I realize Summer is not over, however, my break is.  I have missed writing and sharing my thoughts and knowledge of the Lord and scripture.  The next bible study from Precept Ministries begins in September and Hallelujah, praise God for that.  My brain is ready, my heart is ready and I’m restless for the organized study of that which calls me.  I pray the prayer of Jabez.  Enlarge my coast!

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!  And God granted him that which he requested. – 1 Chronicles 4:10 KJV  (I do love some of the KJV wordings for poetry and emphasis)

     I think the prayer of Jabez is appropriate for what we now call “church”.  Some churches have opened.  Others remain closed without sightings of their pastors, priests or ministers.  Those who enlarged their coasts now have services on-line.  What a remarkable capability this is proving to be!  Imagine 20 years ago with this pandemic.  It would not be so easy to view your church leader giving his/her homily to a needful congregation.  You would have to tap into televised evangelists or others on regular television, or cable.  Not quite the same, right?  So what is church, especially to Americans?  Great question with a multitude of answers.  According to the bible, church is the gathering of those individuals who are subject to Christ.  Ephesians uses a simile, comparing the Christian relationship of  husbands and wives with the love Christ has for His church.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, – Ephesians 5:25  NASB

for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, – Ephesians 5:29  NASB

For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. – Ephesians 5:23

     I believe the “church” on earth is all about Christ and our Father in heaven.  I believe it trains us in God’s righteousness by delivering sermons from the bible.  It encourages us to study the bible and believes the bible to be true.  Church is good.  It is good for us because we are still together, exalting each other by our very presence and fellowship.  We share the body and blood, (whether on-line or not) a demonstration of the love Christ has for us.  That God has for us.  We worship Him Who gave us our very breath and bought for us, with the precious blood of Jesus, the right, through faith, to inherit eternal life.  How can I ever, truly, thank Him for all of that?  I cannot.  But I can persevere in this dark and broken world, full of faith and love, with constant praise and worship of our most magnificent Lord and God!  Amen.  Love to you all!

All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man (and woman) of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17  (“and woman” is my add in because it truly means us too.)