The Value of a Vibrant Church

<p>Introduction</p><p>“I can worship God anywhere”. “Church is full of hypocrites.” Church is not a castle for elitist people, it is more like a hospital full of every kind of human sickness where folks seek to be healed.  It is not intended to be a cruise ship with every kind of luxury, it is supposed to be a lifeboat rescuing those drowning in human misery. The church was never intended to be a club for select elites, but for those who are desperate for hope, forgiveness, and acceptance. We need to be loved, not in a lustful sensuous way, but in an uplifting, pure and encouraging way.  For that to happen, we need each other to build each other up in love.  This does not happen on our own, but in community where we face our own character faults as well as learning to manage with those of others, all the while yearning to grow in our faith into the likeness of Jesus from one level of glory to the next.</p><p>Read Text</p><p>Paul does not become the person he is going to be on his own.  When he met Jesus, it was not only his concept of god that changed! But everything.  He switched sides, which means those he was representing, his friends were about to desert him! How would the other Messiah followers accept him?  Would others be willing to accept him for real, or would they suspect them? Look at who is involved in his growth as a new Christian:</p><p>The virtues that the church shares! Forgiveness, Reconciliation, trust, and love.</p><p>Friends who become enemies! Enemies of truth, God, and his church!</p><p>The focus of the church is greater than “what does it bring me”. It is about us all and God’s love for all who are different than I am. The focus on God keeps us sensitive to Him and HIS WAYS!</p><p>My friend Wilkin in Holland wrote a book recently: God is Love, Period.  Here is an excerpt:</p><p>"Sometimes I get asked if I'm not afraid we'll develop a hug theology if we emphasize so strongly that God is love. 'God is first and foremost holy, right? "I always answer this question with another question: "Did G