Daily devotion – The City on a hill…!
Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
“I heard of a man who said to the preacher, “I want to sing in your choir.” The preacher replied, “But you don’t belong here. Where do you have your membership?” He said, “I don’t belong to any local church. I belong to the invisible church.” The pastor said, “Then I suggest that you join the invisible choir.” – Vance Havner
In the modern context, there seems to be a growing trend of devaluing the importance of belonging to a local church. Some individuals claim to be part of the “invisible” church, dismissing the significance of visible, gathered communities of believers. This subtle shift in focus can lead to a weakened commitment to the local church and a misunderstanding of its purpose and significance.
So when you mix theological ‘invisibleness’ with individualism and then add consumerism, and you have the formula for Church hopping nomads.
Here consumerism can take on a moral force of its own: It’s your responsibility to be a ‘good shopper’ and pay as little as possible for what you get.
Another reason for the de-Churching of many Christians is the historic individualism of evangelical Christianity and the grass-roots western society, as well as Australias, impulse against authority. The natural inclination is to think you need only an individual relationship with Christ and no other authority.
Yet, Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:18 affirm the enduring and unshakable nature of the church. He declared His intention to build His church, and the gates of Hades (or hell) would not prevail against it. This promise reminds us that the church, as God’s chosen instrument, will stand firm despite challenges and opposition.
The “invisible” church concept, while highlighting the importance of genuine faith and heart transformation, should not lead us to disregard the visible expression of the church. Jesus Himself referred to believers as the light of the world and a city on a hill, implying a collective and visible impact on the surrounding community. The local church, as a gathered body of believers, serves as a tangible representation of Christ’s love and teachings to the world.
Furthermore, the call to draw near to God with full assurance of faith and to hold fast to our confession of hope applies not only to individual believers but also to the collective body of Christ. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of assembling together to exhort one another and stir up love and good works.
Recognize the significance of the local church as an essential expression of the body of Christ on earth. Be actively engaged in a local community of believers, valuing the opportunity to grow together in faith and love.
Prioritize Church Commitment – Cultivate loyalty and commitment to your local church, seeking to be an active participant in its worship, service, and fellowship. Avoid the temptation of church-hopping or adopting a consumerist approach to church involvement.
Seek to exhort and encourage fellow believers within your church community. Be intentional in building relationships that foster love, support, and spiritual growth.
Trust in the promise of Jesus that the church, built on the foundation of His truth and love, will withstand the attacks of darkness. Stand firm in your faith and commitment to the unshakable church.
Remember, the church is God’s appointed instrument to carry out His purposes on earth. Let us cherish and value the visible church as a place of worship, discipleship, and community, standing united in Christ’s unyielding promise of victory over the forces of darkness.
Ephesians 2:19-22 (NKJV): “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV): “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Heavenly Father, thank You for establishing Your unshakable church on the foundation of Your truth and love. Help me to value and prioritize my commitment to the local church, engaging wholeheartedly in worship, service, and fellowship with fellow believers. Let me be a source of encouragement and support to others, building up the body of Christ in love and unity. May Your church shine as a light in the darkness, reflecting Your glory to the world. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.