S.Robinson

I miss church, not a particular building or pastor, but a lost church lifestyle.

I remember many believers, (not just the pastor) visiting the sick, carrying in food, anointing them with oil, and praying the prayer of faith with them. I miss congregations around us shutting down services at their church to participate in revivals for the community. We did the same. It wasn’t a competition. I long for the days when social media wasn’t the bulletin board for prayer, but believers called each other for good and not gossip, then went to the homes of the sick and ministered to them. I remember the ladies doing dishes or laundry, while men mowed the grass or did other outside chores. I remember tables loaded with home-cooked foods so those in the house could work on getting well or grieving without those daily burdens. There was a real body working together to be Jesus to the world. We didn’t ask them about their sin. We didn’t check their stamped for heaven card. We loved them! That love won many to the Lord!

I miss the altars. I miss seeing people line the altars praying for those lost, sick, or needing deliverance. I miss seeing people run in the church door and fall on the altar because prayer worked and people cried all over the house. I miss their testimonies – of how God drew them to that church that night and everything has changed! I remember church folks going to the homes of the housebound and having church with them. I remember the churches weren’t so beautiful then. We didn’t spend so much time inside them back then. Back then we raised money for those in need – today we raise money to beautify the building – to have internet – to have thicker carpets – and as many social gatherings as possible to keep people interested! I miss the church that prayed for all our children the same. I remember them on their knees crying out the names of everyone’s lost child. I miss prayer meetings that were actually prayer meetings! There was little to no chatting but the altar and front pews were lined with people praying! Now, you don’t even have to speak the word prayer, social media has created a button for that! You don’t have to visit someone either, you can send food to them through businesses created for that. I miss the hugs and the whispers ” Its going to be ok”

I miss the Body of Jesus living, moving, and touching in the world around them. I miss the real! The muscles of the separated, seated, disconnected body of Jesus become weak from lack of use! I know, I am that believer. I became homebound for several reasons. One of which is health but another is what many call church hurt. The reasons aside, I stopped going to church. I tried social media, much like this to share my love for the Lord, but it will never be the same! Seeing someone crying as we sang Gospel songs to them in their home will never leave me. The blessing of touching someone and praying for them in their weakest moments will forever be engraved on my heart. I miss being the church!

If you are young and able to go – Please go to the home of someone who can’t repay your kindness, and let them meet Jesus in you. Stop when you see an addict on the street and buy them a coffee or a sandwich and let them feel the love of Jesus. Only Jesus can save the lost. Jesus sent us to be His representative to the world. Who do those who know you, think Jesus is? What do they think he is like? God forbid the lost think Jesus is like us!