Devote #37

We all know that sometime or another we’re going to go through some things we wished we didn’t have to. Things like the loss of a loved one… being released from a job… the breakdown of a relationship… financial setback. Most often we don’t see these things coming, so when they do, they totally knock us off kelter.

But while in Papua New Guinea, the Holy Spirit really drew my attention to who I am in Him and what He offers to me. And if the things He revealed to me are true and real for me, then they’re also true and real for you.

Here’s what you and I need to know and believe. We are the Church! The Church is not some building you go to, to dedicate 58 minutes to on a Sundaymorning. The Church is not even the fellowship group or ministry group you belong to. The Church is Christ in you the hope of glory. It’s the power of the resurrection living and breathing in you. Jesus said He would build His Church and the gates of hell would never overpower it.

Knowing that, then there’s something else you should know. The Church is the most powerful organism in the universe. The Church is more powerful than any government. The Church is more powerful than any nation. The Church is more powerful than big business. The Church is more powerful than money. The Church is not an institution, an organization or a denomination. The Church is a living, breathing organism that contains the power of the resurrected Lord.

And you, my friend, are the Church! What you say… the Church says. What you do… the Church does. Where you go… the Church goes, because you are the Church. No wonder God never wanted man to build Him a temple. He knew that when man built Him a temple, we would try to contain Him to the limit of our square footage. But God was never limited to our building and never will be. Why? Because we are the Church – living and moving.

I was reminded of that again this morning as I read these words from the Bible…
“Don’t you know that God’s people will judge the world?” 1 Corinthians 6:2 CEV

You don’t get that position because you have the creativity and ingenuity it takes to possess that. You, as a follower of Jesus Christ, will judge the world because of the One living in you. You are the Church! I really hope you get that today!

Here’s my word of encouragement for you today: God spoke the world into existence, it was so and it was good. God has spoken into you and me and whether we realize it or not, it is so and it is good! We are the Church and the gates of hell will never overpower us!

Father,

Through the power of Your Spirit living in me, remind me today that I am the Church Jesus was talking about, and the gates of hell will never overpower me. Jesus in Your name I pray, Amen.

Rev. Dr. MM Marxhausen