Relevant Life

The Church of the Lord is in many different forms around the world today. In my travels, I have to say that the churches I visited ,which worshipped in the simplest form, were the most authentic churches. I been to churches which met in a home, a place of business, in a open field, under a hut in the jungle, in a building, or sitting in a circle next to the sea shore.

There was a church in India I visited. The church met in a small home which was located in the middle of an open field. There was a small group of locals which entered the house. I was the main speaker. The pastor seated me in a chair while the congregation sat on the floor. The believers were so hungry for the word of God. They were eager for the presence of God and wanted more of Him. The house was full with God’s people and there were many more on the outside listening as well.  This simple Church was very precious and many were crying after hearing the word of God. I remember reading from Luke 5:17-24 about the healing which took place in Jesus’ house.

Luke 5:17-26 GW  One day when Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and experts in Moses’ Teachings were present. They had come from every village in Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. Jesus had the power of the Lord to heal.  (18)  Some men brought a paralyzed man on a stretcher. They tried to take him into the house and put him in front of Jesus.  (19)  But they could not find a way to get him into the house because of the crowd. So they went up on the roof. They made an opening in the tiles and let the man down on his stretcher among the people. (They lowered him in front of Jesus.)  (20)  When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Sir, your sins are forgiven.”  (21)  The scribes and the Pharisees thought, “Who is this man? He’s dishonoring God! Who besides God can forgive sins?”  (22)  Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he said to them, “What are you thinking?  (23)  Is it easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?  (24)  I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”  (25)  The man immediately stood up in front of them and picked up the stretcher he had been lying on. Praising God, he went home.  (26)  Everyone was amazed and praised God. They were filled with awe and said, “We’ve seen things today we can hardly believe!”

In the house of Jesus several things took place. There was healing, teaching of His word, and forgiveness of sins. When I taught on these truths; the small house church in India were all weeping before the Lord. The tangible presence of the Lord was strong and the Christians there were healed and forgiven. I remember praying for each one and seeing how they were touched by Holy Spirit. God operates through His people regardless of location or building preference. If we gather together with Jesus as the center then Holy Spirit will always show up and show out. Remember Jesus’ greatest healings and miracles where not in the Synagogues or Church buildings. They were performed in everyday places among everyday people. ( Wedding, On the side of a road, at a pool, and so forth)

God is not looking for anything fancy in our services. God is not concerned about fog machines, strobe lights, perfect sound systems, or artistically designed buildings. He is more concerned about the hearts which gather together with one simple purpose. We are called to come together not just on an agreed time on Sunday but each time we are in each other’s presence. Simply doing church together means coming together for every part of our lives. Church is meant to be organic and we are meant to live in the trenches, valleys, and mountain tops with each other.  I can’t help but keep referring to Acts chapter 4.

Act 4:32-35 GW  The whole group of believers lived in harmony. No one called any of his possessions his own. Instead, they shared everything.  (33)  With great power the apostles continued to testify that the Lord Jesus had come back to life. God’s abundant good will was with all of them.  (34)  None of them needed anything. From time to time, people sold land or houses and brought the money  (35)  to the apostles. Then the money was distributed to anyone who needed it.

Simple Church Together ( SCT) means we are being the church together and in our everyday lives. We have everything in common. We help each other out. Money goes towards helping other believers instead of maintaining a building. The emphasis is on the people not a place or location. As we approach the year of 2020, may we move more into God’s will and finish this glorious race in style.