Old Church, New Church, His Church, Same Church

It's like one of those nonsensical Dr. Seuss stories that ultimately has an underlying message for us all. A church formerly known as Christ Community in Spring Lake, MI has changed the name and now removed a cross that once adorned it's bell tower. Why? Well, according to C3Exchange pastor, Rev. Ian Lawton, it was to reflect their diverse members which include Muslims, athiests, and Buddhists. I am so happy to say the story drew out more response from listeners than any other story we've done. Happy because today we saw a unified body of believers come together under the cross of Christ. Quite literally. Check out The Chris and Emilee Show facebook thread.

Okay, my first question: Why in the world does an athiest need a church?
Second question: At what point does it no longer fit the definition of a church? The church is defined in the Bible as the people in whom Christ dwells. The "body of believers". So what if that body of people don't believe Christ is who He said He is? You no longer have a body of "believers", so how can it still be a church? Isn't that like putting dogs in a parking lot, calling them ponies and then claiming you're on a ranch?

The removal of the cross specifically was due to the fact that according to Lawton, "has become a negative symbol for a lot of people".

So ultimately, the question becomes: What does God's word say about all this? After all there is nothing new under the sun and it is salvation history from beginning to end. Well, lets' see:
First, this doesn't take the Lord by suprise. He knew it would happen: "For a time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." 2 Tim 4:3. So much so, people took offense to Jesus, himself. Nevertheless, He tells us what to do: "What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Matthew 10:27

If you cannot proclaim Christ by a cross on the bell tower of your building, then you are no longer a church. For the church belongs to Christ alone.