328 – Are You Looking For A New Home?

#faithbites #faithjourney Home

For the past 17 years, we have not really had backyard neighbors. There was a shed directly behind our house, then the neighbor’s house was off to the side. In the past week, they started constructing what looks like a very large (and I mean very large) garage or shed or something. It is blocking our view of the fields and the road. Not a big thing, but I started to think about what it would look like to move to have a good view.

Of course, my mind went to what I would like in a new house. From the number of rooms to location, schools, church, fun things to do, gathering space, high-speed internet, and much more. When you are looking for a home, there are must haves and then nice to haves. While I’m not moving anytime soon, I started to think about church and worship.

My question to you, is are you looking for a new church home?

Scripture

• I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. – 1 Corinthians 1:10
•  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.- Hebrews 10:24-25
• My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. – John 14:2-3
• As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. – Galatians 1:9

Reflection

God, in both the new and old testaments, tell us to meet together to spur one another towards love and good deeds. It also tells us that there should be one church of Christ and no divisions. We know that there are many denominations of Christianity, many that have split over one thing or another over the years. The biggest thing to think about, as it says in Galatians, is if they are preaching the Gospel of Christ. If they are not, then that is not a church that follows Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, I am no scholar and I can’t judge. I just try to do the best I can.

When I first started at my church, someone told me that God’s house has many rooms. You just need to find the room you are most comfortable in. In life, there are people we gel with and people we don’t. Church is like that. Some may have people more like you and some may not. But as long as they are teaching the Gospel of Christ, they are good churches.

All that being said, I want to invite you to find a church home. Don’t spend forever not worshipping as you are trying to find “the right one”. Go worship, explore, and pray. God will show you the answer.

I also want to invite anyone in central Illinois to join my family and me at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington. No pressure. You can be our guests.

Charge

Do you have a church home or a house? A house is where you live, a home is where you are safe and thrive. If you have a church home, invite someone to your home. If you don’t, reach out. There are many who would invite you into God’s home.

Lord, help me to always have a home in your church. Be with me and everyone who needs you to find a place of like-minded people who share your word and spur each other towards love and good deeds.