The Church

In my first Sunday service at our second church plant for Vineyard Christian Fellowship in 2000 I taught about the Church. I said then that the Church is fine. It has never been broken, divided or messed up in any way.

Jesus doesn't make mistakes.

Jesus doesn't make failures.

Jesus made His Church.

However, looking at any church on any given Sunday... how many in these meetings are actually part of His Church?

Me, from my experience, I think it is really, really low.

John 13;34-35

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

It's a group thing.

A together thing.

The only thing that messes it up is selfishness and arrogance.

Goats.

Goats have to be on top. The highest platform. They will push anyone and anything else off of it. It is a game to them. It is fun.

How do you know if someone is a disciple?

They are kind to everyone.

They are kind to those they disagree with.

They are kind to those who look different.

They are kind to those who struggle.

They are kind to those who just can't seem to find their place.

They are Kind.

Goats are not... unless it suits them.

It is true. The Church is fine. It is destined for great things. Jesus promised it to be so. Judgement is coming. But not for His Church.

It will come for the churches.

Don't worry.

It will be a good thing!

If you are His, you have nothing to worry about.

How can you tell?

Simple, how do you feel about that odd guy in the seat behind you on Sunday?