Jesus Has Left the Building.

 I Think Jesus Has Left My Church?

But Grandma, I think Jesus has left?

Have you ever thought that your church's Christianity doesn't look like the Christianity in the bible? Do you think you believe Jesus, but something doesn't seem right at your church? Do you long for the vibrant faith of the first Christians? Does Grandma's faith seem real, but not many other's? Are you afraid to tell Grandma that Jesus might have moved on?

Have you ever thought these thoughts? Or thoughts like them? If so, I don't think you are alone. I think many people ask these questions.

Can Jesus leave? Will Jesus leave?

Do you think Jesus would really leave? Is that even possible?

I think it is not only possible, but I think it has happened to thousands upon thousands of church buildings around the world. Can you say, "dead church"? 

Jesus leaves and man props up his building with programs, potlucks and a whole bunch of guilt and condemnation.

I've heard it said that, "If the Holy Spirit left most churches in our country, the well oiled machine would keep on ticking as if nothing had happened". 

Ouch! 

When Jesus leaves, those left behind either turn the meetings into a nice social club, or worse, they begin to devour one another--blame one another--hate one another. 

In my whole life, I've actually only visited a few churches that I know Jesus has left. They were so dead that I'm almost certain that not any person in the building was actually a believer. 

But, but, but--did he just say that?!

If you've experienced it, then you know what I mean. 

It is very very difficult to see Jesus leave a church building and not know what to do. It's a little easier if you become a nice little social club, but what if the latter occurs? 

Repent and open the door

In the book of Revelation, Jesus says this to one of the churches:

"Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

Jesus isn't begging--He is warning. Jesus is giving us a picture of what it would look like if He was locked out.

Is that possible? Lock Jesus out? 

Maybe not

Jesus said this to another church:

"I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die"...

So, before you go running out and looking for Jesus, be sure He's not right there within your church. Maybe He hasn't left. Maybe Satan is just trying to deceive you into leaving.

Yup, He's gone. I've checked everywhere. I've checked the sanctuary, the foyer, the kitchen, the dining hall, the library, the Sunday school rooms, the children's church rooms, the nursery, the offices, the family life center and even all ten bathrooms and He is nowhere to be found. He must be outside somewhere.

Your church building?

First, I say "church building", because that's all that is left when Jesus leaves is a building. 

A building where the church formerly met. 

What about you? How is your church doing? Social club? Total wreck? Somewhere in between? 

What are you going to do? 

Do you believe Jesus? Do you want to follow Him---even though He might have left the building? Are you willing to follow Jesus if He leaves the building? 

What about Grandma?

Can I leave? Should I leave? Where would I go?

Maybe you should go to one of those new fancy church gatherings--with lots of lights and a great band? Does that look like the church you read about in the bible? Probably not. So what? Where? 

You just need a church with a good kids program. Right? Maybe not. 

Where's Jesus?

Place to start

Start by confessing your problem to God. Ask Him to help you with your dilemma. 

If you believe God, and His Holy Spirit dwells in you, He will help you. 

Ask God if you are the church He is speaking to in Revelation.

Read your bible.

Tell your pastors about your concerns.

Tell Grandma about your concerns.

Your pastors and Grandma might agree with you--or maybe not--either way you should consult with them first.

So now what?

Maybe Jesus has really left, but He's probably still in town...

Song:

Lord, I come to you