Were, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph a church of three? Perhaps we could say they were a church of two and Jesus was “in their midst” as he later promised to be! (Matthew 18:20). For such a small church, they certainly have had global influence.
I’m not sure how to convince people that when they’re meeting together with one or two other believers they are indeed “going to” church, “in” church,” and “the” church.
I know that when people are in crisis, they seek out one or maybe two other people to help them. Isn’t that what you do too? The church of two or three is so mighty!
Do you agree?
Sadly, I believe very few people see a group of two or three as the church of Jesus Christ. Are we “addicted” to buildings, systems, and professional leaders? Two or three gathered are called a small group, or Bible study, or such but not church—Why is that?
Sadly, we live in a voyeuristic age where we watch others do things (sports, decorating, romance, religious events) and think we’re doing it too.
But, watching isn’t always doing!
The Word says,
“Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but—letting the Word go in one ear and out the other.
Act on what you hear!
Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are or what they look like.
But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of their eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action.
That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.”
—James 1:22–25 (The Message)
Listening is where we can begin activating our genuine doing!
Happily, Mary, then Joseph, and ultimately, Jesus were great listeners and doers of the word of God!
Here’s to two! Or three!
John Parker,
California Manger Promoter
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