The Local Church

A Move from the Wilderness to Canaan

I am a normal person doing car repair in Alexandria, VA. I have a seven-year-old boy and a beautiful wife. Born of a Christian mother, I wandered around each denomination and from habit I had a religious life. Regardless of my desire I took charge of many important works. In my own way I thought I served the Lord in a burning way. But it seemed that Christ was always the portion of someone more eager than I. I didn't have any personal experience of Christ. Like many others I asked for the miracle of Jonah. I attended so many revival services shouting and asking for a supernatural miracle of God to be done on me. But all the time a miracle was the portion of others too.

Because my mother always told me to ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit and I did it. But I didn't see any sign or burning. In the spring of 1996, a pastor in the church where I was going resigned. He explained to me personally why he resigned. He introduced me to the local church saying, that because he had a proper realization about the Lord he gave up being a pastor. For a while I was upset and struggled with this matter. I continually wondered what on earth made this young pastor throw away a stable ministry and an easy life. That was shocking to me in this age.

Eventually, I was so curious that I wanted to know as much as I could about the local church. Was it really possible to practice the church just as in the Bible? On the one hand I felt doubt, but on the other hand I thought I had to meet this group. After much meandering, I met an elder in the local church in which I am now meeting. My family was invited for dinner and we went there without lowering our guard. While lots of talking passed between us I heard the purpose for which God created Adam and how He builded Eve with the rib taken from Adam, typifying how Christ was crucified on the cross and through His pouring out of blood and water (John 19:34), He produced the Church (His bride). I also learned that Christ wants to gain His corporate bride. This was enough to excite me. I thought God was for my safety and success. But I was born again for God's economy, His eternal plan.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord He became a man that I might receive His life (John 3:15-16).

Joe Lee | Back to List

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