"When I asked him if he went to church he said no but his church was outdoors. Sure, you feel close to the Lord in nature but he doesn't know what he is missing."
I have had varied answers to the question "Do you go to church?" People have stuttered, laughed and changed the subject when asked. Some have gone into confession mode while others have justified their absence.
This response last year was an interesting one. He didn't go to church but he said his church was the outdoors. He wasn't opposed to God but He wasn't for Him either. What is sad is that God is not opposed to us enjoying creation. What God is opposed to is us worshipping creation.
Think about it. This man loved the outdoors, spent his time and money to be outdoors and had his occupation outdoors. Whatever has that much time, talent and resource is taking the place of God.
People are searching for God in the wrong places in the wrong ways. Jesus showed up in the book of Revelation in the midst of the candle stands. He was tending to the flame of the church. When two or more are gathered in His name there He is in their midst. God goes to church!
You can say the golf course is your church or the mall but I'm not buying it. God says that the church is the pillar and ground of truth. We are built in to the house of God. It is the place where we hear His voice, grow in wisdom and the knowledge of God and fellowship with other believers. It is the place where destiny and purpose flow from. If you are looking for God you can find Him in church.
Have you had any other responses to the question "Do you go to church?" How can we turn these types of conversations into opportunities?
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