How the church happens . . . so simple!

[Vine Abider]

I enjoyed this entry in The Supplied Life this morning. It spoke to me how simple the church is really - not a bunch of things we organize or programs we put together or any such thing . . . it's just God gathering together simple, redeemed folk, and letting "the unsearchable riches of Christ flow out!"

Paul says that he is telling all the nations about these unsearchable riches of Christ. This is how the church happens. This is how the Body takes place on the earth. You do not organize it. You do not name it. You do not set up shop. You do not bring in entertainment. You do not set up programs--nothing like that. That is all a substitute for Christ, and a facade. Instead, you just find people--ordinary people, redeemed people--and gather them together and let the unsearchable riches of Christ flow out. This is the church.

[Marathoner]

Whenever I am in need of encouragement I come across something like this from you, brother. I mentioned the thorn in this flesh I must contend with (in a different topic), which is something that the Lord saw fit to leave with me --- depression. It comes regardless of the season or circumstances, and it seeks to rob me of joy and motivation.

It truly is a messenger from Satan.

Consider the charge which our Lord placed upon me: let my words be words of encouragement, not reproach; I will encourage others just as He encourages me regardless of the season or circumstances. This, when He knows how I struggle with this thorn in the flesh?

Yes! The Spirit taught me how to overcome this depression by pouring myself out in service to others. This is precisely what you have articulated... pouring out Christ. That's what we do regardless of the season or circumstances. 

Amen!

[Vine Abider]

5 hours ago, Marathoner said:

Whenever I am in need of encouragement I come across something like this from you, brother. I mentioned the thorn in this flesh I must contend with (in a different topic), which is something that the Lord saw fit to leave with me --- depression. It comes regardless of the season or circumstances, and it seeks to rob me of joy and motivation.

It truly is a messenger from Satan.

Consider the charge which our Lord placed upon me: let my words be words of encouragement, not reproach; I will encourage others just as He encourages me regardless of the season or circumstances. This, when He knows how I struggle with this thorn in the flesh?

Yes! The Spirit taught me how to overcome this depression by pouring myself out in service to others. This is precisely what you have articulated... pouring out Christ. That's what we do regardless of the season or circumstances. 

Amen!

Amen bro - the Lord is with your spirit!

[Marilyn C]

Morning VA and Marathoner,

I find it encouraging that the Lord by His Holy Spirit has `set the members each one of them in the Body just as He pleased.` (1 Cor. 12: 18)

This shows me that we know who we are `set` with and not just a head in a multitude of people. We know who we are to encourage, support, help and visa versa. People see the relationships and know that there is something different about us all. Many are drawn to the `perfume` of the Lord`s love, (shown in practical ways as you do Marathoner) as the world gets colder.

Marilyn.

 

 

[AnOrangeCat]

10 hours ago, Marathoner said:

Whenever I am in need of encouragement I come across something like this from you, brother. I mentioned the thorn in this flesh I must contend with (in a different topic), which is something that the Lord saw fit to leave with me --- depression. It comes regardless of the season or circumstances, and it seeks to rob me of joy and motivation.

It truly is a messenger from Satan.

That's a thorn I share, though I think I have a somewhat different way of looking at it. I see our emotions as having come from God and being there with the intent of helping us. The problem lies in us being a fallen creation in a fallen world, and I believe that twists the original intent. So I've come to see my own depression as an intended part of the design, warped but not beyond God's ability to repair and use to my benefit. As weird as it sounds there have been times and situations when it's been an asset to me.

[AnOrangeCat]

12 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

It spoke to me how simple the church is really - not a bunch of things we organize or programs we put together or any such thing . . . it's just God gathering together simple, redeemed folk, and letting "the unsearchable riches of Christ flow out!"

I like this take, and I agree, though I'd stress that ideally there's an element of mutual support added in. We're told to bear one another's burdens, love one another as Christ loved us, and gently correct each other as needed. Obviously there were some people not fully aboard with it but I see the early church as presented in Acts as a strong example of what was intended. There was an incredible amount of unity and care displayed.