"Lord, May You Build Your Church"

Introduction

                What is the church?  Is it fine that if the church is healthy?  Is it fine if the church is reviving and growing?  Personally, I like the phrase "a true church" rather than "a healthy church" or "a happy church."  The reason is because I think the church is not the true church these days.  At the same time, I think the church should be the Lord-centered church.  The reason is because the people-centered churches show people's glory more than the Lord's glory.  And in the church where the people’s glory appears, all kinds of sinful things cover the Lord’s glory.  That’s why they church must become the Lord-centered church.  Our church must be a church that gives glory to the Lord, a church that obeys the Word of the Lord, a church that shows the glory and power of the Lord.

                Is it okay for only the church numbers are growing?  Why is the church sinning more to God as the number of member increases?  The church is now guilty of spiritual adultery like a prostitute.  The church is now guilty of idolatry, serving both God and money in covetousness.  The church is now dishonoring God's holy name.  Now the church is corrupt and is digging its own grave.  Now, the church members are hurt by contention and conflict within the church and people outside of the church are criticizing and mocking the church.  Now, we the church are hiding the glory of God.

                What should we do?  Shouldn’t weep tears of repentance?  Shouldn't we return to God in mourning and contrite hearts?  We must mourn and repent according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  And we must return to God.  We must return to the word of God.  And we must obey that word of God.  Since the Lord has promised to build up His church (Mt. 16:18), we must hold onto that promise word of the Lord and humbly participate in His work of building His church.  As we do so, we must forsake our will and follow the will of the Lord.  And we must forsake the world's ways and devote ourselves to building His church in His way.  In particular, we must hold on to the word of the Lord's promise and pray for His church (Acts 1:14).  And we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit (ch. 2) and serve the Lord's body, the church, as the Holy Spirit leads.  We must boldly proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (2:14ff., 4:31).  Then the Lord will add those who are saved to His body (2:47).