Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.
I once saw a cartoon in which a TV was sitting up on the church’s pulpit while the congregation was happily watching a video sermon. Unfortunately, many people would be happy with such an arrangement, especially if they could avoid interaction with a pastor and other people. As one person said, “Church wouldn’t be so bad if wasn’t for people.” Such an arrangement would be far from the New Testament model of church, however. I remember my pastor telling me, as a young would-be preacher, that the church is like a hospital for the sick and not a club for the saints.
One problem many people have, when it comes to the church, is that they do not understand exactly what it is. Church is not a building or place, although we very frequently refer to the church this way. Not so in the New Testament. Church is always referred to as people in the Bible. The Greek word “ecclesia” means called-out ones. The church is God’s people, who are born again, baptized believers in Christ.
Since the church is people, it would be unreasonable to think that it is perfect. It will never be. I like the saying, “Christians are not sinless, but they do sin less.” Here is another, “Christians are not perfect; just forgiven.” Here is one more, “If you think there are too many hypocrites at church, don’t worry, one more won’t make that much difference.”
Of course, this is not to excuse sin or make light of it. Christians are still sinners, but they have been saved for good works and are to grow in their walk with Christ so as to sin less and less. Going to church services and Bible studies will help a believer do that.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 04-10-09
edrynn@verizon.net
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