Reah Bunsoy Online

I woke up very late for church..15 minutes to be exact. It was only when my brother woke me up to ask for some coins and asked me if I’m going or not. I thought it was a Monday. Dang! Am late! I’ve been so trying hard to come to church on time these past few weeks because it’s always better if you start the service on time.

Oh well, I arrived at church after an hour. Missed the singing. Eventhough I was late, I think this morning was the first time I really listened to the preaching in months. I was seated at the back, with the mommies because I could not find a seat near my family. I was so sure Josh did not see where I was seating. Anyway, because I had no one to make daldal with, I just listened intently. It was my first time to hear Ptr. Jesse Dedel preach at our church as our associate pastor. The first time he did, guess what, I didn’t go to church. Blah.

I found myself listening and even taking notes on my trusted Jordi. Topic was about CHURCH. Okay. It may be so common but it was only then that I really understod how ICS is and should be. It’s like hearing from an outsider. Even if Ptr. Jesse is our pastor now, he’s only been going to our church for a few months. It’s a different perspective. How he sees the church, the people, and our growth. It was important that he does not knew much about us because he told the truth. The truth that us, old members, could not see…and may even deny. His preaching was simple…yet precise. Unusually long and very unusual, no one was leaving. Heck. Even I didn’t stand up and ate my baon biscuits. Haha.

So what really is the CHURCH? Here are my personal notes during his preaching:
–> The church is God’s idea
1 Peter 2:9-10

9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

In ICS, we dream of our church becoming a place:

• where Christians learn to walk in daily intimacy with God
• where prayer provides the foundation for every ministry
• of expanding care groups where both Christians ans non-Christians grow

The church is a people belonging to God. It is a “people” not buildings, programs, institutions, or organizations. It is not “perfect” because it is being perfected by God HImself each day.

Kingdom/Holy Nation. Problem with us is that we can be very parochial. God expands the church through Jesus Christ.The modern day church desperately needs to recover and celebrate this identity of “God’s loved people”.

Possession. We are God’s treasured possessions which He can move around for His purposes. We are God’s property.

What does God want the Church to do?To make Him known. The church exists by mission just as a fire exists by burning.

Be missional. Churches must be missional. How? Make friends and meet real needs. Church must be accessible. Church must reach the unchurched.

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There you go. Church is it. I guess I’d do this from now on. You know, the “chronicle-the-preaching” thang so I’d really listen