From the desk of Pastor Ben
The Church Is a Spiritual Reality
Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ.                                     (Matthew 16:20)
At first glance it seems strange to conclude from this sentence that the church is a spiritual reality. But this warning, taken with the context of the preceding verses and the political-religious mindset of the times, reminds the apostles that Christ’s church is a spiritual entity, not a political force. Like most Jews, the Twelve had expected Messiah to enter the scene as a political and military leader who would free them from Rome. They looked for a conquering king, not a savior who would redeem them from sin. The Jews’ expectations were so skewed and self-centered that to tell them at this time that Jesus was the Messiah would be to throw pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6).
Jesus later told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm” (John 18:36). Even though God has ordained human government (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13), the state should not be an instrument of the church any more than the church should be an instrument of the state.
Like the kingdom of God, the church is temporarily concerned with this world, but its ultimate nature and priorities are spiritual and eternal. True members of the church are “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men” (Romans 14:17b-18).

Ask Yourself:
It takes work to stay reminded that this earth is temporary, merely serving God’s purposes for a time. How do you maintain this perspective amid the problems, issues, and pressures upon you? How do you keep worldly concerns from clouding eternity in your mind and heart?