Category: How is God Building His Church?

Since 1993, I have seriously observed, pondered, explored, and sought an answer to this question:

What I have learned so far:

• The importance of the individual is never diminished in the collective body of Christ.
• Inclusion in the Church is guaranteed through personal connection with Jesus Christ.
• Physical spaces are sacred places wherever His Church gathers.
• Religious conformity to a church is a questionable sign of righteousness.
• Godly character is the first requirement for church leadership.
• True equality is grounded in the creative activity of the Triune God.
• Individual value/worth is divinely assured through individual uniqueness.
• God ordains to each person a “gift of blessing” to be both enjoyed and shared.
• Being “fully alive” in Christ in this life is serious preparation for the life to come.
• Being “Like Christ” is a person’s unique manifestation of the image/likeness of God.
• Satan, the Church’s enemy, confuses “earthly pleasure,” with “good and perfect gifts.”
• The most valued “building materials” of the Church are those that appear least desirable.

These “Essentials” must shape the organizing and operating functions of a local church

Does the above matter?

It’s the most strategic cause/force at work among human beings.

Investing in this eternal cause is a legacy worth making.

How does the above inform me about my purpose?  

Woe is me, if I do not see myself as an active part of this divine mission in the world.

The context holds less value than we think.

Memorial halls, auditoriums, gymnasium, dorms, classrooms, and libraries are just as sacred a worship place as cathedrals, sanctuaries, worship centers, and houses of worship. Church decor, impressive architecture, or multi-use education facilities hold no special promise of divine presence . He doesn’t even need green space, quiet zones, nature parks, sanctuary places, and recreational playgrounds. He cares little about vestments, icons, order of services, performances of music and speech, religious holidays, padded seats, overhead screens, or platform furnishings. He seldom notices whether women wear makeup, dress up; or whether men wear suits or dress down.

God’s presence is felt by the affirmation of Truth by the Holy Spirit within the soul.

A sincere woman asked Him, “Where are we to worship God?” Jesus replied, “Believe me, woman…a time is coming and has now come when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seek. God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:21-24)