For a few weeks now we've been laying the groundwork for the building of Branches Church. We've compared it to drawing up blueprints, staking out the building site, digging to bedrock, laying foundation, and building up the walls and structure on that.
We can see how the body of Christ has been compared to a building. Jesus said that He would build the church, and Peter said that we, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house.
Even though we cannot see bedrock from the ground we walk on everyday, we know if we dig deep enough into the earth we'll find it. Let's compare this to searching for God...from wherever we are on this earth...spiritually speaking...dig around, look, and dig some more, and we'll find Him. He promised us that. Jesus said that anyone who searches for him will find Him; and anyone who hears Him knock and opens the door will have communion with Him.
We also know that it is unwise to not build a foundation on that bedrock. The bedrock and foundation is Christs' relationship with us...Matthew 16 "Who do you say that I am?" "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." "And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church"... I know you and you know me...and the teachings of the apostles and prophets. God's Word. 2 Timothy 2:19 says, "But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are His'."
The "lively stones" that build the walls are you and I. Alive because of Christ, and placed in the building as He sees fit. Everyone has a place.
So, as we are drawing up the blueprints for Branches Church, we have set four corners that will set the parameters for our building. They are...
1. A Safe Place to Dialogue, Doubt, and Learn
2. Authenticity; Real People Living Real Lives in a Real World
3. Accepting: Just Come As You Are
4. Growing; Becoming More and More What Christ Intends for Us to Be
If we keep everything we do within these parameters, we will find a healthy, life-giving church community made up of people and not one that is built for people.
Mike
I remember praying that forward prayer years ago, "I will seek You," and He has been found, over and over and over again. In every flower, tear, sunset, labor, love, person, breath of wind...every where I turn He is waiting to reveal Himself. I am so thankful for that. I know that He is there waiting as we dig around in the dirt, ready to call those dormat seeds to life.
ReplyDeleteI think those blueprints not only represent a great foundation for Branches but bear the structural image of any good realtionship as well...love, saftey, transparent trust, and growth.