Essential Church: The Program of God

Many people are leaving their church as they reach young adulthood. Statistics say that more than half of those who leave are not leaving because they are rebelling against God, although they are and don’t know it. They are not leaving because their mad at someone. They simply can’t find a reason to stay. They feel disconnected, unneeded, and perhaps they sense more connection with another group in their life such as: co-workers, college buddies, sports team, etc. Some of them don’t intend on staying away forever, they just want a little break, but the reality is that weeks turn into months, turn into years, and the little break because an extended vacation. I remember a girl who used to attend our youth group. At the time she was the godliest girl in the group. She decided that she just wanted a little time away from any responsibility home, school, church, it didn’t matter. She just wanted a break. Sadly, several years later she is still on her break. I don’t believe she left because she hated God or because she wanted to be rebel against everything she knew was right, but I do believe that church became unessential to her for some reason. I understand that if young people were more doctrinally grounded in God’s word they would have a greater commitment to the local church, but that is part of the problem. They are not grounded in the teachings of scripture and therefore they get tossed to and fro while they try to find meaning in young adulthood.

Teenagers and young adults, my desire for writing this is two-fold. First, as a pastor I want to know God’s reasons for wanting us to be a part of a local church. I believe the Bible contains the answer for this. Secondly, I would like for you to develop the Biblical conviction that church is essential to your life.

In life we will outgrow many things, clothes, shoes, 2^nd grade desk, nap time, sippy cups, diapers, training wheels, happy meals, but we will never get so big that we outgrow church. Let’s consider why this is true.

Church is essential because:

#1 Christ is building the church

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

While Jesus Christ was ministering on earth, he began to build the Church. The word “rock” is not a reference to Peter. It is a illustration of Jesus Christ. All throughout the Old Testament this word “rock” or “petra” is used in reference to God, never to describe a man. Even in the New Testament, the word “rock” is used to describe Jesus Christ. Christ said in this verse that he will build his church and the devil or any other evil work will not stop it. I think of a few questions when I read this. Where is the building of this church taking place? And, Will the building ever stop? Well, the building started in Jerusalem. Remember Acts 2. The believers are gathered in that upper room on Pentecost and they are empowered by the Holy Spirit and some three thousand people are added to the church. They were not only added to the sum total of all believers in the world, but they were added to that local group of believers that Christ start to build while he was on earth Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. They heard the truth of the gospel and then they connected themselves with Christ’s work. In the remaining part of Acts 2, we see how these believers gathered together around the teaching of the apostles (Old Testament), how they encouraged one another, and evangelized their area. In just a short while, God would allow persecution of this church to aid spreading them to God was at work building churches all over the world. It all started in Jerusalem, but soon is would spread all over and turn the world upside down. Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Today the building continues in many parts of the world. This is not a man’s doing. It is Jesus Christ still working, doing what he promised. This work cannot be stopped. It is empowered from Heaven and nothing can withstand it advance.

The following is a passage that shows one of the Jews first attempts and stopping Christ’s work of building the Church. Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, gave a great prophetic statement without even knowing it. He basically confirmed what Christ promised in Matthew 16:18. Read and be amazed at how his statements have come to past.

Acts 5:34-42 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

I believe “Church” is essential because it is where a current building project of Jesus Christ. He died for me. He sacrificed so much so that I could be restored to God, my sins could be forgiven, and that I could have a home in heaven. I want to demonstrate my love and devotion to him by being a part of the work that he started and is still doing. Some people go to church. I like to think of it as going to build a church. Working as a partner is a big deal. I want to be where the action is. I want to be right in the thick of everything God is doing in this world. If that is your attitude too, then Church is Essential, because local churches is where God is and where he is working.

Tomorrow, I will work to answer the second question I posed: “Will the building ever stop?”