Short devotion - What is Church? - Ephesians 3:10-11

Ephesians 3:10-11      His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

            Some people these days question whether or not churches should exist. Rather than bring people together for worship, missions, or programs, would Christianity not be better served by individuals and small groups going out into the community at large, doing good deeds and showing compassion to those who are unloved, unwanted, and uncared for? After all, didn’t Jesus Himself go from place to place, offering His compassion and healing those who needed His help? Surely, it is argued, local congregations should do the same.

So why were churches established in the first place, and what purpose do they serve now?           

I like what the Apostle Paul has to write about church, especially in this passage from Ephesians 3. He describes church as being the established vehicle through which the wisdom of God is made known. Churches are receptacles, gathering places, or domains where the rich teaching, history, and experiences of our knowledge of God are faithfully kept. They become storehouses for people who are hungry for God’s Word; they become wells where folks can quench their spiritual thirst with Christ’s teaching. In other words, churches equip people with faith to help them in their daily lives, current events, and personal circumstances.

We are all seeking meaning for our lives, which comes to us through our relationship with God. His knowledge shows us the best ways and paths for our lives. Churches can help us find that wisdom by providing teaching and encouragement, studies and support, opportunities and missions which will bolster our faith and give us a worthwhile purpose throughout our days on Earth.

Questions for personal reflection

What wisdom and guidance has God given to me through the church? How have I shared those gifts with others in my life?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we sometimes forget that the Church is Your Bride, so You are always supporting, caring, and loving toward it. Bless our churches with Your Holy Spirit and grant them opportunities to share God’s wisdom in positive, cheerful, and effective ways. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is another of John’s Pentecost drawings for 2016. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Pentecost

Church Devotion: As Was His Custom - Luke 4:16

Luke 4:16      Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 

            ‘As was his custom’ – four little words that contain a powerful message. Jesus went to the synagogue every Sabbath. For Christians, the equivalent would mean being in a church every Sunday. Every Sunday, unless you are ill, or caring for someone who is sick, grieving, or physically unable to go. No excuses, no reasons, no other things to do, or too busy to go. Every Sunday.

            And yet when pastors preach, teach, write, or blog this, there is an instant push back. “You can’t mean every Sunday?” “Isn't once a month, or several times a year enough?” “We’re too tired to get up on a Sunday morning.” “We've too much going on.” “We've got sports meetings to attend.” “It’s a beautiful day, so can’t we just worship God in the mountains, at a beach, or even over at the mall?” Every Sunday, are you sure???

‘On the Sabbath day, Jesus went to the synagogue, as was his custom.’

            If we are Christians, we are meant to follow Christ, so guess where He’ll be on Sundays? With His Bride, the Church, praising God – every Sunday.

            Question:      How often am I in church on Sundays?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, forgive us for our short comings with regard to how we practice our faith. You constantly challenge us about church, but sometimes we push back, justifying our complacency and defending our decisions. Pardon us for being fair-weather followers and convenient Christians. Help us to recommit our lives in service and worship of You. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions about today’s devotion, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Celtic Christian drawings called ‘Spirit of the Celts.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Celts.

Church devotion: What is Church - Revelation 21:22

Revelation 21:22         I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

            Today’s verse reminds me that the beautiful church building where I minister is not the actual church, nor is it the real center and focus of worship. The people who gather for worship, study, prayer, and mission are the church, and the focus of our praise is Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God. The building serves as a meeting place, a learning center, and a sacred sanctuary. It is holy ground where God's people can gather, but it is not the centerpiece of our worship of God. That esteemed place belongs solely to Jesus, which is why we are called Christians and not Churchians.

            Please don't get me wrong; I love the church building and I am delighted about all of the renovation and expansion that has been accomplished over the last couple of years. It is a safe place for souls and a haven for many people. It serves as a focal point, a gathering place, and a house of meditation for lots of people, including me. Whether I am working quietly in my office, or participating in a room full of elders, or sitting quietly in the sanctuary, this church building is very meaningful to me. But again, it is not the object of my beliefs, worship, or relationship with God. Only Jesus has that place in my life; only He is at the center of my being.

            When we all get to Heaven, perhaps initially we’re going to miss seeing churches, hearing church bells, or meeting in church sanctuaries. However, I believe it will quickly dawn on us that Christ is our meeting place, our encountering point, and our real destination. We won’t need temples to contain Him, or churches to welcome Him. His abiding presence will be all that we will ever need and we will serve Him eternally, which why we go to church in the first place - to worship Christ and enjoy Him forever.

Question for personal reflection

Why do I go to church? How do I become church?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are our everything. You are at the center of our faith and in the fullness of our hearts. We worship You alone and seek to serve You faithfully. You are the reason why we believe in God, and You are the One to whom we owe our lives. Thank You for being our Savior and for allowing us to serve, worship, and follow You in many different ways. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome :)

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings of Christ. It’s called ‘Jesus Weeps’ and reflects the sad state of our world today. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Jesus Weeps.

Church devotion: It is Amazing - 1 Corinthians 15:10

1 Corinthians 15:10   But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect.

On Sunday mornings, I get to experience one of the best views in church from the pulpit. I see the entire worshipping congregation and, as I scan the people in the pews, I think about their struggles and stories and of how the amazing grace of God has been, and is still working in their lives.

I see people who are grieving the loss of loved ones, but in the midst of their heartache, they still hold on to the love of God.

I see folks who are undergoing serious tests or recovering from surgery, who have placed their prayers and lives into God’s healing hands.

I see parents who are bringing up their kids in the best ways that they can, providing them with encouragement and support, as well as nurturing them in the Christian faith.

I see people whose marriages are crumbling and they are struggling to maintain a sense of identity and security, praying to God for help and guidance.

I see single people who devote much of their time to the well-being of others, serving in the missions and programs of our church.

I see college students whose dreams are only just beginning and whose hard work and determination will bring about what they seek to do with their lives and how they can serve God in the world.

I see young people who are still at school, trying to do the best that they can and experiencing many new things in life. They still have that beautiful wonder of God and Life which delights the whole church.

I see and hear the infants, toddlers, and babies in our church and my heart is glad that they can find an extended loving family here.

I see all of these things and all of these good people, and it humbles me. The grace of God is evident in all of our lives and it is constantly amazing.

Questions for personal reflection

How do I experience the grace of God in my life? Where do I see it existing in the lives of others?

Prayer:            Loving God, Your grace is amazing and we are constantly astounded by its presence in our lives. Sustain our wonder of Your works and our love of our Lord. Be with us and bless all our loved ones this day. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask a question about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Stewardship Devotion: Christian Compassion - Psalm 118:26

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.      Psalm 118:26

I like to think that churches are all blessings to the communities where they reside. I know that when I was growing up in a deprived area of Glasgow, Scotland, the local churches had various programs, Sunday schools, and services that meant a lot to my family and friends.

In our own congregation, I have also seen that same blessing at work among the lives of our people. Whenever there is a crisis, illness, or sadness, our church people rally to kindly, lovingly, and compassionately support those in need. It’s a wonderful way to express our living faith; it’s a beautiful blessing to bestow on other people.

Question: How does my giving empower the church to become a blessing to other people?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your churches and people all over the world. May we and they be a blessing to others in need of faith, hope, and love. Amen.