Let me tell you about the term Ecclesia. In ancient times, this was commonly used to describe an assembly or gathering of the citizens or those who held rights within the city to make decisions for the community. Over time, it came to represent the gathering of the faithful of the Christian nation to learn, discuss and grow in their faith. There can be some rather heated discussions but so long as the focus was on the Lord, just about anything can be overcome and the whole is strengthened through intense respectful discussion. So why does the church go through such turmoil at times and why do people leave? I am going to be brutally honest here so if you do not want to be offended, look away.
There is turmoil in the church because the church is filled with people. On more than one occasion people have confided in me that they have left the church because the church did them wrong. This is an opportunity to ask what they mean by that and in most cases, it is not the church that caused the issue but rather the people in the church. Now, don’t get me wrong, most people do not purposely set out to cause issues, in many cases it starts with a misunderstanding that escalates. There are those who are in it to win it, that is, they want to win the argument at all costs while others have no idea that they have caused an issue. Again, I am going to be completely honest here, many times the “in it to win it” are forgetting one important thing; we are all in this together, it is the selfish who want to come out as the ultimate victor over the needs of the faith family.
I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Eccl 4:7-12 NLT
This Sunday, Pastor Todd will be expanding on this passage and other supporting passages from the New Testament. Please plan to join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms) or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessings,
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