Let The Church Be The Church!

Following are some excerpts from a message that I plan on preaching this Wednesday, May 21.

Book of Philemon Background: Philemon, an active Christian in the church at Colossae, had been won to faith in Christ through the efforts of Paul. Philemon’s house served as the meeting place for the local church. Onesimus, one of Philemon’s slaves, had previously wronged, perhaps robbed, his master and run away. He made his way to Rome where Paul was imprisoned. He came in contact with Paul who led him to faith in Christ. An occasion arose which allowed Onesimus to return to Collosae. Onesimus carried this letter written by Paul to Philemon and the church. The purpose of the letter was to seek forgiveness for the slave Onesimus and at the same time to insure that Onesimus would be received as a Christian brother by the whole church.

Early in the book of Philemon (vv.1-7) we see some of the outstanding qualities of the people that formed the church that met in Philemon’s home. Though not a large church, this church stands out as a wonderful example of what the church of Jesus Christ is all about. It is still true that when the church is the church, it will be a light, a refuge, and an instrument of healing in our broken world.

What should the Christian church look like that you are a member of?
1. The Church Is to Be a Place of Fellowship and Reconciliation
There was an intimacy to the church that met in Philemon’s home. Regardless of who you were, there was a sense of unity and fellowship in Jesus Christ. Masters and slaves, Jews and Greeks, men and women, all changed by the grace of God – they worshiped and served together. For the church to continue impacting our broken and hurting world, the church must be a welcoming congregation of believers full of grace and God’s Spirit. Likewise, every member must give of themselves in service to God so that His kingdom purpose of reconciliation can be accomplished.

Paul was confident that his appeal for reconciliation on behalf of Onesimus would not go unheeded. The entire letter of Philemon highlights the reconciling power of God in Christ. God can change individuals but he can also change the hearts of the people who have been wronged. Jesus Christ makes reconciliation a reality. Are there brothers and sisters in Christ in your community who need the reconciling grace of a fellow member of the body of Christ? By your gracious words and actions, you could be a powerful instrument of God’s reconciliation.

2. The Church Is to Reflect God’s Love
Philemon was known for his faith and love. His generosity and faith refreshed the saints! Would that it be said of us that spiritually we are like a cool refreshing glass of water to thirsty and weary people around us. Does our Christianity bring refreshment to those around us? Loving others through giving of ourselves and sharing our blessings with others is the default mode of the follower of Jesus. The only way that people will ever know that we are followers of Jesus is by our words and actions.

Do you see how powerful the church can be in our world, in your community? All that people really need and are looking for is what the church can offer. People are looking for a sense of belonging – we call that Christian fellowship. People are seeking reconciliation with God and in their relationships – we call that a personal relationship with Christ. People are seeking peace and strength in difficult and unstable times – we call that the refreshing encouragement that God gives us through His Holy Spirit that is experienced as we pray for one another and encourage one another.

What people need (and what you can help provide) is for the church to just be the church! Let’s be the church! Let’s not forsake our gathering together as God’s people. Let’s support the ministry and activities of the church that we belong to. Let’s encourage one another with our presence and with our actions. Let’s be reconcilers and saints who refresh one another. Let’s be the church! Then let’s watch what our mighty and gracious God does in His world for His glory!

Pastor Joe