What is the Church : Part 3

As we wind down this Summer Series (Preaching & Blogs): we can identify 3 other ways the Church is described in Scripture: As a Flock, a Vineyard and the Pillar & Ground of the Truth.

The People of God are a Flock of Sheep, according to both the Old & New Testaments. This is not really meant as a compliment! It has to do with the fact that we are often Weak, Vulnerable and Easily Led Astray by False Prophets/Shepherds. This is why it is so crucial that we understand three key truths: 1) We must Stay Close To and Follow our Great and Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. He is the Only One we can trust to Defend & Protect us; Provide for us; Lead us Wisely; Refresh, Comfort and Bless us; and Ultimately Take us to our Eternal Home!

2) We must follow the True Earthly Shepherds (Pastors and Teachers) kindly given by God to us. They are entrusted by God to act as His Human Spokesmen as they draw His People after Him. These Leaders will give an account to the Lord for the way they shepherded His Flock!

3) We need the other Members of the Flock to love, encourage and strengthen us (as we do for them) as together we walk this long road to eternity! All these make up the Church as God's Flock: Following Jesus, Working Together, and Watching Out for One Another in Love!

When we think of the Church as a Vineyard, we remember that God is the Vinedresser and Jesus Himself is the Vine! We are the Fruit of that Vine as we stay attached to Him. Jesus plainly tells us: "Without Me, you can do nothing!" He will only be pleased with us if we bear much fruit for His Kingdom. This reminds us that God has expectations for us as His Vineyard: It is not only about our grapes tasting sweet, but that the fruit of our lives will refresh all those who enjoy that delicious wine! As a Vineyard, we recognize that this fruit takes time to develop. We must be patient as the Vinedresser works to Fertilize, Nurture and Prune His Vineyard (us!). But in the end, we will be a Fruitful Vineyard, one that brings honor and glory to the Vinedresser as His Church!

In addition, God calls His Church to be the Pillar and Ground of the Truth. We live in a world that is confused, full of lies and chaos! They don't know right from wrong because they don't know God or His Word. They make rules that they can't keep, and they break them without repentance or humility. Their self-sufficient pride keeps them from acknowledging sin or admitting mistakes! God calls us to a Higher Standard: His Laws and His Ways. He knows we can't possibly live up to His Standards without His Power and Grace. But how do we

come to understand what it takes to please Him? It is only through His Word, His Spirit and His Church that we begin to truly learn what it means to be a Follower of Jesus Christ. The Church is given the Crucial Task of Standing on the Rock of Christ. His Church, filled with His Love and His Word, guides and trains His People to be His Servants. God's Church is an Anchor that allows a ship-wrecked world to find a safe place for a harbor!

Truly, it is an honor to be God's Flock, His Vineyard and the Pillar & Ground of the Truth!