HERE IS THE CHALLENGE:
In your own words, write down the answers to these 3 questions below and email them to Cody: BetterEquippedWithCody@Gmail.com
How does scripture define the "church"?
What does scripture say is the primary purpose of the "church"?
What are the practical characteristics and functions of the "church" as described in scripture?
Go live out the "church" that you have discovered and described from scripture!
WHY ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE?
As I talk with Christians (and non-Christians alike), most tend to reveal that they are (at a minimum) fuzzy on what the Bible would say about the three questions listed in the challenge above. Have YOU ever slowed down long enough to think about and research scripture to find out and know for yourself who the church is, what its purpose is, and what the church is supposed to practically look like? I think for many of us, we have simply (and passively) allowed our surroundings and experiences to subconsciously answer those questions for us.
Imagine that you had been born and grew up on a remote island, and then one day, a Bible in your own language washed up on shore. You found it and began to read it over and over. Would the "church" that is described in the Bible match what your (real life) experience has been here in America so far?
My prayer is that, through this challenge, it will stimulate you to rediscover God's beautiful and intended design for HIS CHURCH and then that you will be compelled to go live it out! Do you have to email me your thoughts? No, but I'd LOVE to engage with you on this topic and journey of exploration!
Your brother in Christ,
Cody Balch