I’ve seen more carnal rubbish under claims of being “in the Spirit” than I care to remember.
In contrast, I’ve found that those who live lives of quiet humility and faithful obedience …
More often are the real deal.
Don’t be bashful:
We need to publicly ask those who publicly tell everyone how to do or be the church (of whatever stripe) …
If they themselves are part of one – in their own lives and hometowns – like they keep promoting to others.
You may be shocked at how often they aren’t.
But hey, that shouldn’t stop them from peddling their insistent ideas, books, blogs and conferences to unsuspecting audiences.
Right?
That doesn’t mean it’s wrong to study and publicly discuss ideas …
But we should at least have the integrity to disclose when we cross the line and start telling everyone “how to” when we ourselves don’t do.
🤔
You will never succeed …
Unless you’re willing to fail.
However, never risk more failure …
Than you can possibly survive.
Failures then become new opportunities …
Rather than total ruin.
If you’re not a disciple …
You’re not a Christian.
Because there is no “Christ” in “Christian” …
Without God’s rule.
Until you admit that “church” as you know it is not how the Bible actually shows and commands it …
You will remain stuck in your rut.
If we’re not about redemption, then what hope does anyone have?
This is my passion.
This is my cause.
But it ain’t neat and it ain’t tidy.
It’s raw and sometimes ugly.
Because if Jesus doesn’t work for the worst of us …
Then He works for none of us.
God’s presence without His sovereignty …
Is an impossibility.
Which is why I’m convinced that what we call “worship” and “His presence” at many “churches” these days …
Is so bogus.
It’s just emotional manipulation, masquerading as “worship” …
To generate feelings of intensity, and calling it “God” …
During a staged performance, claiming to be “church.”
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“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Rom. 12:1-2
On Sunday, many go hear their pastor as part of his congregation.
In contrast, I am part of a participatory congregation that ministers – pastorally and otherwise – one to another …
Without the distraction of those solo and monologue “pastor” things others do.
Interestingly, churches in the New Testament did fine without them also …
Because there is no place for monopolies when the diverse, multi-part and multi-gifted Body of Christ operates as He intended.
There’s nothing entertaining …
About authentic worship.
Because authentic worship, as the New Testament actually defines it, means living lives of sacrificial service and reverent obedience.
Maybe this explains why real worship among many “Christians” and “churches” these days …
Is so rare.
So last Sunday, were you part of:
The Jesus Show (“church” on a stage) …
Or the Body of Christ (ministry one to another)?
Revivals come and revivals go …
But true repentance lasts forever.
Guys in jail often ask me how to find a good church when they get out.
I tell them that if they visit a couple of times on Sunday and no one ever invites them home to share friendship and a meal together, move on …
It’s just a meeting, not a church.
When people say “worship” today …
They mean reverent music.
When the New Testament says “worship” …
It means living our lives in reverent obedience and sacrificial service to God.
There’s nothing wrong with music.
It has its place, when done as the New Testament actually says …
But not as a substitute or new definition for true worship.
That was never God’s intent.
Everyone seems to want to do what the Bible says …
Except when it comes to how they do church.
YOU are the church?
Really???
So here’s the test:
Who controls the microphone and the money?
THEY actually are the “church.”
Not you.
You’re just their attentive, paying audience.
“Worship” has been reduced from its Biblical meaning of living lives in obeisance (humble submission) and obedience to God …
To music that makes us feel good.
Although music can be a good thing …
Somehow, I think we lost our way.
God speaks …
Therefore, I am.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion …
But not to a Christ of their own perception.
He created and defines us …
And not us Him.
Many “churches” seek to thrill and entertain the masses by abandoning New Testament norms …
Not for the ultimate benefit of their members, but their “leaders”.
Jesus never said we’re saved by asking Him into our heart …
But by surrendering to His Kingdom rule and doing His Father’s will.
That’s called repentance.
Those who proclaim anything less …
Are preaching a lie.
How we measure “church” success:
Ministry by one man to fifty each Sunday morning …
That’s nice.
Ministry by one man to hundreds …
Now you’re talkin’!
Ministry by one man to thousands …
Mega success!!
How the New Testament measures church success:
Ministry one to another.
The me-centered, contrived intensity that many call “worship” these days …
Is an affront to God’s holiness.
In the New Testament, true worship is living lives of obeisance (humble submission) and obedience to Him, as He mandates …
Rather than projecting our own carnality onto Him to feed our own soulish needs.
Let’s return to the true God of Scripture with authentic worship …
As actually defined and commanded by Him.
Because when we relate to God on His terms rather than ours …
Amazing things of eternal significance will start happening in your own life and those around you.
Sometimes, prophetic voices speak truth to those who don’t want to listen and don’t want to know.
Not to convince them …
But to remove all excuses when they stand before a just and holy God on that fateful final day.
Authentic citizens of God’s Kingdom …
Are the greatest force for reforming earthly kingdoms.
History proves this time and again …
And God is not yet done with history.
If, however, you’ve not the grace to heed His call outside your own comfort zones …
Then at least don’t diss those who do.
It’s ironic how some think that elevating Christ as the Living Word …
Means discounting His written Word of Scripture.
Is Christ divided?
He’s all or nothing …
Because there is no pick-and-choose Jesus.
Plumbline Faith 