Generally, I believe there are many churches around. And it is safe to say that each church has its own distinct characteristic which caters to different groups of people within the Christian community.

For instance, there is the denomination factor such as being a Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist, Pentecostal, etc… There is the worship atmosphere factor in whether the church worships in hymns or contemporary music such as Hillsongs.

Let’s not forget that there’s also the preacher factor and that means whether the sermons are engaging or boring. And what about, the people factor-whether if the church is family-oriented, or whether it caters to the elderly, youth or adults and the list goes on.

What really matters to God

Not sure about you, but personally, I think all these factors are not exactly the main concerns of our Lord.

What truly counts on the final analysis is not whether the church performs its religious routine faithfully week in and out or year in or out- regular attendance or doing the “spiritual” things.

I believe that Jesus is more concern whether or not the church is actively living out His purpose as His church; and if His people are obeying His charge in fulfilling the mandate of the Great Commission.

Being the Church in the end times

In my opinion, what ultimately defines the church of Jesus Christ is exhibiting His transformation power and love with the message of His grace of the cross for our sins by our engagement with society and culture around us in our community, city, country and continents.

With all of us living into the end times, there is a serious need of urgency for the Church to be alert and fall into complacency; to be always “operational ready” or face the consequences as described in the parable of the ten virgins.

For this very reason, let us not only be content in merely going to church or doing church. But let us arise and be the Church.