Just another Sunday

Not long ago, I watched a video on Youtube that was about a special “sunday service” for professed atheists. It was called Sunday Assembly. The oddity of such a gathering came when I realized that almost every aspect of the service was a direct “look-alike” to the average Sunday morning worship programs held in churches across America. There was singing. In fact one of the songs was about “keeping your head up” (Of course, my thoughts are why you would need your head to be “up”, if there is no hope written on the stars). There was a special speaker who used various anecdotes which rehashed the atheistic “creed” that you only live once and then death, so you are to make the most out of life (Again, quandaries abound when one realizes that the path of “making the most out of life” is always relative to people's perception of what gives life meaning.)

Also, during the service, there was a time of giving in which certain individuals would pass out a donation box. Of course, I am not at all sure why this is necessary or should be encouraged, unless it is simply for keeping up rent and electricity. The sacred principle of giving is lost in a worldview that pays homage to the teaching of “survival of the fittest.” After the meeting, several key leaders of the event ended up eating lunch at a special restaurant. This they did routinely on Sundays as well, which again mimics the same routine of church goers. As I confoundedly watched this almost unheard of gathering within the circle of atheism, I began to think of how the same tune has been played for years in American churches, just with different lyrics. I then wondered, If such “worship” can be emulated by a group that doesn't even believe in any kind of Moral Law giver, what makes “church” so special? This was a thought that could not go away and I do not believe it is easily appeased with a quick answer.

I dare not ask an average church goer about what problems surround church, because I am sure to get the same answer that I have heard a thousand times over, “Well, this world is just getting worse and worse. That is why things look bleak for us and why the pews are not filled.” Ah yes, the problem with the church is the world. If the world would just start acting more like the church, than the church would be able to function properly. Just in case you didn't know, in every possible way, my last two statements were sarcastic. The status of the world has not changed. It has always been corrupt; dwelling in bondage and fear. This world-system has never been in some good/bad limbo state and then somehow made its way into lawlessness. No. It has always been “captive” to the will of satan (2 Timothy 2:26). It is true that Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:13, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived,” and he also wrote, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come (2 Timothy 3:1).”

But, many Christians fail to realize that the apostles believed the “last days” were already upon them and their generation. When speaking of the coming of Christ, Peter said that, “(He) was manifest in these last times for you (1 Peter 1:20b),” and again in 1 Peter 4:7, he states, “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” John would reveal the same thoughts by writing, “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (1 John 2:18).” The coming of Christ and His death and resurrection is revealed as the “fulness of time” (Galatians 4:4); however, any event after the ascension of Christ marks the “Last times” or “Perilous times.” The excuse that there is just too much wickedness in the world thus causing the church to be immobilized is a pathetic one.

So, in light of this, I go back to my previous quandary. If church can be just as easily imitated by godless individuals, what makes what we as a body of believers do uniquely divine and meaningful for eternity? Obviously what is meant when I refer to church has more to do with her programs and present personality. The true nature and function of the church, found in Acts, is missing in the mainline denominational kingdoms we see today, because she is not rooted in programs, but in the person of Jesus Christ. After all, He is the Head of the church. Anybody can copy an order of service. They can easily mimic the tones of “worshipful” singing and even accentuate a sort of “sacred” atmosphere, but this never truly constitutes as church life. It is certain that there can be a glimmer of such life in services, but it is a faint ray that tends to be promoted by many as a blazing sun. How often do you meet a soul that has been in “church” for years and years, and yet somehow still manages to act in spiritual infancy? For me, it has been far too often. I have found that most of the time it is because such a stagnant individual has placed his foundation of growth on an order of service rather than on the daily leading of the Spirit. They still have not realized that they are called to be the church, not just simply go to church. Again, the experiences of true church life can be found outside the walls of such a gathering and many times to a much greater degree.

Church life is found in the one who is uplifting their heart in personal worship unto the Lord without any need to be in a crowded arena filled with people paying lip service. A song that no one else may hear, but God alone. Ultimately, true church life is the essence of Christ flowing through a yielded soul to mend someone's wounds, magnifying hope through love. In America, it may be rare but believe me, this kind of spiritual fervor is happening all over the world. Beyond our computer screens, our shopping malls, and our meager “church services”, God's kingdom is shining and thriving. Church life can be found in the poorest villages and in what some would call the darkest regions of the world. May we all pray that the American church will experience such a magnificent move of life and love once more. This will make all the difference from what is a mere service and what is a Holy Awakening.

Psalms 36:5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. 6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. 7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. 8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. 9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.