Sunday Morning

We are teaching our children that the "church" is not a building, not a sectarian or religious group, not a denomination, but rather the church is a people. It consists of every blood washed believer. A building is not the church, but rather the church goes to a building, at least occasionally. We never "go to church", but the church gathers frequently! The "House of God" is not some sacred mortar and brick structure, but the scriptures teach that we, the body of Christ, are the house of God. We are His temple and He dwells and lives in us! This morning, as we have done at other times in the past few months, a small part of God's church gathered in a park for an open air meeting. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed being in a beautiful environment at the John Bryan State Park. Today, we were the church of God at John Bryan State Park!  :o)

We sang songs of edification, shared in a time of personal expression and united prayer, and Sis Joanne Coons led a discussion about the end result of all things. She pointed out that this time-world, and all of its elements, will some day melt with fervent heat. Therefore, we ought to not get too attached to anything in this world. We need to remind ourselves and encourage each other to keep our focus on what God would have us to do while we still have time and strength to do so. As we read the daily obituaries in the newspapers, we are reminded that our short lives are as vapor and what we do for the Lord, we must do quickly. There was open discussion and different ones added to the lesson.

After the meeting, we all went for a mile walk through the woods and enjoyed the beautiful scenes of nature. It was gorgeous! Our Great Creator has certainly made some wonderful places for us to enjoy! After the walk, Bro Joe Coons went to hold a meeting at the Oakwood assisted living center. He and his family gather for meeting there once a month and share the Gospel with many of the residents, helpers and resident family members. They have a real gift and burden for this type of service ministry.

We realize that some have labeled us as "radicals" because we are attempting to take the Gospel out to the world, where it is most needed. Actually, by comparison to today's institutionalized churches, we are radicals! Many churches seem to think that sharing the Gospel is like playing hide-and-go-seek. They hide themselves and the message of the Gospel deep within their comfortable "Churches" and they expect sinners to come and find them! "Find me if you can!" seems to be the presiding thought today among "Church-ianity". Thank God those days are behind us now. And as the song says...

This world has got me branded as "too radical", they say,

They think I've got no freedom now since I won't go their way.

But I've got news for them my friend that I would like to give,

Don't want no one to pity me, I've just begun to live!