Alex on #YouAretheChurch

You may have learned the little adage, "Here's the church and here's the steeple; Open the door and see all the people" when you were in Sunday school. It's a cute reminder of where we go on Sundays and/or Wednesdays, but it's also a bit misleading.

The first "church" was formed by a group of Jesus's followers after Jesus rose up into heaven. These guys and gals met in each other's homes or outside. In fact, the early church did not have an actual church building until 300 years after Jesus was around. This group is considered the first church because they were the first to organize and begin preaching -- not the first to build a building!

For information about the first church, we turn to the book of Acts, right after the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and right before Romans. (... Okay, don't lose me here! I'll post the verses.) The early church provides us with a great example of how a church should act. Keep in mind that the church is not a building. It's a group of people who love God and have accepted His son as their Savior.

1. Believers should be connecting with other believers!

Acts says: "...all the believers met together in one place" and "They worshiped together at the Temple each day [and] met in homes for the Lord’s Supper..." (2:44, 26)
We connect at Varsity on Wednesday nights, but also during the week at D-Teams and at Varsity Unplugged meetings.

2. Believers should be meeting the needs of others in love!

"[T]he believers devoted themselves to ... sharing in meals" (2:42). They also "... sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need." (2:45)
We serve the homeless through Homeless on Tuesdays with Varsity. You can also volunteer to serve at Varsity by working the lights or sound or checking-in or greeting students.

3. Believers should devote themselves to learning!

"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching..." (2:42)
This is more than just hanging out at Varsity each week. This is grabbing a Bible and reading it for yourself. This is listening closely to Josh's message and relating it to your life.

4. Believers should be participating in people being saved!

"And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved." (2:27)
Okay, it's important to note that God is saving people. We are just participants! You can bring your friends to Varsity or attend a Baptism service (the next one is June 28th, along with our Independence Day celebration).

5. Believers should be celebrating God in worship!

"They worshiped together at the Temple each day ... while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people." (2:46) Worship is not just singing to God. Worship is acknowledging that there is something greater than you and me. Worship is giving God the glory he deserves. We do this through singing, raising our hands while we sing, even obeying God's direction. It's saying: "God is more important than me. God has a plan for my life. It's His plan, not mine."

Are you living like a believer? Remember, you are the church.

Verses above taken from Acts 2:42-47, New Living Translation

Alex / Message Writer