"So between the death of Christ and the Last Day it is only by a gracious anticipation of the last things that Christians are privileged to live in visible fellowship with other Christians. It is by the grace of God that a congregation is permitted to gather visibly in this world to share God's Word and sacrament."
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer in "Life Together"
Scraps:
-Corporate worship, the physical gathering of God's people in a building, home, etc., is a gift and grace.
-Is there salvation outside the church?
-What about the sick, shut-in, etc.? How do they experience the corporate worship of God?
Thoughts? Go.
To you question about salvation outside the church. I was not saved in a church. I was actually at The Gardens in Louisville at an Acquire the Fire event. I remember that day like it was yesterday. 2-21-03 But I think to help my faith in God grow church was the place to be.
ReplyDeleteKeshia, thanks for the comment. When I say "church" I mean the Christian body in general, whether that be a conference, church building, etc. There has recently been this push to "be a Christian, just not a church-goer". I know this doesn't define you at all, but I wonder what message it sends when people say, "I love Jesus, just not the Body of Christ". It's like saying you like me, just not my wife. Sorry, we're a package deal.
ReplyDeleteHow do you feel about that? I know you're a very active church attendee, can you imagine living in a relationship with Christ without your local congregation?
I will admit up until Tom and I started dating I didnt go to church much. But since then I do go more. (That was 2005) I know personally I can tell the difference in "me" then and "me" now. I think without my congregation it would be like a shot in the dark. I may hit the target at times but most times I would miss.
ReplyDelete