Part One: A Dying Ember
It’s been 2000 years since Christ hung on the Cross and we are no closer to unity than we were in Ephesians 4:13 or Acts 20:20 when Paul taught from house to house. Because of schisms in the church, it split into thousands of denominations. Even some of those split off into their own denominations. For ages, the Church argued their doctrine to the point of splitting and then started their own church. Then those split and started another church or two, and so on. . .and so on. . .and so on, until the church today, totally fractured and split, went their own separate ways in many directions, with no unity of spirit.
We are a far cry from the original church. The Messianic Jews believed two things: Scripture and Jesus. Period. Not whether the Sabbath was on Saturday or Sunday, and not whether it was dunking or sprinkling. What happened to us?
For many centuries the pulpit kept the written Word from the congregant and the lay person. The belief was that the Scrolls were solely for the Rabbi, and later the Word of God was only for the priest’s eyes. In fact, at one time, it was even illegal in 1500’s Britain to reproduce the Bible in the English language. To get away from the religious oppression, 102 passengers voyaged to the Americas with the 1599 Geneva Bible [1] in hand. . .written in English.
Christ’s death on the Cross saved mankind from all bondages resulting in a 100% victory over every circumstance in their lives. However, witchcraft has subtly invaded the church. Even after all this time, the enemy is still chewing on the church one bite at a time and continues to fracture the church even further. You call it gradualism. Will we be ready for Christ when He comes for His Bride?
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish [Ephesians 5:27].
Because of the churches oppression of its people, the pew is full of spotted, wrinkled, blemished, and a dying people. Now I don’t like making a blanket statement about anything but I’d guess that more times than not. . .this is true of the church. Many churches have become nothing more than a click, a group to which few, if any, will ever belong.
Consequently, there are many Christians who burn with a fire in their soul wanting to serve the Lord and walk in his gifting and calling. However, the church dictates that the people always need to go to one more class, one more school, one more study, one more group, and yet again, jump through one more hoop. Nine or ten years later, they are still sitting in the pews with the fire in their gut that’s simmering in a low burning ember that threatens to extinguish itself.
The Holy Spirit tries to blow on the amber to reignite the flame, but the believer’s faith is already too weak to receive it, and because of the inactivity, another faith wanes. Their faith becomes a dying ember. Most believers put up a good front by openly declaring; “I’m doing great, bless God, Hallelujah,” while on the inside, they are dying unfulfilled in their soul and service to God.
Given the church today, what can we do to fight the oppression, intentional or not, of the church and the infiltration of witchcraft. I think the church means well but we’ll learn more about that next week. I have found though that too many times the reason behind the oppression is that if the people, having jumped through all the hoops, do not look enough like the pastor and staff, then that person(s) sits in the pew unfulfilled.
Question: Aren’t we supposed to conform to the image of Christ [Romans 8:29] and not the pastor and staff [Romans 3:4]? Do we look for the man of God, or do we look for the God of man? Just saying.
How do we rectify all of this? What can we do as a congregation to get off of the pew(s)? This, due to a limited space constraint, will have to wait until next time to find out. However, let me leave you with this, “Is the pew culpable and partially to blame for a dying church?”
God bless each and every one of you. Until then. . .
[1] The 1599 Geneva Bible was the first Bible printed in English for public use and it is the Bible that the Pilgrims carried with them to the New World on the Mayflower.
5 comments:
There is a lot here Jim. I hope that you take piece and write on it so that the concerns don't get lost like a single tree in a forest. I appreciate your honesty about what concerns you in the church. According to Paul's letter to Ephesians the knowledge (intimate relationship not just awareness) of Jesus Christ is our foundation and unity in the gospel is the adhesive that makes faith a community thing not just an individual thing. I am writing my DMin dissertation on leading the church from traditional spectator into incarnational ministry and my research is showing me that there are more and more churches that are stopping the church game to create opportunity to share Jesus in message and in tangible help. I look forward to your exansion of the topics you have brought out in this blog post. God bless Pastor Jim.
James, where's the witchcraft? :)
I've been in dozens of churches across the US and I don't know of one where I've been prevented from "serving" if that's been my desire.
Now, if you're talking about leadership, deacons, elders, even Bible study group leaders, then it's not unusual for churches to have certain qualifications for serving in those capacities. I'm not sure that's a bad thing although some may carry it too far.
But, when it comes to feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, visiting the shut-ins, or getting involved in prison ministry, it may be the only limitation is people getting off their backside to go do it.
Granted, some churches, many perhaps, have abandoned discipleship "training" and trust people will find their nitch in due time, but that may be the exception - at least from my experience.
We attend a church with over three thousand members. Is it easy to get lost and "forgotten" in that kind of environment? Sure is. But the blame is not one-sided.
Sometimes - most times I expect - new believers, new members, etc., need to take some initiative and some responsibility for their own development and nurture. And, as mentioned above, look for opportunities that are open to everyone who wants to serve.
Paul's letters often admonished people to grow to get involved to move beyond milk and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. He did little hand-holding and seemed to have little patience for such.
Just my 2 cents.
My wife admonishes me to use the "sandwich" approach when dealing with such things. I often forget so please forgive me. I do think your post touches on some important issues.
Jim, I think you are so right about a lot of churches...I for one have been feeling like I need more than what our church is offering right now..I love the people and our Pastor but something seems to be missing..Maybe it's me and not the church...At times I want to get up and leave before the service is over and I have done that a few times...Our church use to be on fire for God but seems like more an more members are leaving this church...and the fire is no longer there..I think we need to get back to some good old fashion Revivals and stop putting money before God...I'm not saying to stop giving what is due to God ,because I know what we are suppose to do as far as giving is concerned but sorry to say a lot of preachers want money more than they want God..I hope I haven't said anything to offend anyone..\
James, I have to agree with Norm McDonald as to being able to serve God in whatever capacity I choose to. And his word picture of a suitable church to get involved with is the one I'm familiar with. Bottom line, the believer still has to get up and pursue where he believes God wants him to be--and some hoops are required to maintain an internal standard of teaching.
One nit-to-pick: you used the word "amber." That is a color, a light orange-ish one. The word you need is "ember," which is hot ash from fire.
Interesting read, though. Keep it up.
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