The Church By Rev. Patrick Malphrus W
an assumption. Namely, that “the Church” is far more than buildings dedicated as places of worship. Much to the contrary, it is the people of God that are the Church. Every Lord’s Day,
we confess in saying the Apostles’ Creed that we believe in the “Holy Christian Church.” Furthermore, we know that the promises of God are true, including Jesus’ own promise in Matthew 16:18 to build His Church. But again, when it comes right down to it, what does it mean to be the Church? God’s Word is not silent on this issue. In his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” What is revealed in this passage about what it means to be the Church, is both encouraging and convicting.
First, the people of God should be encouraged by Jesus’ words. After all, we are called the light of the world! God has given us the grand responsibility and privilege to be His ambassadors to a dark world, in desperate need of salvation. But second, Jesus’ words ought also to convict us. It is because we are light that we are given the responsibility to shine forth into darkness so that the world may see our faith as genuine, pointing to the glory of God. With these things in mind, and the grand call to point others to Christ, let us move forward together, always remembering that we are the Church, and that we have much work to do.
Rev. Patrick Malphrus is the pastor of Old Providence in Spottswood, VA.
“The nice thing about Erskine College being a small Christian school is that there are a lot resources for you to deepen your faith.”
for you to deepen your faith.”
-Olivia Browne -Olivia Browne
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environment, that family environment—people will support each other.”
other.” -Morgan Browne
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Devotion
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