That was a fantastic sign
ShadowCat. Thank you for posting that one. It is very true.
I agree with the short but excellent reply of
JPPT1974 and
Walkmeonthewater.
In a society where we often see a church on every other street corner, it becomes easy to forget the reason our churches are even there.
In the city that i live, there are so many churches that it is practically difficult or even impossible to visit or be a part of all of them on a regular basis.
What do you think or feel whenever you pass a church? Reverence? Indifference? Antagonism?
The first thing i feel whenever i pass across a Church is "
Reverence". Sometimes "
Indifference" because of having been a Christian and seen different Churches right from my childhood.
What is the first think you recognize? The architecture? Denomination? Nothing?
The first thing i recognize or wonder at is the "Architecture" of the Church building. The next thing i would be curious to know is the Name of the Church and to which Denomination it belongs to. I would also be curious to know how their regular Sunday Worship Services are conducted. I would also be observing the Interiors of the Church.
What does church really mean to you?
To me the Church has always been a place of Religious or Spiritual Gathering where i could be a small part of
and grow in my Faith. It maybe a Fine Architectural Building. It maybe a simple Hall. It maybe class-rooms in a School/College. It maybe a Seminar or Conference Hall in Hotel. It maybe a rented premises or Sheds or Huts. To me it is still a Church where few or more people gather for worship and spiritual edification.
What is it even there for?
In my personal opinion, the Church was, is and would continue to be an important place in the world according to the verse below -
Ephesians 3:21 - Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Believers and/or Church-Goers are benefitted by the Prayers, Worship, Preaching, Fellowship and the Social Interaction for mutual benefit, edification, support and cooperation. A place where one can bring their friends/relatives who do not belong to the same Faith and who would be interested in knowing more about the Christian Faith.
We are urged not to forsake the assembling of ourselves for long periods of time according to the verses below -
Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:
The following verses below give us an idea about how the Early Christian Churches were conducted -
Acts 2:42-47 - And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 4:31 - And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 9:31 - Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
Acts 11:26 - And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Acts 15:25 - It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Although we may belong to one or more
Local Church(s), we also belong to the Universal Church of Christ which comprises of the Believers-In-Christ all over the world.
In this
Universal Church of Christ or the
Body of Christ, God has placed Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Miracle-workers, Healers, Helpers, Administrators etc. according to the verse below for the Spiritual Development of the
Believers-In-Christ or the
Body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:27,28 - Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
No Local Church is Perfect. Every Local Church has its own strengths and weaknesses. Every believer-in-Christ need to make his own decision with regard to which Church he would belong to or associate with.
But, realistically, it isn't so much the church that is to blame, but Christians in general. Especially where I live, Christianity is often seen as hypocritical and shallow...and I believe that there are many Christians to blame for this (perhaps even myself). The church I attend goes to great lengths to get the word out about what series are going on, when services are, and how you can get involved. There's a lot of advertising because we want people who maybe have no avenue or invitation to explore Jesus to feel welcome and to let the community know what's going on. I wish our love would do all the talking. 
