I recently read an article which began, “In most congregations, there resides ‘the church within the church.’ There is an ‘outer’ church and the ‘inner’ church.” Without a doubt the Bible NEVER makes such designations. In fact, the Bible is plain that there is just one church (Ephesians 4:4; 1:22, 23).
From observation, however, it does seem that there are those who seem to want to be in the church . . . just not too far or deeply involved in the church. These individuals will never wear the labels “atheist,” “agnostic,” “humanist,” or “modernist,” because they are not of such persuasions. They will wear the name Christian and have “church membership” in a local congregation. They proudly tell others of their church affiliation. They might even live very moral lives, be good neighbors, and if a friend, a good friend.
However, from the practical standpoint of service to God, they are useless. This group, you see, wants to be visited, yet will not visit; complain of others unfriendliness, but will not be friendly themselves; have 20-20 vision when it comes to the faults of others, but will not repent of their own sin. They will worship on Sunday morning, yet will not again darken the door; desire the preacher to prick their funny bone, but fuss and gripe if he pricks their heart; and to expect these folks to cooperate and participate in organized activities of the church such as visitation, teaching a Bible class or encouraging the erring is sheer lunacy.
Friends, dive in; immerse yourselves. Don’t think that you can stay on the fringe of Christianity and be acceptable to Jesus. Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me . . . But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness . . . If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Let this statement of Paul characterize your attitude and life: “. . . be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord . . .”
Jesus did not promise to save an “outer” church, but the body, the church. Are you an active member of the Lord’s church?
– Steve Housley
Steve Housley is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
