I've been thinking a lot about the state of Christianity and have even gone so far sometimes to say that I don't want to be called a Christian because of what being a Christian has become. It's become too much about social issues and wealth and not about Jesus the Christ who came to give His life for us and draw us into relationship with Father and with His Spirit. I saw a great blog post on Ted Dekker's blog. He has some compelling things to say. Here are a few quotes from his post. If you want more check out the link.
"Unfortunately, in the eyes of many, Christianity is now far better known for much more and much less than love. Not all of the associations are bad, mind you, but they are a far cry from the message of love that ultimately cost Jesus his life."
"Our stories are not about pot-lucks and Sunday school playground squabbles, but about that monster called hate and his futile attempts to dash the hopes of the Great Lover. Perhaps you could call us post-Christian Believers, defined solely by the man we follow, not the institution that bears his name."
I love this last quote because I don't want to be defined by an institution. In fact I believe that is exactly what Jesus came to destroy: the institution. I want to follow Christ and have relationship with Father and with His Spirit.
In another article by Francis Chan he talks about being like Christ. Here is one of his quotes.
"As Christians in America, we often complain about how antagonistic people are toward Christ. Personally, I'm not sure that Americans are really rejecting Christ. Maybe they just haven't seen Him."
May we be and show Jesus to people who need Him!
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6 comments:
I was thinking about organ transplants the other day. A candidate for a transplant must be deemed an excellent risk. It must appear that they will improve enough that the donor organ has good prospect of a long life transplanted into that body.
In the same way it would be foolish to graft a branch onto a sickly host.
The restoration of health to the body of Christ (as expressed in local churches) will lead to revival. As the church becomes an excellent risk for incorporating more members into the body, we will see more fruit (and less graft vs. host disease). Jesus is toning up His body. It's so exciting to be a part of this makeover.
Ben, as I sit here and ponder what you have written it truly inspires me to find that personal closeness to the one and only "God" whom I once would do anything for. You haven't lived my life nor have I live yours and that is what makes people unique. I believe some of us are very sheltered and some are not. I am not certain which one is better off. I have learned a few things in my life. Life is completely unfair and don't expect things to always be perfect. In fact, expect imperfect cause after all.......that's what we are as people - IMPERFECT. Secondly,we place far to much trust, hope and happiness in people. Be it our wife, husband, children, key business relationship, etc.. We get hurt because of that mistake. Getting to my point. Jesus came to write those imperfections off. That's the beauty of God's grace and love. You used the words "the great lover"! I believe the church has spent too much time on restoration of people and healing of wounds by extreme measures. We have focused on the ugliness of casting out demons and spent so much time as leadership working on people. This gives the image of "I am better than you" even if it isn't intended. As people we choose sides during divorce when we should LOVE both parties. It shouldn't be about who is more guilty or who has made more mistakes but more about loving both people and loving them to repentance and restoration. We force our views at times instead of allowing the holy spirit to move people in his time. We are asked by God to LOVE - not judge. We are asked to support not fix. If there is one thing I have learned. We are commanded to LOVE. Love never fails. On a personal note: I went through a tragic divorce where I cried my eyes out to God for months. I repented for not being a leader for my family. I never wanted the divorce but some things that we want even God can't give us if it involves people. God gave each of us a will. He can't choose for you in certain circumstances. All of that being said. I can think of all of the friends I have had through the various circles at churches in this community. Probably hundreds. I can also think of the years I gave may gift to God in playing drums on the worship team. My mistake is that I did so much of it for the people I loved. The people who expressed needing my talent. It was for God, as well After my divorce only maybe five people showed me the respect, love and committment I showed them over the years. A handful stayed in touch and LOVED me and still do today.To me that is sad and not what Christ expects of us. My divorce taught me more about people than anything I have been through in my life. People will let you down and God never will. The most important thing we can do is to realize we are all flawed people and that people will hurt us even though they really don't intend to. We get caught up in life, family, career,etc.. The church needs to get back to loving hurting people. Its not a social club or a organizaion that requires special membership. That wasn't Jesus' way and it will not be mine. I love everyone because of what I have been through and I have forgiven those that deserted me. I choose love........and I think you are wise beyond your years my friend. You are a leader and I respect you for that. You come from good stock. Thanks for letting me express myself and hopefully, you can takes something from my learnings and apply it to your life. This was a very good read and something I really needed to hear. Thanks. JD
Beth,
I agree that there needs to be restoration to the Body of Christ, however I'm not totally convinced it will be expressed in local churches. The reason being I'm not sure the local churches that we see now are the true expression of Jesus-YET. I believe some could be, but a lot of others should just shut down their doors, cuz they are doing more harm then good.
Ben
JD,
Thanks so much for the comments-I know you vulnerable and I respect that. I know that the church has not done very well in general with those who have once been "a part" of the church. I think that the church is like some animals in that the church eats its own kind. We're cannibals sometimes to people that have left the church. We have no room to judge and yet that is what we do. If someone leaves the church (heaven forbid) then they are so obviously a heathen sinner and are not doing well. So we are "stand-offish" and have no communication or relationship with them when that is exactly what they need. Now I'm not trying to say I know what you need-I'm just saying that I know a God who does and if we would listen to Him and respond to His Spirit's leading in our lives we would be more enriched for it. And as far as loving people goes we definitely need to get back to doing that! All across America too many people are sitting in churches inoculated from the truth of the Gospel and it is very sad. The truth is we are NOT called to judge we are called to love and through that love people will see Christ and be brought into relationship with Father because of that! Thanks again for commenting and I hope that you and many more people will come back and visit! Even people who don't agree with me!!! :)
Ben,
I am sitting in my den, mezmerized by the song on your blog. I am almost numb. I woke this morning at 6 to find my 91 year old father in a pool of blood. The morning was spent in the ER. The afternoon was spent moving furniture into our new "outpost" at a complex with150 apartments. Widely known for drugs, violence and brokenness. We chose to plant here to save the children. Two and half years of no income, bare funds for ministry, our savings gone..and not one church has given a dime. I'll be interested to keep in touch with you and will read more when my brain freeze is over
Love you and remember you fondly! Sue
Beth,
I am only slightly knowledgeable in church history but I believe that there has always been problems as it is made up of ‘us’. We are imperfect but God deigns to use us for his purposes.
Ben,
God instituted ‘the church’ and gave the governing of the body for the good of all the people. I believe in Revelation the only church that doesn’t get a reproach from God is the persecuted church, Smyrna. Perhaps as our country reels toward destruction we will have a chance to suffer for Christ and be that ‘true expression of Jesus’.
Josh, thanks for sharing.
desean
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