2/3/2025

We have watched with great sadness the loss of life and destruction of property as a result of California’s devastating wildfires.  Among the structures burned were houses of worship.  One was Altadena Community Church.  “It’s shocking,” said their pastor.  “It’s a reminder to us all of the fragility of life.”

The congregation’s Facebook page showed an image of the building engulfed in flames.  But another image showed parishioners singing outdoors.  The caption read, “WE are the church!  We can worship anywhere.”

The Greek word ekklesia can have the meaning of “the called out” ones.  It’s the word translated “church” in the New Testament.  The church is composed of people who are called out of conformity to the world to wholehearted commitment of their lives to Jesus.

Acts 17:24 says:  This is the God who made the universe and all it contains, the God who is the King of all heaven and all earth.  It would be illogical to assume that a God of this magnitude could possibly be contained in any man-made structure, no matter how majestic. (VOICE)

Matthew 18:20 says:  For when two or three gather together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. (VOICE)

1 Corinthians 12:27 says:  Together you are the body of Christ.  Each one of you is part of his body. (CEV)

The church is not a building.  The church is people.  Wherever the church gathers, we are a part of Christ’s body.  We are a part of one another.

Ephesians 4:1-3 says:  As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)

May we as Journey, a part of Christ’s body, live lives worthy of Christ’s calling as a church and may there continually be a unity of Spirit among us wherever we may gather together.  WE are the church!

-Michael