Going to Church is not the same as Being the Church.

Going to Church 

Jared felt overwhelmed. He now faced the threat of being fired from his new job. He just bought a house, and number three is on the way. Jared is so ashamed. He and his wife step out of their car and make their way into the church. He puts a smile on his face and takes a deep breath as he steps inside. Jared loves the church. It is where he can connect himself with the Lord, and where it helps him to get his priorities straight. Jared needs church in his life! He has had many counseling sessions with his pastor, for which he is very grateful. With each session with the pastor, Jared feels confident about conducting his affairs. He finds resolution in his life. He wants to be the husband and father God calls him to be. Today, he feels especially like a fraud. He wonders how he will once again face his pastor. He has landed himself in another jackpot of a mess. Misty holds Jared’s hand tightly as they and the children stream into the church. She once again faces the threat of losing it all. She has vowed in her heart. If Jared continues to play with their hard-earned money, she will have no other choice. She will have to leave him. She prays and prays that this will not be the case, and is so glad the Lord hears her prayers. She feels alone in her daily battles. She wishes she had someone to confide in. She can’t help but fixate on how resentful she feels now. Jared has had five jobs in the last two years. Thankfully, the jobs he secures are well-paying, thanks to his degrees and high pay grade. He provides for her and loves to work, and for this, she has no complaints. It is Jared’s gambling that angers her so. He treats money like a game of Monopoly. He invests or calls it investing in the stocks that always lose. His second home is the casino, and his pastime is the daily lottery. In each job, Jared has had in these last two years, he took advance pay regularly. He did this so they may stay afloat. Lately, he often takes lunch at the casino near his work. He returns late more often than not. On several occasions, Jared failed to return altogether. He was about to win big in his defense and could not escape lady luck! And he would come home sure enough with a fistful of cash that would take him months to earn. But just as quickly it came quicker did it go. Today, they are recovering from a gambling spree. It has seriously interfered with his work. It has also strained his relationship with Misty too many times.

Misty holds her head high. She betrays her heart to nod and smile warmly to all who welcome them in. She and Jared have attended this church for five years. They have grown fond of all the precious people and families there. She recalls how she has never had any of them over to her house. However, she does meet with them regularly once per week. Sometimes, they also meet at special meetings. She muses how they don’t really know her and certainly, they do not know Jared, the real Jared. She wonders how this can be. Are they not all supposed to be brothers and sisters in the Lord? Are they not commanded to love each other? How can they if they don’t know her, nor she know them? She wonders if they are the only family that put on a happy church face as she looks around. They find seating in the pew and sit down with heavy hearts.  

All eyes are facing forward. They look to Pastor Clementine, who has taken his place behind the podium. He is assembling his papers. He is in the prime of his life. He is no longer considered green. He is not yet ready to be put out to pasture. He has gained much experience. He has acquired a great deal of knowledge. This makes him a worthy servant and shepherd of the flock. He would never be able to lead without his wife. She stands by him and supports him in his ministry. He suffers a great deal from frustration because he sees many in his congregation stumbling in their sin. It almost seems like when he preaches to them about such things, it only gets worse! He dedicates a lot of time to tailoring his sermons specifically for his flock. He often feels exasperated as it appears to fall on deaf ears!

He wonders why this is so and how he can improve his communication and tactics to get through to them. He has read many books on this matter that other pastors have recommended and has applied the methods that they have claimed were successful for them, to no avail.  He vows he will not give up and give the devil victory over his people! Today, Pastor Clementine will preach to them on the need to ‘rejoice in the Lord always!’

To some, the message is received well as they take notes carefully.  While for others, the message did not seem to find a place to land. After a long and drawn-out sermon, in Jared’s opinion, he and Misty collect their things. They gather the children, cutting playtime with the others short. They are in no mood to chit-chat today, so they attempt to slip out without any fanfare. However, Pastor Clementine has made sure to find Jared to encourage him before he leaves. “Jared!” He calls from across the room, making his way over. He extends his hand onto Jared’s shoulder. He looks intently into his eyes. ‘How is the Lord speaking to you, this week Jared?’ Jared blurts out to him, ‘I can do all things in Christ. I will rejoice in the day the Lord has made!’ His response sounded rehearsed. It was so obvious to Misty. However, it was music to Pastor Clementine’s ears. Jared and Misty leave with heavier hearts than when they first came. Pastor Clementine feels successful in his discipleship with Jared and turns from them, praising the Lord.

Gloria sits in silence. The words of the pastor sting her. They stir in her a storm that induces guilt. She feels guilty because she has not rejoiced. She lacks the ability to rejoice, which adds shame. On top of that, she begins to question if her faith is even true. For her reality is, that it is all she can do to stay above from sinking in despair. For what awaits her at home is far from what inspires her to rejoice. Her husband will be angry because she is not there to prepare his lunch. He will help himself to a few beers to bide the time until Gloria returns home. He hates Sundays. He has to wait until she gets home before his day of rest can begin. He is certain to make sure she knows how much he is not happy about church day. She knows when she arrives home, he will be under the influence – again, to which she must contend. She thinks of this as her pastor exhorts her to rejoice always! When the message is over, she silently is thankful. She gathers her things moves out to the fellowship hall and pours herself a cup of coffee. Out of nowhere, she hears Pastor Clementine, ‘Hello Gloria, how has the Word impacted you today?’ the pastor asks. She smiles and says, ‘Thank you, pastor, it has reminded me how I need to rejoice more!’ She concludes in her heart. She has not lied to him. Instead, she speaks what she knows he wants to hear. She wishes she could tell him what the truth is but how do you do that in two minutes? His face shows he is happy with her response. He pats her on the shoulder and says, “The Lord bless you, sister!” Looking past Gloria, he sees Samantha. She deeply concerns him. She keeps rambling about experiencing the Holy Spirit teaching her from the Word of God. It was just last week she had told him she was asking the Lord for the gift of prophecy! That is the last thing he needs around here among his congregation a rogue holy roller! He heads over to find out what is going on this week. He needs to address any fire she has started with such nonsense. Meanwhile, Gloria has left her coffee and leaves without anyone noticing.   

Pastor Clementine prides himself on keeping in touch with his flock and making sure they are abiding in the vine. He is most pleased with how many of his flock he can connect with each Sunday. He is also glad they enjoy fellowship together.  

The inspiration for today’s message had much to do with a conversation that his wife had with Gloria last week. She had wanted to reach out to Gloria. It seemed good to make time last Sunday to do just that. As they sat down together, she asked Gloria two things. She asked how Gloria was doing. She also inquired how her farm stand was making out this season. In the words of his wife, Gloria seemed to speak mostly about what was wrong in her life. And his wife was offended by how negative she was. Upon discussing this wayward member, they felt such ones like this will impact others negatively. They both recall Gloria as never smiling and was like she had a dark cloud above her. Perhaps this attitude she has is why her husband does not see the light they conclude. Then there was the last counsel session he had with Jared. Jared opened up his heart. He told him how his wife only complains about what he is not doing in their marriage. He saw how this tore Jared up. Jared began to tell the pastor how he just bought her the house of her dreams. It was the very one she wanted. They can afford private school for the kids because he faithfully goes to work every day. This allows them to enjoy these things. However, he comes home every day to her complaining about how he falls short.  

Pastor Clementine felt the leading of the Lord to preach this message. He did this not only for these two women to change their poor attitudes, but also for the whole congregation. He looks forward to how the Lord will work among them.

Being the Church

They assemble in the home of James and Sheila Clementine. They say their quick hellos and quiet down. Most everyone has arrived. It is a marvelous sight really, to see how many can comfortably sit together in a living room! James stands in the middle of the room. He welcomes everyone. His cheeks are rosy. His eyes are bright with the joy of the Lord. He gazes affectionately at each member present.   

“Hello, dear brothers and sisters! Welcome to our home! May the Lord have His way here as we submit to Him everything! Let nothing hinder His presence as we seek His headship among us! Let us bow our heads in silence. We commit ourselves to the Lord. May He have His perfect will accomplished this evening!”  

Each bows their head and goes in a moment of unhurried time of prayer and submission to the Lord. James Clementine gently begins speaking in the silence ushering in the meeting at hand.   

“The Lord be glorified among us! Have Your way with us! Amen”  

“Brothers and Sisters, it has been almost six months since we made the switch. We began practicing our faith in Christ as individual members of Christ’s Body. We are learning how to function according to the Lord’s desire for His Church. I’ll be the first to admit how it has changed my own life and walk with the Lord personally! We are all walking alongside each other. The Holy Spirit is teaching us and leading us. This is for certain! I realize the role of pastor I assumed denied the proper functioning of His Body, which is the Church. It is He who will build His Church as His Spirit guides us. For we are living stones, built upon the Rock of our Salvation and chief cornerstone. We are His Church without walls – amen?” In unison, all respond with a very enthusiastic “Amen!”   

With everyone’s attention, James continues. He asks the question, “Does anyone have something that the Lord has placed in their heart for His people?”  

There was a pause as they waited upon the Lord, and then it was Samantha who began with a song. The words softly lifted into the air of worship to the Lord of Lords. With simplicity, her words were few. Yet, they were full of adoration and awe. She expressed admiration to His Holiness and lifted His name. Samantha had never done this kind of thing before. However, she submitted to the Lord and His Word these last few months. During this time, He laid melodies and songs of worship upon her. She sang them (alone) back to Him. Today, He gave her release. She could now begin singing them to His Body. This way, they may also partake in the sweetness of worship in song to Him. She was a bit apprehensive. Everyone gathered. Her nervousness disappeared as she stepped out in faith. She did as the Lord had instructed her. Everyone was deeply moved, with some shedding tears. Others responded by dropping to their knees, feeling as if they were before the Lord’s throne. There was a sweet fragrance of Christ in the air. Peter reached for his guitar and started plucking the strings. It was the tune that had been rolling around his head all last week. Lo and behold, it fit perfectly with this beautiful medley.    

Samantha motioned with her hand for others to join in. As a result, the rest began to sing the string of simple words to the Lord. This act of worship began to take shape and build in dimension. Layers were added by those who felt led. They contributed soft praise or hummed a complimentary tune, adding depth and fullness. This was more than a song, but one that was authored by the Spirit of God Himself. He was lifted not just in word but in truth as they joined in unity in worship. It was like in the day that the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. It seemed like something had broken and come down that was over them. This brought release.   

A nervous sister acted. This act led to a work of wonder among the Body of Christ. They worshiped the Lord in Spirit and truth. The praises became His throne in which He sat among them, and His glory was revealed! After this momentous new thing had come to a close, the assembly was settled. Jared stood up and paused for a long moment. He was a little unsure of how he would begin. He takes a deep breath and asks the Lord to help him.  

“Brothers and sisters, I am blessed to be here with you. Right now, I feel compelled to confess to the Lord and before you sin in my life. I have not been the man that God calls me to be and in fact, have been a fraud. Right now, I confess that I have been walking in my desires and lusts. One of which is gambling. I will probably lose my job by it and possibly my marriage.”  Misty cannot believe her ears, her heart melts with compassion for her husband in his humility. “I have sinned against God, my family, and you, and today I repent!”  He clasps his hands together. He is asking for prayer. He hopes to rectify his wrongs. He wants to begin rebuilding the mess he has made of his life. They all encircle Jared. Each begins to pray over him. It is like he is bathed in the Word of the Lord, being washed and cleaned. Misty experiences a weight she did not realize was upon her – lifted off.   

There are a few minutes of hoots and hollers. The group praises and gives thanks for the repentant man before them. Then, the group quiets down. Everyone takes their seats.  

Gloria stands up. She waits for their attention. She begins to share how the Lord has released her from the burden she did not realize she was carrying. This happened during the song they had sung to the Lord. She shared that as they sang, she offered the Lord forgiveness for her husband. When she did this, it felt like she was freed from a prison she didn’t know she was in! She testified how much lighter she feels. She has compassion for her husband now. Love that was not there before has blossomed. She says that the Lord has given her this – and gives Him glory. The group went wild with jubilation. They began offering the Lord shouts of praise and worship. They sang in unison and harmony.

Arnold waits and stands up.  “I feel like the Lord wants us to lift Gloria’s husband, Cliff in prayer.” They agree, bow, and begin to intercede for him. Through words of knowledge, Arnold asks the Lord to free him from the bondage of alcoholism. Gloria is amazed, for she never disclosed to anyone her husband’s issues. Her prayers are answered! She only last week asked the Lord to reveal Himself in her life and marriage! On the heels of the prayer Samantha begins singing – another song the Lord taught her. It fit like a glove in that moment for it was a word of prophesy. Gloria is overwhelmed because the Lord has touched her. She is encouraged that all is well in her life. She knows He is there!  

Stan moves to the center of the room, “Brothers and sisters, how amazing the Lord is. The depths and riches are far from us ever comprehending this side of heaven! For last week He has wrought in me a word that is exactly for today!“ He opened the scriptures and began expounding the Word that the Lord had given him the previous week. Stan enjoyed going deep into the study of the scriptures. Up until a few months ago, he kept his studies to himself and would share them here and there. It did not take long for him to realize that many of his studies aligned perfectly with the meeting. So, he began to share the Word as the Spirit led him. He had never stood up before in front of people to speak. In fact, he had never dreamed of doing such a thing! Yet, when he took that first step to share, he couldn’t believe his ears! Who was speaking, he asked himself. And was astonished to realize it was him! He realized that God had given him the gift to teach. When he felt the Holy Spirit move him to teach, the others hung on his every word. It seemed alive!  

When Stan finished, James Clementine stood up.   

“People of the Lord, my brothers and sisters, I am so thankful. The Lord has opened up to us His will for His Church! For many years, I took the place and center of attention at our meetings. This only prevented others from functioning in the gifts the Lord has given us by His Spirit. I am sorry. I only look forward to seeing the Lord move among us. We will step out in faith in this new (to us) and vital biblical way. He desires His Body to walk this way. For He is alive! He is alive in all of us! May we make room for Him to take His place!”   

Already it was 10 pm. Three hours had passed, which seemed like only minutes. The winding-up for the night began.   

“Open house – over at the Smiths on Hill Avenue, Wednesday from 10 am till 6 or so! We’ll have a pot of stew. We will provide freshly baked bread. Cinnamon buns will also be available for anyone who wishes to come out for a visit!”   Anita and Don Smith have had a few open houses already. They thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship it provided the Lord’s people. Although only one, two, or three came at a time, the Lord was no less present in power. His ministry to the saints remained strong!   

James makes his way to Jared, not wanting to miss him before he leaves. “Jared! It was very courageous of you to share with us. Would you like to meet for a coffee this week to talk more?” Jared quickly answered, “I would love that! Thank you, James!”    

James and Sheila say their goodbyes to everyone. They turn to each other after shutting the front door. Simultaneously, they say, “God is so good!” They laughed and began putting their living room back together, singing the new song they had just learned.