Transformation Opportunity - 7/21/2009

Today's Mental Image:

On-line Church = On-line Sex

WHEN IS A CHURCH NOT A CHURCH ?

There may not be a definitive answer to that question. Probably because God doesn't discuss where is the fine line between being a living church, a lukewarm church, a dying church, a dead church, or no church at all.

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Instead of what is not a church -

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GOD SPENDS HIS TIME ADDRESSING

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHURCH !!

The following (not my writing) summarizes very well what God says happens in the Body of Christ i.e., a church that is part of the Body of Christ.

"The biggest problem with online church is also the biggest problem with offline church. That problem is that the primary focus is on the worship service. This may shock some of you, but…

Church is not a worship service.

Somehow many people have come to equate church with the Sunday worship service. But the truth is the Sunday service is only a small part of a church.

Church is a community of believers.

Scripture tells us that among other things a church, aka community of believers…

• Develops genuine friendships
• Shares their money and possession with each other
• Eats together
• Shares communion together
• Prays together
• Serves one another
• Serves those outside the church

If your only involvement in your church is showing up for a worship service once a week, I don't care if it's online or offline, you are not being the church as God intended it." [http://blog.ourchurch.com/2009/07/08/online-church-online-sex/]

Throughout my years of ministry, the above has consistently been one of my messages from God. I seem to have either not communicated this message well or seldom found an attentive ear willing to pray and take corrective action. But this message is a shout from God to the American Church.

Will we listen or will we be cut off from the vine and joined to the Great Prostitute of Revelation (and to her fate)?

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