The Church: Ancient & Evolving
This sunday my dad and I worshipped at a family friend's church. The pastor is a good friend of my dad, and his daughter is a good friend of mine. Within the two minutes we entered the church and found a seat, we were greeted warmly by multiple strangers. It was encouraging and reassuring to know that a church can welcome and greet a pair of strangers so warmly and with genuine care.
It was Pentecost Sunday. An important Sunday of the church year and for the church. The pastor opened up the service by explaining the significance of Pentecost. He explained to the children sitting in front, that it was the church's birthday. What a mysterious way for the church to be born. With fire and wind - different nations were able to understand the same story. With fire and wind - the Holy Spirit made it's way into our hearts to be our advocate. Through this mysterious series of events, the church became.
I tend to wonder (frequently) how church has changed over generations and how it will continue to change. I think of the denominations that have been established over the years, the liturgies that have been implemented and the ones that are slowly dying away, the music styles of the church; from the harp to the organ to the electric guitar. The church is a living and evolving body that will continue to change and grow. However, I believe there are somethings that will never change with the church.
During the service, Pastor Roberts invited anyone who would like to be anointed to come forward during the praise song. As we sang, I noticed one of the pianists walk towards the front pew with tears in her eyes and anguish on her face. Within seconds, five or six different members of the congregation came forward to put their hands on the woman. It brought tears to my eyes. As the song finished, several people sat up front to be anointed. They were surrounded by members with their hands rested on them, blessing and praying over them. I couldn't imagine a better visual and example of "the church." Where the broken and beat down are invited to receive the holy power and redeeming love of our Lord and Savior, with the encouragement and fellowship of believers by their side. My dad and I were both touched by the faithfulness and support this congregation had for one another.
I believe that the encouragement fellowship can bring will never change in the church - because that is the church. The church is the gathering of the broken, sinful, and disheartened, receiving God's gracious invitation to obtain His love, forgiveness, and salvation. The church is a great blessing to a believer. I know it was for that pianist on Sunday. At the end of Acts 2, Luke writes:
It was Pentecost Sunday. An important Sunday of the church year and for the church. The pastor opened up the service by explaining the significance of Pentecost. He explained to the children sitting in front, that it was the church's birthday. What a mysterious way for the church to be born. With fire and wind - different nations were able to understand the same story. With fire and wind - the Holy Spirit made it's way into our hearts to be our advocate. Through this mysterious series of events, the church became.
I tend to wonder (frequently) how church has changed over generations and how it will continue to change. I think of the denominations that have been established over the years, the liturgies that have been implemented and the ones that are slowly dying away, the music styles of the church; from the harp to the organ to the electric guitar. The church is a living and evolving body that will continue to change and grow. However, I believe there are somethings that will never change with the church.
During the service, Pastor Roberts invited anyone who would like to be anointed to come forward during the praise song. As we sang, I noticed one of the pianists walk towards the front pew with tears in her eyes and anguish on her face. Within seconds, five or six different members of the congregation came forward to put their hands on the woman. It brought tears to my eyes. As the song finished, several people sat up front to be anointed. They were surrounded by members with their hands rested on them, blessing and praying over them. I couldn't imagine a better visual and example of "the church." Where the broken and beat down are invited to receive the holy power and redeeming love of our Lord and Savior, with the encouragement and fellowship of believers by their side. My dad and I were both touched by the faithfulness and support this congregation had for one another.
I believe that the encouragement fellowship can bring will never change in the church - because that is the church. The church is the gathering of the broken, sinful, and disheartened, receiving God's gracious invitation to obtain His love, forgiveness, and salvation. The church is a great blessing to a believer. I know it was for that pianist on Sunday. At the end of Acts 2, Luke writes:
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.From the absolute beginning of the church, believers shared fellowship with each other. Their presence and faith encouraged each other and brought new peoples to Christ. From the very start, the church offered a place for the unworthy to be worthy through Christ. Now, generations and ages later, the church continues to offer a place for fellowship and redemption. As the church evolves until His kingdom comes, may the fellowship of redeemed believers encourage and nurture the church. Praise God for giving us the gift of the church!
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