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Quit Going TO Church
Brian Mashburn
September 2, 2018
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Quit Going TO Church
Just one generation ago, "going to church" was one of the defining characteristics of the typical Christian. In fact, asking someone, "Do you go to church?" was the same as asking someone if they were Christian. Not so today.
On the one hand, for example, when one of our students tells me that they are dating someone, I'll ask if they follow Christ. If they reply, "They go to church", I always say, "That is not what I asked". You know why: A person can go to church and not be following Christ. Perhaps, in fact, that is you.
On the other hand, surely you know at least one sincere, God-loving person who takes their followership of Christ seriously, but does not take going to church with equal seriousness. Me too. Tons. Perhaps, in fact, that is you.
So, let me say something that I want you to do, that I heard another preacher say during my sabbatical, that might surprise you coming from your preacher. I want you to QUIT GOING TO CHURCH.
In its place, I want - with all my heart - for you to START BEING THE CHURCH instead.
See, JUST going to church - like you would go to a game, or a movie, or a store - well, that JUST fills your schedule, JUST increases your busyness and guilt, and JUST impacts your stress level. But following Jesus?
It won't just take you to church, it will also fill your life to the full, increase your love for God and people, and impact the world for good. You will plant yourself in the community of Jesus people, not just go to church.
We don't go to church - we are the church, and we are going somewhere. And while it includes us, and includes here, it is beyond us, and beyond here.