On my many adventures out and about County and State, I pass by little country churches (and some relatively big churches) one after another of every denomination. There are some that you can tell from the appearance, someone is taking care of the physical property, leading you to believe that those in the interior on Sunday morning are taking care of the spiritual body. That’s not always the case. But as time passes, I notice far more churches (like myself) looking a little worn. Many are in severe disrepair because there is no longer a body of believers even assembling inside. At what point did they un-assemble? And why? Any number of reasons could be speculated but the most likely reason is their love of the world, outweighed their love for God.
If you’re out of church, you probably feel judged and will want to stop reading. Please don’t. This isn’t about me standing in judgement of those who don’t attend church. I could honestly speak just as negatively of those on the inside of the church who attend but don’t listen. We’re human. Sometimes humanity get’s the best of us. But let me give you three reasons why I believe you’re ready to reassemble.
- There’s a missing Peace and a missing Piece
There is a God sized hole in the soul of every human. If the Lord Jesus Christ is not in your life, you know you’re missing something. I know from experience. But, perhaps you’re saying, “Shari, we’re not the same.” No, but God is. And He created you with the desire to know Him. That’s the missing piece. And if you’ve ever truly known Him, when He is not a central part of your life you’re missing peace, and you know it’s gone.
John 14:23-31 KJV
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. [24] He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. [25] These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. [26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. [27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [28] Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. [29] And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. [30] Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. [31] But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
When I finally connected with Jesus in 1996 my life was a mess. I had no peace. I worried about everything, my life had very little meaningful purpose. I tried to fill it with community good, but I knew that it was just falling through the hole in my life. It added nothing of value to who I was. Both of my girls were young and I knew I was messing up their lives. They needed a foundation I could not provide.
But then I discovered who Jesus really was. Not the facts of Jesus, but the faith in Jesus. When the Holy Spirit came into my heart I knew it! It was very real and the most amazing event in my life. I had peace. I had purpose. If you’re currently not experiencing that, you’re ready to re-assemble.
2. There’s Trouble and There’s Fear
Jesus said Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. If you’re not troubled and fearful in this world, you’re not paying attention! I certainly have moments of serious concern. But understanding the Word of God and being taught by worthy leaders is an important part of every week for me. It secures my faith in the fact that the children of God are going to be okay. And the fact that we need to know we are the children of God and that our family is saved. That is where the security of the believer comes in and when Satan tries to create fear and anxiety in your life you can point him to the word of God and he will flee. His days are numbered!
But without the church, it is very difficult to stay inline with scripture. Not impossible, but far harder than it needs to be. We need to study on our own, but we need church leaders in our lives that we can trust to share what the Lord speaks to them, and how He is working in their life. Then when that trouble and fear begins to rear its ugly head, we’re not alone. Satan loves it when you don’t have anyone you can trust.
3. Satan is Very Real
Jesus said “for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” That prince is Satan. He is the prince of this world and the fallen angels from Heaven are wreaking havoc in everyone’s life. The demonic forces have taken over the television, the computer, the music industry. You can’t escape the evil anymore. It’s every where. It takes its toll on us. The shows and movies are filled with killing, broken families and violence, and so is society. I’ve never seen a time in my life where people accept evil as the norm. But that’s how it is. What causes me nightmares, children view in a video game and become the character. That’s scary stuff! How will that affect them as adults? I think that’s what we’re seeing with so many children being abused and killed, even by their parents. It’s unfathomable to understand how such things can happen unless you see Satan for what he is. Evil and powerful.
He is not more powerful than God, but Jesus just told us that Satan is the prince of this world. Meaning he does have power. Until Jesus returns! Then his power is done. But so is the opportunity to get your life right with God.
If these thoughts are weighing on your mind. It’s time to do something about it. I pray that you will find a spirit filled church with a God lead pastor and join up! It won’t be perfect. Satan will make sure you see the flaws. But look for the good work God is doing and then become a part of that. The flaws will fade into the background and be drowned out by your peace, your purpose and your people! Everyone needs people.
Love ya! Shari, the Jesus Chick