Purpose of the church

When reading about the life of Jesus, we sometimes find his actions a little shocking, as did the Jews. Not portraying the carnal picture they thought him to be, Jesus broke their traditions, challenged their thinking, and no pun intended, brought their house down around their ears. Because men don't like their proud, carnal customs to be exposed, Jesus was rejected and the Jews wrath was carried out upon him at the cross.

Jesus was only displaying the true character of God. When Jesus drove the moneychangers out of the temple, it wasn't a display of carnal unbridled anger; for Jesus never sinned. See John 2:13-17. As the scriptures explain it was Jesus' great zeal for the House of God. Men were using the temple for their own gain and not it's original purpose. "My house shall be called the house of prayer..."

Oh that men would use the church for its intended purpose! The church should be a place where a lost soul can step in and feel the presence of Almighty God; a sinner can find repentance and deliverance from sin. A place where a hungry soul can experience Pentecost and not be confronted with manmade customs and traditions hindering a move of God. A house of prayer and a house of worship is God's intended purpose for the church. Psalm 47:1 says, "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph".

Could you clap, sing and shout unto God where you are? Or would the customs and traditions tell you to be quiet? Can Jesus still walk the aisles blessing and heal the sick in your services? Are you content with that or would you rather see God able to fulfil His intended purpose in the church?

B.H.