Text Box: One of the sad realities of our time is the prevalence of people pursuing Christianity and spirituality apart from the church. Tim Stafford reports that 23 million Americans say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, but their faith doesn’t include the church. With so many people “following Jesus” but rejecting the church, Stafford calls this mega-trend “one that almost defines religion in America.” 1 This is a heartbreaking commentary on Christ’s church in America, made more tragic because it makes a certain amount of sense. After all, we live in a culture that values freedom. Freedom defined as limitless choice. And limitless choice always demands that you keep your options open and thus remain uncommitted. This view of freedom, however, rather than liberating you will only lead to further bondage— the bondage of selfishness and self–absorption that produces loneliness and isolation. Again, I call this a “sad” reality not just because I spend a great deal of my life thinking about the church and serving it. It is heartbreaking because Jesus Christ really loves the church (Ephesians 5:25). He has given himself totally and completely to the church and He is calling us into total commitment to it as well. And right now, right here at 656 West Creek Road in Cogan Station, PA, God is calling us to commit ourselves to the Lycoming Centre Presbyterian Church of the future. He is calling us to glorify him in worship, education, and outreach through this church for our benefit as well as future generations. And so as we build, and as we invest in the next generation of Lycoming Centre, there is a question we must be prepared to answer with confidence. The question goes something like this, “Jesus? Sure. But why the church?” A brief examination of Scripture offers seven reasons: One, because God is wholeheartedly committed to his church, so should we. (Ephesians 5:25). Two, because the church was not made with human hands; it was created by Christ (Matthew 16:18). Three, because the church is where we receive the signs and seals of his grace, the sacraments. (I Corinthians 11:17-34) Four, because all Christians are in need of pastoral care and accountability. (Hebrews 13:17) Five, because the larger Church is connected to and gets down to earth and practical in the smaller church. (Ephesians 2:21-22) Six, because organs of the body, off by themselves die; but within a body, those organs thrive. (Ephesians 4:16) Seven, because the Holy Spirit actually indwells local churches. (I Corinthians 3:16,17) It occurs to me that these truths could apply not only to a very large church but also to a very small church and every kind of church in between. These biblical truths include us here at Lycoming Centre Presbyterian Church. These truths reveal the great privilege and grandeur of being this church. (Continued on the next page) 1 Christianity Today, (January 2005): 42. Text Box: Why is the Local Church Important?

LYCOMING CENTRE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Volume 2009  Issue 4

May 2009