Old Church Basement: Returning to Simple WorshipEsimerkki

BUILD YOUR CHURCH Upon this Rock You build Your Church And the gates of hell will not prevail When we bind and loose We proclaim Your truth And in Jesus’ Name we will not fail Stained glass windows. Tall, skinny steeples. Old dusty hymnals and long rows of pews. Whether you grew up in the church or not, you probably have some basic associations when you think about church. But what if the church is more than those things that immediately come to mind? What if instead of a location, the church is more about who and what is inside? God’s church is not just a building. It’s not just the traditions we hold or have created. Instead, the church is made up of the entire body of Christ - every person who believes in the Lord by faith. The church is everyone that has surrendered their life and hope to Jesus, and made the Word of God the foundation for their life. (Ephesians 2:19-20) God’s church is made up of those who've been called out of the world by the message of the gospel. God is always building His church. And if we let Him, He can even do it through us. If you life has been forever changed by the love and power of Christ, your message and call is clear, “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” - Mark 16:15 If God has saved you and given you hope and a future, why would you not spread that good news? At the end of the day, it all comes down to Jesus. He's the only foundation that is stable and secure. When we try to build our lives and our churches on anything else, we're building on unsteady ground. Thank you, Lord, that through faith, we've become heirs of your glory and your promise. Help us to place our focus solely on you. Return our hearts to our first love for you, and restore our heart of worship. Thank you for who you are, and Lord, build your church through me!