Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God,

It is difficult to find a church in which someone would feel like they belong. People will search just for the right church that fits them, and while there is nothing wrong with searching for new friends to connect with, going from one church to another is like a family moving from one town to the next and not getting to know the people in the town.

A Church is not a building, but is a family, and in some instances, really is a family because the majority of that body is naturally related, especially if it is a home church or a small community church. However, even in bigger churches, there should be love just like there is in a family. The family of New Day is like that. We are not a perfect church. We have our issues and faults, but we also have abundant love. When one of us is hurting, we all hurt; when one of us is sad, we are all sad; when one of us is joyous, we are all joyous. This is the scriptural way, and Paul writes to the Corinthians that when one suffers, everyone suffers (1 Corinthians 12:26). So, a church is like a family filled with issues, struggles, challenges, but above it all, love.

The word “church”  originated from the Greek word kuruake, which means “of the Lord” or “belonging to the Lord”. However, the Greek word in the New Testament to describe the Christian community is ekklesia, which means “assembly” or “congregation”. In the Hebrew language, the word Qahal refers to an assembly, congregation, or gathering of people. Although it denotes various meanings, Qahal is often used to signify the assembly of God’s people. 

God is seen in scripture calling assemblies many times. One such moment, God calls His people to lament, and He says, “Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly.” (Joel 1:14). Throughout Leviticus 23, God calls the Israelites to assemble for various religious observances. Likewise, in the New Testament, the disciples gathered often in homes to share the Word of the Lord. Jesus himself even said, “For where two or more are gathered in my name, there I am also.

” (Matthew 18:20). 

As it has been said, a church is not a building, a building is a building. A church is a family that gathers together to worship the Lord, who circles those who are sick and hurting, both physically and spiritually, and celebrates joyously when the family celebrates. A church is a family, a body, that moves as one for the progress of the Lord.

It is important for someone to seek the Lord, to guide them to a family that loves and that fully serves the Lord. To quote a man of God and a pastor I once heard, “If you are seeking a perfect church, then you must die and go to heaven.” There is no perfect church here on earth, but God has a plan for you in a church. Get to know the people of that assembly and get involved for the Lord, because He wants to be involved with you. 

Last week, the little lambs learned about how the early church was established and that the church is not a building, but rather the body that God uses to reach people. This week, we will be going back in time to the Old Testament and learn about the tabernacle and temples.

I look forward to worshiping with you tomorrow with songs of praise and dancing before the Head of our church, our Lord and Savior. If, for whatever reason, I do not see you, may the Lord bless you with peace, love, joy, and may He protect you, guide you, heal you when you are sick, and comfort you when you are hurting.

God bless you

Your brother in Christ,

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)