What Really is a Church?

I had the opportunity this past weekend to attend a retreat for young adults in our church. The three sessions were on the church: Why church, what really is a church, what are we doing? I was very encouraged and convicted by each lesson, but one thing stood out among everything else. Churches can, and do, look different. There are A, B, and C items. A items are non-negotiable. Those are the things that if forced to recant, I would let them throw me to the lions instead. I live, and would willinging die, by those things. We could disagree and still be friends or 'neighbors,' but not siblings in Christ. The B items are things I am confident in, but I wouldn't divide on. We can have our seperate opinions, but I still call you a brother and sister in Chist. The C items we can differ on, but I would still easily and comfortably worship together with you as a sibling in Christ. The things is, we (me included) get so wrapped up in B and C items as Christians, that we sometimes allow ourselves to rift on those items. We forget that we still have the essentials in common. I am guilty on all accounts, which is why this message was awesome to hear. A church isn't defined by its preaching style, worship style, wine vs. juice, formal vs. casual, size of building, immersion vs. sprinkling, or size of congregation. If I can agree with someone on the A items, it doesn't matter how our churches are different. In Revelation there is a big focus on the unity of the believers. In the final days, we will watch all the barriers fall between sects because we will cling to any brother or sister in Christ that is sealed by God. We might even be surprised by who wears His seal because all along we felt divided by our religious sects. Now ... What are these A items I would freely give up my life for, you wonder? I will be reflecting on each this week ... Stay Tuned.