If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. #coexist
Socially Engineering the Church: U Like All that Religious (Stuff) #secularStuff
Why is it that many times the Church seems to do a better job when it comes to acting worldly then those outside the community of faith? Now, I'm not talking about the sinners who are in the body of Christ, because that's all it's made up of; people who are aiming to do better, by pleasing God and living a different life. Yet, there are so many instances when simple things that we know we ought to do, aren't done.
Let's get into it.
Mega Churches
There’s so much dissension within the body due to this line of thinking. It’s almost as if to say, “You have a big church…let’s see what I can find wrong with what you’re doing.” Shame on you!
Isn’t this how it works in the world? There seems to be an abhorrence for anything that is deemed “too big”. In essence, instead of correcting, we tend to tear down whilst administering correction. That’s not lovely at all. In fact, it’s hardly #zestFullyClean.
It’s especially troublesome when something is spoken out against a “mega-church” within the context of a smaller church. Smaller venues tend to have people who are used to a smaller frame of reference (i.e. More-closed mindset). We talk about ‘em from our pulpits and then we go home and watch ‘em on our networks (Word?!); I guess we full of it.
Christian Television, Dating, etc.
I don’t watch a lot of television. I’m especially careful of Christian programming. Why? It’s simple; people in the church (especially certain ethnic minorities like me) ensure that the church always remains 3-Dimensional. What do I mean? In general there are a handful of us who have disdain, distrust, and disagreement with somebody else in the body even when we shouldn’t. Most of this comes from our disobedience in actually studying to show ourselves approved, as well as seeking God with all diligence. I guess that makes it 4-D.
The church’s 4-D approach is as good as any conspiracy theory.
And as far as "not being unequally yoked", Christian "online-dating", and the like...if you seek God, I'm more than positive that he has someone for you, especially if it's a part of his plan for you to be with someone. I recently attended a young adult meeting where we talked about "Love, Sex and Relationships". That was one of the most uncomfortable experiences being asked candid, yet vague questions on these three topics. I often found myself being the only one who thought a certain way. Some people believe you shouldn't date non-believers, but what's to say they're any worse than the people you sit next to on Sunday mornings? It might glitter on Sunday, but that don't mean it's a golden opportunity every other day of the week #ImJustSayin.
And as far as "not being unequally yoked", Christian "online-dating", and the like...if you seek God, I'm more than positive that he has someone for you, especially if it's a part of his plan for you to be with someone. I recently attended a young adult meeting where we talked about "Love, Sex and Relationships". That was one of the most uncomfortable experiences being asked candid, yet vague questions on these three topics. I often found myself being the only one who thought a certain way. Some people believe you shouldn't date non-believers, but what's to say they're any worse than the people you sit next to on Sunday mornings? It might glitter on Sunday, but that don't mean it's a golden opportunity every other day of the week #ImJustSayin.
Did I mention that I'm uneasy about certain Christian television stations?
False Prophets & Doctrine
Why do we go out looking for trouble? Does tomorrow not have enough trouble of its own? I get it though. Many a person is willing to defend the faith similar to how the Muslims feel that they are called to defend theirs. Nothing wrong with defending the faith, but when your offensive weapon is defensive in nature you need not strike first; simply be ready.
Too many of us are eager to tell folks what they're doing wrong or how some Pastor/Leader is false this, that, or the other, and you've barely even read through the Bible. Where do you get the authority to even think you have enough sense to make that [judgment] call?! Referring back to pt 2, we do have to be careful and investigate, but that doesn't mean that we should distrust any and every person we come across, especially if we only hear snippets of a sermon/message. Any time I go to a service even with teachers whom I have come to trust I do one thing; take notes.
Spiritual Warfare
Where did we get this idea that we fight the devil? As if it's a personal 1-on-1, mano-a-mano type of deal. There's a funny saying that goes: "Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning, the devil says, “OH SHOOT, SHE’S UP!”" Now, I won't lie...that's some funny stuff. Do you think the devil is really afraid of what you can do upon your waking? I don't know, but I'm not so sure if he's personally attacking us 1-on-1 or whether it's those who "work" in accordance with him. Remember, we don't fight against flesh and blood, but the principalities, evil rulers, and authorities of the unseen world. Even Michael the Archangel and protector of Israel said "I rebuke you" to the devil in an "argument" over Moses' Body.
There's a lot more to spiritual warfare than this. I'm only trying to challenge the way we think about certain things, especially for those of us who are a bit younger in the faith, and wetter behind the ears. If you're not trained and haven't had confirmation about what you're to do when it comes to warring in the Spirit realm, I'd heavily suggest seeking someone who has experience. Even before that, you should pray and ask for God to help you discern what it is that he is asking/needing of you at this current time and place. As we certainly are in the end times, many peoples will come from far and near performing counterfeit miracles, casting out demons without authority. Don't ever do anything unless you're sure 1) You've been given permission (i.e. Authority by Christ) and 2) You know what you're doing. If not you'll end up like the Jewish exorcists in Acts 19, "I know Jesus, and Paul, but who are you?" And then before you know it, you've been "jumped". One other thing, the Bible says we have authority to do what Jesus did, but you first have to "come into a place" where you are able to do these things. It doesn't happen just because you want them to (e.g. Healing, Miracles, Signs & Wonders). And in any event "signs and wonders" follows preaching.
....
Recently I spent some time in North Carolina. Very "rural" area and a lot of folks who love them some religion. People said, "Have a blessed day" or similar phrases as if it was "nothin". I've been locked away in Pennsylvania for the last 3 years, so this was a refreshing experience to see other parts of the states (again).
Here are some of the "greatest" church names I came across during my time there:
Spiritual Warfare
Where did we get this idea that we fight the devil? As if it's a personal 1-on-1, mano-a-mano type of deal. There's a funny saying that goes: "Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning, the devil says, “OH SHOOT, SHE’S UP!”" Now, I won't lie...that's some funny stuff. Do you think the devil is really afraid of what you can do upon your waking? I don't know, but I'm not so sure if he's personally attacking us 1-on-1 or whether it's those who "work" in accordance with him. Remember, we don't fight against flesh and blood, but the principalities, evil rulers, and authorities of the unseen world. Even Michael the Archangel and protector of Israel said "I rebuke you" to the devil in an "argument" over Moses' Body.
There's a lot more to spiritual warfare than this. I'm only trying to challenge the way we think about certain things, especially for those of us who are a bit younger in the faith, and wetter behind the ears. If you're not trained and haven't had confirmation about what you're to do when it comes to warring in the Spirit realm, I'd heavily suggest seeking someone who has experience. Even before that, you should pray and ask for God to help you discern what it is that he is asking/needing of you at this current time and place. As we certainly are in the end times, many peoples will come from far and near performing counterfeit miracles, casting out demons without authority. Don't ever do anything unless you're sure 1) You've been given permission (i.e. Authority by Christ) and 2) You know what you're doing. If not you'll end up like the Jewish exorcists in Acts 19, "I know Jesus, and Paul, but who are you?" And then before you know it, you've been "jumped". One other thing, the Bible says we have authority to do what Jesus did, but you first have to "come into a place" where you are able to do these things. It doesn't happen just because you want them to (e.g. Healing, Miracles, Signs & Wonders). And in any event "signs and wonders" follows preaching.
....
Recently I spent some time in North Carolina. Very "rural" area and a lot of folks who love them some religion. People said, "Have a blessed day" or similar phrases as if it was "nothin". I've been locked away in Pennsylvania for the last 3 years, so this was a refreshing experience to see other parts of the states (again).
Here are some of the "greatest" church names I came across during my time there:
- Palenstine Presbyterian
- Whomsoever Will Let Them Come Church of God
- Second Chance Christian Fellowship
- Gardners UMC
- Trinity Full Gospel Non-Denominational Church [all of this fits on the marquee]
- Mt. Hebrew Zion A.M.E.
I've always wondered how/why churches have a certain type of name. After coming across these, I still don't really know; however, as I mentioned in what's in a name; names say a lot about the one who's named.
Part 4 is sure to be a special treat.
Blessings on your week,
liMitz
