Building the Church

1 Timothy 1-3, Psalm 119

"12: And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13: Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief." 1 Timothy 1:12-13.

The construction of the church did not just happen way back in Biblical times with perfect people...it's still happening today-and it happens (and has always happened) with people with a past! A past of sin, evil, wickedness...no one is ever perfect, but when we choose to join Christ & His church, we begin the perfection process. WE ARE A PART OF BUILDING THE CHURCH!

Also, it's not just a building! Yes, it's important to come & hear the preached Word for guidance, but the church ultimately means Christ's Body. We have to be His Body, His church, everywhere we go! You have the ability, we all have the ability! We can all go through the salvation process & start building His church. Don't let your past hold you back! I have a past too...and I'm so thankful for God's mercy to change all that!

"15: This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16: Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." 1 Timothy 1:15-16.

Paul considered himself a chief sinner, and then he became one of the strongest advocates for Jesus, building the church instead of breaking it down! The turnaround IS possible!

"14: These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
15: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." 1 Timothy 3:14-15.

Paul wrote letters to churches to encourage them to keep the faith. He converted people & helped lay the groundwork, but he didn't stop there! He built upon that groundwork! He checked in. He inspired. He encouraged!

Let's be as enthusiastic as Paul! Let's remember our purpose to serve God, be His church, and leave our past behind us!