Saint Shane

saintshane

from Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. 33 friends

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Blog post '3/12/08'

3/12/08

  • Published: 215 days ago
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The Church
What is "The Church"?
That is the question of the month.

The "Church" I am referring to is the Church of Jesus Christ.  I realize there are many different types of churches out there.  I can't help but only discuss the Church of Jesus Christ today.  What is your definition of...

The Church
Church
etc.

Jesus said that the gates of Hell will not prevail against her.  Jesus also looked at St. Peter and said, "Upon this rock I will build my Church".  I can't deny the fact that after all these years the Church still exists.  Why?

I heard a pretty good definition of the Church from a dude named Neil Cole.  He wrote, "The presence of Jesus among His people called out as a spiritual family to pursue His mission on this planet."  So, what is "His Mission"?

I will say that the decision to follow Jesus Christ was one of the biggest decisions I ever made.  I do not regret it one bit.  I'm still trying to figure out what it all means, but I am enjoying the ride.  Anyone else?  What is the Church?  For me it's the people I share life with.  They (humans...not a building) help hold me accountable and give me grace, love, and peace.  Isn't that something?

Peace...in this world of war and famine.  Peace...in this world of hate and destruction.  Peace...in this world of rape and abandonment.  Jesus = Peace and the Church = Love and i can dig that! 

Any Thoughts?

-peace

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  1. Saint Shane
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    Wow!  Good stuff here...I'm thinking a bit more on this...

    I guess I want to be clear that when i refer to The Church I mean the people.  The true Church is made up of people who believe that Jesus Christ is God in flesh, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, is king, and will come back to Earth (as promised).  The Church is made up of people who share the same beliefs and want to come together as a faith community to love others and worship Jesus Christ. 

    So, if the Church is made up of people (like you and me) then we will fail and we will fall.  We will not be perfect, but it is Christ in us that makes us pure.  I do agree that "church" can be a place for people to hide, be comfortable, and feel good about themselves.  I agree that many people in leadership have molested the congregation (figuratively and literally).  I hate religion!  I hate what we have made it.  I do believe that our own Head (Jesus) is disappointed with where we have taken the Church.  With all that said...I will fight for her...because Christ died for her.

    As a matter of fact...He calls the Church His bride.  A friend of mine said, "Man, I hate the Church...the Church is a bloody whore!"  His words were heart felt and true.  I left and went on with my day.  The words troubled me.  Later, I went back to him and said, "Yes, you're right...the church is a whore, but that whore is the bride of Christ and I love her."  As I type that...I know I probably sounded cheesy, but it is how I felt and knew what needed to be said. 

    So, I continue to go to church because I am part of the Church.  My faith community is not perfect.  Sometimes they piss me off and other times they speak into my life.  I love the church (warts and all) because Christ first loved us.

    Now I say to you that you are Peter (rock), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of Hell will not conquer it.   -Matt. 16:18

    Any thoughts?
    -peace


  2. saltypeanut
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    I agree a little with both of you but tend to be a little more on ka-gi's side.  The "church' as it stands today is a mostly an institution used to hide in.  I'm cynical.  I want  to love and all that but why does it seem like walking into another world with most churhes.  Many are no more than social clicks used to hide shame, fear, and doubt and emerge again with a holier than thou attitude.
  3. ka-gi
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    hmm... Church... my definition today... cancer on Jesus' body... it has the knowledge of teachings but Church uses it against The Church - common people it feels the power and do not follow the words of the Founder and of course we can't be sure if these words are correct or not
    Church is an organisation where the priorities are money and power - not PEOPLE
    and of course it has always right and why oh why I have to fallow the rules made-up by a few...? they are nothing more than me or U why so many gives them right to decide what is good or bad? I really don't know...
     and of course there is The Church... people like me and U... so I have a hope that some day everyone begin to THINK and maybe then... The Peace will come