ministry, every individual who entered into spiritual relationship with Jesus receives the Spiritual Gift for the good of the Body, for edification of the whole church, for building up the Kingdom of God.

After all – it’s about your heart, not just “activities”.