How the Church is Not Like a BBQ Restaurant

“His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” –Ephesians 3:10

I just read on social media a barbecue restaurant in Hamilton is closing. When I first moved to Hamilton, another barbecue restaurant occupied the same space before closing. Who knows what might move into this space next? The ebbs and flows of businesses and restaurants moves with the appetites and wallets of the people who live in our community.

I also know of a few churches which closed. The world would say this is all the same thing. Much like a business or a restaurant, churches close and make way for something new. Perhaps an apartment complex or a restaurant. A mindset not surprisingly worldly. Yet, this is not the reality of Christ’s church.

The Lord Jesus Christ is not merely another product like barbecue. Jesus is preeminent, majestic, eternally ruling as King. As Colossians 1 says, Jesus is firstborn of all creation, highest in rank and rule, sovereign over visible and invisible authorities having created all things. And the members of one body the church has Jesus Christ the supreme as its Head (Colossians 1:18). Jesus demands and will have every knee bow before Him (Philippians 2:9-11).

And where does Jesus display His supremacy and glory for all the earth and heavenly realms? His church. Christ who is our peace tore down the wall of hostility in His torn flesh reconciles those who believe in Him to God, making peace and leading His new creation (Ephesians 2:14-16).

When Paul wrote to Corinth, he said that specific local church was “called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 1:2). If you could look at our planet from above, look down with wonder and think about the multitude of local displays of Christ in places all around the world! Each local church is important.

And the day is coming we gather in that eternal gathering to sing a new song to the worthy Lamb who was slain, saving His people, completing His new creation and our full sanctification, ruling with full authority (Revelation 5:9-14). This power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing belonging to Christ is the manifold wisdom of God on display in the local church, being made known to the world and to rulers and authorities in heavenly places.

Dear saints of Allison Avenue, our gathering and faithfulness is important, for we display the glorious Christ. We exist to know Him and make Him known. We come to know Him by the teaching and preaching of His Word. We make Him known by proclaiming Him to our community.

This joyful labor to know Him and make Him known welcomes each of our investment in the local church. To be there, to serve, to study the precious Lamp to our Feet together, and to proclaim the riches of His glorious grace to one another and to the world.

Heavenly Father, remind us of Your glory and power invested in Your Word and Your manifold wisdom displayed in Your household, the church, the pillar and buttress of the truth. Grant us strength to follow our Lord Jesus faithfully, proclaiming Your excellent goodness in the church and to those around us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.