Thoughts On The Body Of Christ

THOUGHTS ON THE BODY OF CHRIST

Here are some thoughts on The Church from a few 30 on down in age individuals from the book "The Relevant Church":

Quotes:

Brian Kay, "It is impossible to be a follower of Christ and not be part of a local church!"

"No one can have God as Father who does not also have the church as Mother.'

"There are several good reasons to believe that the normal Christian life becomes entirely undone when it is not lived in the presence of other believers, in regular acts of worship and service."

Robin Lemke, "I don't think there is any question in Scripture that God expects us to come together in a community to worship Him and support each other. The thrust of the New Testament from Acts onward is about followers of Christ risking their lives and freedom to make believers and establish churches. Nowhere does Paul or Silas or Peter go into a city to make believers, then send them home and expect them to simply pray by themselves and in so doing follow Christ."

Tyler Watts, "I think I disconnect from the Gospel of Jesus Christ when I'm not involved in close relationships with other believers."

Jeremy Walden, "The phrase 'go to church' makes me crazy. I am the church. Believers are the church. Instead of talking about just going into a building for a service, let's start talking about getting together with other believers to discuss God and pray together. That type of gathering is where we'll find community, a place of encouragement, sharing listening, and worship."

Philip Evans, "Every believer needs a 'church' even if it's just four or five of you meeting together to worship, I know my relationship with Christ would deteriorate if I didn't surround myself with people who encourage and challenge me in my faith."

James Bullock, "I love the diversity of church-so many different people saved from a range of pain, addictions, lifestyles-now all set free in a community together."

Andy Squyres, "When I hear the word 'church,' I think of the body of Christ in its fullness, without denominational or dogmatic boundaries, church in all its organic glory, shifting and growing, as all living things do."

Cory Passehl, "Church is not just a building or Sunday morning service, but a place where the Body of Christ comes together for encouragement, edification, challenging, rebuking. It's a place where people are cared for, a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and a place of worship."

Jendi Reiter, "Church is the one place where I am accepted 'as is.' Church gives me an understanding of human frailty and reminds me that we all need God's forgiveness-even me. Growing up as a reformed Jew, I was always pressed to achieve and compete. Then when O began attending a Christian Church in college, I discovered church could be a place of amazing refuge, acceptance, and salvation."

Robin Lemke, "I know that people say they don't need church, but anytime we gather together, God promises to be with us. What could be more enticing than God's presence? Why wouldn't we go where God promises to be?"

Emily R. Geyer, "I don't go to church out of obligation, but because I desire to worship Jesus in a place that is set aside for him, a consecrated space. It's very different than a Bible Study in my living room or just praying in my car."

(Source: "The Relevant Church" Edited by Jennifer Ashley, with Mark Driscoll, Mike Bickle and Mike Howerton. From a sermon by Michael McCartney, Church 12 Pt 1, 6/20/2012)