1 Corinthians 11:17-34 - The Healthy Church

My mom - with my grandson, Jack.

I’ve never been so spiritually connected as I am to our church here in Lynchburg.  It is not fancy.  The worship is humble, as is the preaching.  It is Bible preaching, verse by verse, God-honoring, Church.  We've only been attending a short time, but I already feel plugged in.  A good friend from our Bible study invited us to attend in November of last year. I started to serve on the greeting/ushering team in January.  Over the years I’ve led Bible study, Sunday school, youth ministry, been on the Deacon’s board, led mission trips, etc at our churches as we've moved from city to city (Calgary, Tampa, Victoria, back to Calgary, and now, Lynchburg).  Right now I’m not doing much at church - just ushering so far.  But I love it.  I’m so thankful for the heart of the messages and the hunger for Jesus.  May God move mightily here in Lynchburg - and everywhere.

With our modern churches, we often think we are really something.  We have cushy seats, and fancy and expensive sound, and light systems.  Sometimes even handsome characters sing pro-like solos.  We may have lots of programs and busyness to brag about, but I wonder what God thinks?  Shall we honestly evaluate ourselves?  I don’t think it’s that hard.  We know that God delights in the prayers of the upright and in those who pursue righteousness (Proverbs 15).  And we know He won’t have anything to do with the wicked and the greedy (Pr. 15:27).

Paul says in this passage that, “it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together” (v. 17).  Sadly, that sounds about right for many of our churches.  What an indictment.  We are quick to criticize others, but how should we measure ourselves.  Do our organizations do more harm than good?  God help us!

The church is healthy and effective when it is of one mind - the mind of Christ - and unified as Jesus prayed.  “But, of course, there must be divisions among you so that you who have God’s approval will be recognized!” (v.19).  That’s the reality.  God wants his approval to be evident.  If you see sick, weak, impotent churches there is a reason, a spiritual reason.  God will show where He is pleased.  God-fearing and honoring churches are objectively healthy, unified, effective, fruitful, and vibrant.  They are not characterized by too much power in too few hands.  They are characterized by godly, servant leadership.  They are not represented by secrecy and greed.

God knows our hearts.  Like the Corinthians, many of our congregations are interested in something other than Jesus Christ and proclaiming the Cross.  We are often puffed up, chubby little entitled adolescents who cling to tribe and yesteryear, quick to gaslight anyone that challenges them, and more than happy about the many ears, hungry to be tickled.  If that is your church - leave; no, run!  Find a healthy church where Christians are pursuing righteousness, where men seek to be spiritual leaders, and women seek to know God and make Him known in every conversation.  Find a church, like the parched seeking cold water, where the people are serious about our Saviour, Lord Jesus, himself.

So, yes, the reason we have so many denominations and divisions of Christians is that those who have God’s approval will be recognized.  And vice versa.  It is no mystery why some churches are sick and others have significant dysfunction.  And it's no secret why healthy churches are healthy.  

We must be really interested in Jesus.  He does what He wants and He sees everything (Psalm 135).  We must constantly remember Jesus’ body and blood, shed for us.  And His promise of return.  Jesus gave us a new covenant between God and his people - an agreement confirmed with Jesus’ blood.  We must not sin against the body and blood of the Lord Jesus by the way we eat the bread and drink the Cup of the New Covenant.  We must honor God in all we do, giving thanks, remembering His death, and announcing his imminent return.

Lord Jesus, I’m afraid we’ve butchered what you want us to do and how to do it.  Please help us to get it right today.  Help me to be encouraging to others.  Please bless your church today.  We know we can do better.  And we will, for your glory.  We seek you alone, and your approval.  Amen.

My dad - with my grandson, Arch.