REFLECTIONS ON THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH (PART II)
Last week, I wrote about reflections on the approaches and methods with regards to evangelism of the first century Church, church life and benevolence. We are brought to remembrance again that the church, being the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), is a spiritual kingdom which is unlike any earthly organization. Going back to the first century and understanding how Christians lived their faithful lives is a great encouragement and reflection.
Edification and Pastoral Care
The Christian faith is a taught religion. One needs to be edified and grow in the faith. Just as how a person needs to be taught the gospel, Christians will also need to mature in the faith. Paul wrote that faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Faith is built when one hears the word of God. As a preacher, when speaking with those who have left the Lord or on the fringe, I usually ask these people how their prayer life and study life are. More than often, these two areas are lacking in their spiritual journey. It is no wonder that they do not mature spiritually.
The church will not only tell people about God, but will also help to grow members and work with members to reach heaven. Some secular organizations have mentors and they grow their people. However, others do not have. The church, being set apart, is concerned for the edification or building up of Christians. We have examples of the apostles who have done so in penning the inspired letters to congregations or Christians in general. Jesus told Peter to strengthen the brethren when he was converted (Luke 22:32) and this he did as evidenced from 1 Peter and 2 Peter which he penned. A Christian is built up also so that he or she can defend the faith (Jude 3).
Priorities and an Example
The church has very different priorities as compared to the world and thus, the church serves as an example of how a person should live life and also keep focus. Early Christians valued prayer, God’s word, evangelism, and unity.
Jesus said that man should not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). He also said to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). When the church focuses on God’s word and makes it the priority, there will be growth if Christians meditate on the word and live out the word in their daily lives. Unity will also result because of the focus on just one doctrine. When the world sees the body of Christ devoted to His cause, living in a manner which is befitting of Christians and always working to achieve unity, they will undoubtedly be attracted to it. They will want to know what it is that makes things tick in the church. Hence, the church will not be like a candle that is put “under a bushel” (c.f. Matthew 5:15), but the church will be the light (Matthew 5:14, 16) and salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). The church’s function would be to lead people to the light (the truth) through her example, living and priorities.
Conclusion
There is so much wisdom in God for this spiritual kingdom in the church. I love the Lord’s church and it is a blessing to be able to revisit what the early Christians did and how we may continue to learn from their example. The church has a definite purpose and function in the world – to minister to the needs of people, to seek and to save the lost, to be engaged in benevolent work, to build people up, to be an example and to lead people to the truth. It is no wonder Paul wrote that the church is the bride of Christ and Christ gave Himself for the church (Ephesians 5:25). The church is precious to God for there is a purpose for its existence.
