We've Lost The "The"

I have spent a lot of time thinking about how "church" has changed. When I read about the church in the New Testament it is always described in a "personal" way. It's apparent that God, through the writers, views US as the church and not a location. Over and over again, it's referred to as "THE church". Take a look for yourself.

Today, for most, the church is now a location or a name. We say things like:

"I go TO ____ church."

"We missed you AT church."

"Invite your friends TO church."

"Where do you ATTEND church?"

"I can't wait to get TO church!"

But, throughout the New Testament we read things such as:

Acts 2:41 - Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

Acts 5:11 - Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.

Acts 11:22 - When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

Romans 14:19 - So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Romans 16:5 - Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.

1 Corinthians 1:10 - I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

1 Corinthians 5:4 - ...in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus.


I could give you at least 148 examples of this from the New Testament.

I believe this is a critical point because when "church" is a location there is no real power in it. But when we recognize that WE are the Church - all the time - wherever we gather. We begin to recognize that we are the Body of Christ everywhere, all the time.

/D

Time Flies!

Wow! Has time really flown by this year. I had been a little concerned about this tax season with all of the economic issues going on. But, so far, it seems the old saying about death and taxes still holds true - and people still want my help getting them done. So, I'm very thankful for that!!

In fact, it seems this year has been busier than last year. This also means I've been incredibly slack on updating this blog - SORRY!

It looks like it may still be a little while before I have a chance to sit down and put up a real post - but the good Lord willin' - I'll be back!

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2009! I believe this year is going to be a great one.

I've typically not been big on New Year's Resolutions (because they are rarely followed through on), but I am a fan of taking a look at our lives from time-to-time and adjust the things we've lost focus on. You know, the truly important things.

I also believe that accountability (sharing the things you want to change with friends and family and asking them to encourage you to succeed) is the key to long-term successful life change. So, here are the things I'm working on for 2009:

> Being there for my family.

This has been a focus for a long time for me, but I could still do better.

Specifically, I'm looking forward to having "Daddy-Daughter Dates" with my girls at least once a month. I know it will be way too soon and they'll be off living their own lives.

I also need to spend more time with Jeri. While we see each other a lot - at work and at home - we still need more time just hanging out together - away from working and parenting.

I'll share more of the things I want to improve over the next few days / weeks.

What about you? Where do you want to improve your relationships?

/D