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Imagine the scene: Jesus has just ascended, and the early church is in awe of all they have experienced over the last 40 days.

As His followers gather to form the church in Jerusalem, the roll lists 120 names (Acts 1:15), but only 79 are present. Later that afternoon, one of the apostles sees Jimmy, whose name is on the roll as a follower and member, and lets him know he was missed at the assembly.

What if Acts 1:16-18 read, “Then Jimmy saith to Peter and Andrew, ‘I had a meetup with the Jerusalem Handball Club.’ Then Andrew saith, ‘I don’t understandeth. Why wouldst thou willingly forfeit our time as the church for that?’ Jimmy sayest to him, ‘It is important time with friends, learning valuable lessons while being in the community. Plus, I’m hoping to telleth them about Jesus. What’s the big deal? It is just church.’”

Can we even fathom such a moment taking place so soon after Jesus' departure and the promise of empowerment for the church?

“Just church? Just church?” I can almost hear Peter hypothetically yelling!

They had been taught what Jesus’ church would accomplish, and they had witnessed the price paid for its creation. “Inconceivable” is the word that comes to mind.

Could we be guilty of being "Jimmy"?

Let’s consider some diagnostic statements:

It’s "Just Church" Because We Have Not Matured in Understanding What It Means…

It is understandable when a new believer does not yet grasp how incredible the local church is. But as we grow, our understanding should deepen.

  • The church is the eternal entity created by Christ to be His embassy for the Gospel on earth.
  • It is the hub of a Christian’s sanctification.
  • It is a place of transcendent relationships that eclipse any other bond or group on earth.
  • No non-profit, private Bible study, sports team, work title, or family tradition is loved by Christ at a sacrificial level like His church.

Immature believers love the church because it’s new and exciting. Mature believers love the church because their love for Christ has deepened, and their self-denial for His body is consistent.

It’s "Just Church" Because We Aren’t Approaching It with a Biblical Mindset…

We may understand what the church means theologically and practically but fail to submit to that reality in our desires and efforts.

A biblical mindset:

  • Is proactive in praying for fellow members.
  • Prays for pastors and supports the deacons.
  • Seeks out others on Sundays to practice the "one anothers."
  • Looks for guests to welcome before and after service.
  • Invites others to join throughout the week.
  • Shares personal experiences via call, text, email, or in person with another member.

If church is seen as optional, a duty, a dread, or something to check off a list after attending once, we are missing its entire purpose. A mature Christian can yield to their flesh and approach church like an unsaved religious person, which the devil loves—as it fast-tracks them to division or departure.

It’s "Just Church" Because We Have Indulged the Temptation to Devalue It…

Every day, the devil bombards us with temptations, and our flesh longs for independence from accountability and restraint. The church, with its assembly times and ministries, requires us to say no to both.

  • When we interact with the church, we may become offended or perceive offense. If we do not tell our flesh "no," the value of the church will sinfully diminish.
  • As we interact with life, we encounter hobbies, opportunities, and groups vying for our time. If we do not tell our flesh "no," we will find ourselves accommodating these distractions, becoming consumers rather than disciples and caretakers of others in the flock.

Perhaps we should consider: What in our weekly schedule receives "non-negotiable" status or frequency? How does that compare to our commitment to assembling with the church?

If our local assembly is an imperfect picture of heaven on earth, what on earth would we allow to pull us away from it, leading us to an attitude of "It’s just church"?

Our risen King has granted us both spiritual freedom in His kingdom and religious freedom in our country—privileges to enjoy and steward well.

Serving together,
Pastor Paul