How Do You View The Church?
You might be shocked when it comes to how some view the church. Some people's conceptions are "off-base" to put it lightly.
Some see the church as a fire escape. There is no particular joy in the church. They seem to be just afraid of going to hell. There is no such thing as fire escape churchanity!
Some see the church as a spare tire - they don't want to get caught without it. The church has become a crutch - nothing less and nothing more.
Some see the church as a Sunday shirt - they wear it only on Sunday or on special occasions. I suppose this view of the church implies seasonal Christianity.
Some view the church as a social institution - it's a place to go and socialize. There is not spiritual benefit; it is strictly the social factor that draws them to attend some of the time.
Still others view the church as an entertainment institution. The only good they get of church is eating together and having fun. What a poor, materialistic concept.
Others see the church as a vineyard - working diligently to prepare for judgment to come. They increase in their labors (1 Corinthians 15:58) through the years because they have the correct conception of the church.
How do you view the church? Is the church (to you) the blood purchased body (Acts 20:28)? To you, is the church the saved (Acts 2:41-47)? Is the church (to you) the kingdom (Matthew 16:16-18)?
Be sure and have the scriptural view of the church. Any other view of the church is not pleasing to God.
From Our Archives, 1984
By: Bubba Phillips