Why did that church close its doors? | REV3 = Revitalize, Energize, Visualize

What does God do with a man-made church? Only God knows how many churches have split, closed, or even opened for selfish reasons. It is sad to watch churches of all sizes materialize or dissipate for reasons which are man-made. In these cases, God is never honored. Man will have to give an account for the stumbling blocks put in front of seekers struggling to understand the Father’s love and accept His Son as Savior and Lord. Churches may have a life expectancy set by men, but in God’s business plan, He will always honor those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30). Where two or three gather in Jesus’ name, He will always be in their midst (Matthew 18:20), they will prevail (Matthew 16:18), and He will grant growth (1 Corinthians 3). The Church will always be a part of human life on earth.

The atheist church was born in response to the need of man to belong to a community and try to fill the void left by a godless lifestyle. Rather than becoming a mockery in our minds, these Godless gathering places should encourage us all the more to see there is a need for Christ’s Bride to thrive. Let’s explore what Christ really intended His “Church” to be, because even those attempting to be godless see a need for it.

When our eldest child was learning to talk, one of his first questions was, “What’s that?” We would answer appropriately depending on where his index finger was pointing, “That’s a dog. That’s a wagon. That’s a flower.” We never preceded our nouns with an adjective like: “That’s a living dog. That’s an inorganic wagon. That’s an organic flower.” First of all, it would not have been age appropriate. Secondly, as his learning increases, it will become clear whether something is organic or not. Through the difference in care and variation in value we would place on animate and inanimate objects, he would learn about the living and non-living.

The Church, God’s bride, is created by God. Since the mystery of the hybrid of man and Spirit have so eluded some church attendees, their faithless lack of understanding of the Bride and its propagation has resulted in unloving and selfish behaviors. Some attendees only wish to give the Bride a botox treatment, injecting her with a more youthful appearance. There have been varieties of “non-denominational” churches, home churches, churches renting rather than owning their buildings, meeting in coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. In some cultures, the Church has outlived Her usefulness and is becoming a burden which needs to be euthanized. Another observation giving credence to Her life: She has reproduced worldwide quite prolifically, to God be the glory.

If the church proves to be organic, she will live on despite any malfunction. God will join His Church, His Bride, with Christ at the marriage supper in the Last Days (Revelation 19). The Bride will be provided new fine linen, bright and clean, to wear, and it will no longer matter what anyone has done to Her. Man may have been able to corrupt or bruise Her, but God can heal both the broken-hearted and the wounded no matter how messy they are. The Lamb will meet His bride who is wearing the righteous acts of the saints.

Reflections on Is the Church Organic?

Do you agree with the absolute statements with the following Scripture references: I Samuel 2:30, Matthew 18:20 & 16:18, and I Corinthians 3. Openly share your thoughts in the space provided expressing approval or disapproval and why you have that view.

Is your local church organic? Why or why not?

Consider the verses below:

Revelation 19:6-10 ~
6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

On a scale of 1-10, how important is it for us to read and try to understand prophecy?