Westside Church of Christ

The United States is drifting further and further from God. Taking a biblical stand about the hot topics of the day is sure to raise the temperature in most conversations. Refusing to sport a patch supporting the LGBTQ cause has drawn heavy criticism for one professional hockey player. Bible quotes are attacked as hate speech. The country is divided and angry about abortion. Tiny children are being indoctrinated with the transgender agenda. It is a wearisome and worrisome time.

The church has suffered heavy hits during this culture war. We believe in the word of God in addressing the issues that dominate the news, and that is a very unpopular stance. Nevertheless, it is one that we must take. The body of Christ is the light of the Lord in this dark world, and we must not let it grow dim through compromise with the declining standards that surround us. The salt of the earth is utterly worthless if it ceases to be salty. The church is not intended to blend in.

Jesus told Peter about the church before it existed. He would construct it, and it would belong to Him (Matthew 16:18). The blueprint came from the mind of God, and the purchase price was far beyond any mansion anywhere. Biltmore house cannot compare. The Savior descended from the heights of heaven to the depths of humanity to shed His blood for her. He endured rejection and flogging, but it was the giving of His life that paid for the church (Acts 20:28). Is she important to Him?

The hands of heaven add penitent sinners to that precious structure. We come to Him in submission, and He adds us. There is no other way in. We cannot join. A board of directors does not determine membership. The Day of Pentecost centuries ago provides an understanding of the way in. Those who follow that example are added to the body of believers (Acts 2:47). He promised to build her, and He does. It is His spiritual building for His purpose.

She is a house occupied by a holy priesthood offering sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5). We are a chosen, royal and holy possession of God who proclaim the excellencies of the One who drew us out of the darkness (1 Peter 2:9). Every saved soul is placed in this magnificent spiritual edifice by the master builder. The church is indeed something very special.

There is much that could be said about the church. She is described as the body of Christ and His bride. It is impossible to look at the church through the eyes of Scripture and not be impressed with the view (Ephesians 5:22-32). It may look like a rag-tag group of struggling and flawed people from within, but the view from heaven is very different. We are God’s presence in a world that desperately needs Him.

Call to Praise: 2 Peter 3:14-18

His word on it: 2 Peter 3:10

Sermon: “Looking Ahead, Living Today”