RENOVATION – 3
BUILDING
We build and expand our deluxe church facilities, often rationalizing that such are needed to win the lost. The fact is, we need them to sustain our religion more than to extend the Gospel.
Renovated hearts that are surrendered to the rule of Jesus as we take up our cross daily to follow Him, are all that is needed to reach our neighbors. Problem is, saying such things has earned about as many “Likes” in the church as on Facebook, but that will change.
Tear stained altars would be more effective than impressive AV systems, in building up the Body of Christ. The testimony of Christians loving and serving one another would be more convincing to hungry souls, than pumped up “worship” by those whose life priorities contradict their declaration that God is their “all.”
WHY NOT US?
If God would take action against Israel for rejecting Him, as in Ezekiel 21, why do we think that we would be spared? All they had was a distant God, the Law, priests, and the sacrifice of countless animals, but we have been bought with the blood of Jesus Who dwells within us and welcomes us into intimacy with the Father in the Holy of Holies. Heb. 10:10-25, II Cor. 6:14-18, II Cor. 7:1.
SOME WILL – –
In the upcoming renovation of the Church, both indescribable pain and overflowing joy will flow like rivers, sometimes merging into one. Some church-goers will be immobilized by the shock of it all while others will be stirred into action as they partner with the Living God in this Day.
Some will flee the institutional church, becoming the authentic Body of Christ in renovated forms of relationship, gathering, worship and serving. Others, including many leaders, will entrench themselves in the security of the institution and won’t even know they are lifeless. Program, buildings and budgets will continue, even if gutted of God’s Presence.
Many heathens will flock to the Church – – the one without walls. We have judged them as rejecting God, but they have only stayed away because they were unwilling to join our hypocrisy.
They will now be drawn to the Living God in a rebirthed Church, and will come to Him even at great cost. They will be nurtured by God’s Spirit through His Word, in relationship with those whose only title is “saint,” and will quickly become reapers themselves.
Can you hear the thunder? Can you feel the earth shaking? Seek God.
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH
March 10, 2021
CLICK HERE for printable pdf