The Core Values of God Part Two
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009The Core Values of God Part 2
In the previous blog I began to uncover what I believe are some of the core values of God, and our mandate to embrace these values as our core values as His children. I have attempted to take us on a journey that enlightens and challenges us in the foundational elements of our spiritual existence and growth. Let me invite you to join me as we go even further along this path of revelation and exhortation.
The Value of the Church:
“…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18 (NIV)
The church carries such value with God that Jesus said, “… I will build My church…” The church is defined as a group of people called out to govern the affairs of the state. Jesus knew that the Father’s plan involved a nation of people called out from the kingdom of this world, and Christ who is the head would build this church to carry the authority of His Kingdom throughout the earth. Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of {His} government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” If Christ is the head, and we are His body then we are the shoulders that His government rest upon to be carried throughout the earth.
The early believer had understanding of this revelation because it was something the early apostles understood through the teachings of Christ that had come to life in them through the Holy Spirit. As the apostles taught this truth the early church responded with unhindered zeal. The result was astounding as the early believers were so committed to each other and the welfare of one another that hell itself could not resist the momentum of growth that the church was experiencing. Look at the account in Acts where we discover this reality being played out in the lives of the early church. “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
The church carries such value to the Lord that He paid the ultimate price for her. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” If Christ holds the church with such value then one must ask themselves what value does the church truly hold in my life? We live in a day where many believers see the church as having little to no value in their spiritual life. It is a common statement that “I don’t need church to have a relationship with God.” However this may be one of the most ignorant statements one can make as a true believer due to the fact that “we” are the church. We have been called out as a people to exercise the authority of the government of His Kingdom. This can only be accomplished as we are connected to one another as members of His body.
So then it only stands to reason that the next question we should ask ourselves is how do we live as a people connected to one another? If you are a true believer, and the Spirit of Christ is in you then there must be a genuine desire to see His body grow and become the church that stands against Hell with absolute power and authority. So as one who desires this, what responsibility do I have in this endeavor?
• Do not neglect gathering with other believers
“let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
It is in our coming together that we encourage each other and contribute to the overall development of authentic growth in faith and good works. If we are not present how then can we receive or contribute to this essential process of the strength of the church?
• You esteem other believers above yourself
“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4
To esteem our brethren means to honor them and hold them in high regards. This is impossible to do if we do not even like being around them or we perceive our fellowship with other believers as unnecessary. How can you show encouragement, or fellowship? How can you show any affection or compassion? How can you be of the same mind, demonstrating love and be united in spirit and purpose with one another if we don’t share our existence with one another? If we are going to honor one another then we must first desire one another. Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.”
• You build up one another
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
We build and encourage each other up by sharing testimonies with one another, teaching one another, using our gifts to serve one another, bearing one another’s burdens and forgiving one another. Allow the following scriptures to establish this in your heart.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” Colossians 3:13
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10
In the following parts to this series I will venture to further develop the proper applications of genuine church life as we discover some remaining values that God holds as core values. As we reflect back on this particular article we need to evaluate where we are as believers in our sincere devotion to the church. Do we really value the church as we should? If our answer is yes, is it reflected in the daily life we live towards other believers? If not then take this time to pray and ask God for His forgiveness, and begin to adjust your heart and attitude to value the church as a body that needs you connected.