Okay, okay - we aren't crazy. There are many, many people out in the Church (big "C") who want to run back to our simple roots of the faith like it was at the beginning. People meeting God around their dinner tables, breaking bread in their homes with other believers. The faith was pure, untouched by greed (until that whole dropping dead at Peter's feet episode - look it up for yourself), and it was full of power. Power to change lives like Jesus had done in his ministry among the masses. The Christian faith in America has too often been reduced to joining a local organization - getting involved, give your time/money (especially your money) to grow the church (little "c"). The American church is void of power which means it must be void of God. Scary thought. So complex and well structured, yet powerless.
Brian and I are getting back to our own roots of our faith - back to a drug addict saved and changed instantly, back to a sixteen year old girl stirred by what she read in the Bible before bed each night. It was all so simple then. It was before Bible school, before church politics, before business meetings and scandals, before building funds, and congregation splits. It was all about Christ and His power in our lives. It seems like going back to the way it was "before" can actually be a step forward. It is true in our personal walks with God and also true for the Church as a whole. Returning to our foundation - and beginning again, paying special attention to build only that which will endure, only what is pure. God is simple. He chooses the very humble things in our world to do exploits. I believe the days of the "Megachurch" are quickly fading. Mini, even tiny, gatherings are popping up worldwide. And, as always, God is going the humble route and changing the world.
I challenge you to simplify your faith. Get back to why you say you believe. What do you believe? Really. Is it lost in all the busy activities done in the name of God? Life is so full without churchy activities on top of it all. Jesus isn't about church (little "c"), but He is about His Church (big "C"). Learn the difference and you'll be at your foundation again. Then, you can build with confidence.
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2 comments:
hey, this is your mom,don't pick on the big church so much, someone might not read the complete letter and decide you are anti church which can mean anti worship. The really important issue is having a relationship with Jesus. There really are called by God preachers as well as people who go to school because they decided this as their choice job, and become preachers. There are still people that don't focus on material aspects and do go to church buildings to worship God on Sundays, Jesus is where two or more believers are gathered together in his name. It is the fact that people need to live for God daily not just on Sunday. Enjoy your group, and I plan to come to visit it soon, but will still go to church. love mom
Dude, your Mom just told you what was up! I love it!
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