September 17, 2023
Greetings and blessings to all of you. Why does the church exist? As you know a lot of people have found it a non-essential? They believe Zoom is good enough. But have you really probed the Scriptures to see what is said about the purpose of the Church? Here are some reasons. You may think of others. (A) is it to present the gospel to the lost? (B) is it to bring hope to the hurting? (C) is it to provide a place for worship and instruction? (D) is it to equip saints for the work of the ministry? (E) Is it to support family values? (F) to prepare children for life? (G) to provide for the needy? (H) to stimulate action on important issues? (I) to give people opportunities to serve? (J) to teach the Scriptures? (K) to be a model of righteousness? Even though you may have another personal reason to attend… there is a central reason for the church’s existence…and that is found in I Cor. 10:31 “whether then you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That’s it saints! TOO GLORIFY GOD. But in this day of inflated egos and Madison Park religion we are tempted to drown out God’s glory in the fanfare of our own pursuits. Some will say, “let’s get bigger by doing A ,B or C. How about a television ministry? We need a choir/instrument. Why do we want those things? Such things can be a part of a wonderful church ministry; but if God’s Glory is not the primary focus, they are shallow endeavors. God tells us in the church … “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 15:5-6) We must be driven… we must be passionate in doing the work for the Kingdom. Jesus said in 1 Pet. 2:11-12 “let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” The Westminster Shorter Catechism got it right. It asked, “what is the chief end of man?” Answer. “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” The light of God’s presence must illuminate our endeavors, or they are done in vain…the authority of God’s power must energize our efforts, or they are doomed to fail…. the significance of God’s preeminence must remain paramount to our thoughts or/in everything we do becomes a monument to man. Bottom line…GLORIFY GOD (Col. 3:17)
With the Love of Christ
First Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC