The church is Composed of Real People

Last week, this author took notice of a billboard, while he travelled in Orlando, FL. The billboard was promoting a “non-denominational” church in the area. It was not the promotion which caused him to take notice as many congregations do that. It was the tag-line which was on the billboard. It basically read, “A church made of real people.” Interesting thought. This congregation was made of real people as opposed to mannequins. Understandably, the point being made is that this congregation was made of devoted people as opposed to those who come to worship but are “fake” in their love for God.

Take that thought away from the denominational and let us make it towards the church found in the Bible and we have a true statement. “The church is made of real people.” “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls…Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:41, 47). The Lord added something to the church. What did He add? People. What kind of people are in the church?

The church is composed of Forgiven People. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38) For a moment focus on the phrase “remission of sins.” If these individuals would repent of their sins and be baptized, they would receive the remission of sins. The word remission means “forgiveness, deliverance.” Those who were added to the church had their sins forgiven.

                                                                     

The church is composed of Washed People “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Notice that some of the members of the church at Corinth had at one time committed the actions which Paul mentions in this verse. BUT they had been washed, set apart for God’s holy purpose, and made just in the eyes of God. This washing occurred when they came in contact with water in baptism (Acts 22:16, 2:38).

The church is composed of Saved People. “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47). Those who willing make the decision to obey the gospel of Christ are “saved.” That is they are put in the place of spiritual safety, which is the church.

The church is composed of Imperfect People. Those who are added to the Lord’s body are not perfectly sinless until they day in which they die. Thankfully, the Lord is still forgiving of those who are His, even when they commit sin (1 John 1:7-10).

The Lord’s church is composed of people. Are you a member of that church?