Did anybody get that?

The Methodist pastor, Rev. Dennis Stalvey, prior to his regular Sunday morning message, usually conducts a children’s sermon. Seeing the little ones parade down the aisles to take their places on the front row is an uplifting sight.  

This particular Sunday, the pastor’s mini-sermon was about the church.  He told his young and attentive audience that many people think that the church is a building.  “ Yes,” he asserted, “We do call this building a church, but the real church comprises the fellowship of believers like you and me who come here to worship.” 

To prove his point, he referenced Jesus’ declaration: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there shall I be also.”  

“Therefore” he concluded, “When you are at school, in the community, or wherever you go, you comprise the true church.  So remember that each of you is a vital part of the body of Christ, which is the real church.”  

The pastor dismissed the group with a prayer and released them to children’s church.  As one very bright young man walked away, he turned to the congregation and asked, “Did anybody get that?”  

His pastor, quite amused, remarked, “That young man may one day become a minister.”

Since the pastor’s message concerned the composition of the church, let’s further this theme with an inquiry on why we even have a church. Why do we, as Christians, assemble on Sunday’s and whom do we worship?  We do so because something supernatural occurred on a Sunday morning some 2000-years ago.  A man who had been crucified arose from the dead. The report spread quickly throughout the land and is still spreading.  

Who was this man?  His name was Jesus.  Can the dead arise?  A man named Paul, who once persecuted Jesus’ followers, testified that it occurred. In the Bible, he wrote this about Jesus’ resurrection:  “ He was dead and buried and raised 3-days later.  He appeared to Peter and then to all twelve disciples. Then he appeared to more than 500 of his followers.  Afterwards he appeared to James and finally to all the disciples. And last of all he was seen by me.” 

Paul’s companion, Luke, testified in the Bible that, after walking the earth for 40-days, Jesus ascended into heaven as his followers looked on in rapt amazement. Is that enough evidence for us to believe this man arose from the grave? Considering that all 12-disciples suffered martyrdom for professing this belief should be convincing enough.  

Beyond that, would his disciples put their lives on the line to perpetuate a lie regarding Jesus’ resurrection?  Well then, if we follow this same Jesus in belief and trust, what does his resurrection mean to us?  Jesus answered that question: “Because I live, you shall live also.” This means that we will gain a home in eternity with Him.”  

Why do we have to believe in Jesus? Can’t we go to heaven by believing in a supreme being, and living a good life? Not according to Jesus. He said, “ I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh to the Father except through me.” 

Did anybody get that?