In multiple places in the Bible, God’s people and/or the church are compared to a bride. Rich Mullins once commented that “What I think is scary about God is that He didn’t come up with any ‘Plan B’; that He left the church here, and the church is the only institution in the world that can bring about a change.” What do you find inspiring and/or scary about the church? What did Jesus say about her?
Velvet Elvis
Repainting the Christian Faith5 Comments »
david wrote @
I agree with Peggy’s description of what Christ said about the church as far as Jesus being the architect, builder etc.. we are what He continues to build upon and renovate. This is inspiring when you think about the fact that as believers we are part of the church that Jesus has continued to build upon and trust to do His work. I think it is only scary if those ” churches ” that are ” bad ” are all that there is, which we know is not true.
How about that……. Peggy and I agree on something !! and on the last week.
Mike wrote @
What do you find inspiring and/or scary about the church?
I find it inspiring that we are chosen by God to be his bride. What an honor and what a responsibility. I find it somewhat scary to think that God has given us imperfect Christians full responsibility to carry out His mission and spread his love. Its also inspiring to know that as much as we have messed it up in the past that he continues to forgive and still has faith that we will continue to do His work.
I like the way Bell says that we as a church need to always work toward becoming more generous, more compassionate, more forgiving, and more loving. For most non-believers these qualities are not what comes to mind when thinking about “church”. Life changing conversions are important and the ultimate goal, but our actions are many times a hurdle to that goal.
I think Peggy (and David) did a great job summing up what Jesus said about the church.
Mike P wrote @
Sorry, posted this Monday evening, but it never showed up.
What do you find inspiring and/or scary about the church?
I find it inspiring that we are chosen by God to be his bride. What an honor and what a responsibility. I find it somewhat scary to think that God has given us imperfect Christians full responsibility to carry out His mission and spread his love. Its also inspiring to know that as much as we have messed it up in the past that he continues to forgive and still has faith that we will continue to do His work.
I like the way Bell says that we as a church need to always work toward becoming more generous, more compassionate, more forgiving, and more loving. For most non-believers these qualities are not what comes to mind when thinking about “church”. Life changing conversions are important and the ultimate goal, but our actions are many times a hurdle to that goal.
I think Peggy (and David) did a great job summing up what Jesus said about the church.
Mike P wrote @
This is my 3rd attempt to post this. Hopefully it will go through this time. Jim, are you sensoring me?
What do you find inspiring and/or scary about the church?
I find it inspiring that we are chosen by God to be his bride. What an honor and what a responsibility. I find it somewhat scary to think that God has given us imperfect Christians full responsibility to carry out His mission and spread his love. Its also inspiring to know that as much as we have messed it up in the past that he continues to forgive and still has faith that we will continue to do His work.
I like the way Bell says that we as a church need to always work toward becoming more generous, more compassionate, more forgiving, and more loving. For most non-believers these qualities are not what comes to mind when thinking about “church”. Life changing conversions are important and the ultimate goal, but our actions are many times a hurdle to that goal.
I think Peggy (and David) did a great job summing up what Jesus said about the church.
Your comment
HTML-Tags:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <pre> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
Christ told Peter that he would build his church on this rock. Jesus is showing that he is claiming ownership. He is the architect, builder, owner and Lord of the church. Jesus left his mark by investing his time and energy in teaching the disciples his truth. He told them to share the good news, making this the goal of the church. We were sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and empowering us to carry out God’s mission. Once we acknowledge all of this, it should encourage and excite us to continue on. Jesus is head of the church and the gates of hell can not stop the spreading of the good news. It is a daunting task, but we have the power of Christ behind us. There may be churches who have lost sight of their purpose, but ultimately Christ’s church will survive until the day he returns.