The church as we know it is more than brick and mortar. Carpet covers the floors. Wood makes up what we call the alter. Chairs are what members use to sit on. Podiums made of metal and plastic are nothing more than objects used to stand behind and rest bibles on. Truth be told, fellowship has different settings and formats. Caves in South America. Deserts in Kenya. Revival tents across the U.S. It does not matter the scenery. Saints coming together to worship God no matter the day of the week is all we should care about.
African American, Caucasian American, Hispanic/Latino American, Asian American, and those who are of biracial descent must be united within the body of Christ. Churches in the U.S. need to resemble the Kingdom of God. Men and women from every tribe and tongue (Rev.7:9) should be displayed within a churches staff and congregation. A person's gender (a man or a woman) should not determine whether or not he or she can be in a position to lead. In a society where men and women work hard to receive an MDiv (Master of Divinity) we do not have the right to judge or have an opinion as to who can lead a church body. A church body belongs to God not mortal men. He chooses the people to lead lost souls to His Kingdom. We do not get a say in any of it.
Denominations have caused nothing but division since the beginning. This is not to say that there are not benefits to joining a sect. There are some babes in Christ that need not just milk, but codes of conduct. When a person gives their life to Christ, they should not pledge to an organizational body but to Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Jesus should be the reason we do all things.
Legalism has done more harm than good. The God we serve is holy and set apart. As someone who has grew up in a church that was legalistic let me be the first to say that once I left, I was in for a social/cultural shock. Throughout the scriptures God has given His people statues, laws, and commandments. Not a strict set of rules to knock people on the heads with. Suits and ties. Big hats and long skirts. Serving God does not and should not come with a checklist. Being men and women after God's own heart is what is most important in this hour than any fabric or worldly possession.
Prompts and trends have replaced the preaching and teaching of God's word. Slick words and bright clothes have taken the place of alter calls and repentance. It is like we have short attention spans. Shock value seems to draw crowds over sound doctrine. According to a recent survey 85% of Gen Z are going back to church. However, Gen Z does not want all of the lights, cameras, and antics. All Gen Z wants is a straight and direct relationship with God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Joy fills my heart when I see the youth of this nation turn to God with every ounce of their being.
In closing, I pray that we as the body of Christ find our fascination in Christ rather than brick and mortar. I pray that we practice real Conflict Resolution and Restorative Justice as we unite ethnologically and through gender (male and female). I pray that we do not let denominational sects divide us and distract us from displaying God's Kingdom on earth. I pray that we do not confuse legalism with God's love. I pray that we choose Jesus over gimmicks. I pray that whatever the church does souls are saved and all corners of the world hear the gospel preached. In Jesus name, Amen.
African American, Caucasian American, Hispanic/Latino American, Asian American, and those who are of biracial descent must be united within the body of Christ. Churches in the U.S. need to resemble the Kingdom of God. Men and women from every tribe and tongue (Rev.7:9) should be displayed within a churches staff and congregation. A person's gender (a man or a woman) should not determine whether or not he or she can be in a position to lead. In a society where men and women work hard to receive an MDiv (Master of Divinity) we do not have the right to judge or have an opinion as to who can lead a church body. A church body belongs to God not mortal men. He chooses the people to lead lost souls to His Kingdom. We do not get a say in any of it.
Denominations have caused nothing but division since the beginning. This is not to say that there are not benefits to joining a sect. There are some babes in Christ that need not just milk, but codes of conduct. When a person gives their life to Christ, they should not pledge to an organizational body but to Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Jesus should be the reason we do all things.
Legalism has done more harm than good. The God we serve is holy and set apart. As someone who has grew up in a church that was legalistic let me be the first to say that once I left, I was in for a social/cultural shock. Throughout the scriptures God has given His people statues, laws, and commandments. Not a strict set of rules to knock people on the heads with. Suits and ties. Big hats and long skirts. Serving God does not and should not come with a checklist. Being men and women after God's own heart is what is most important in this hour than any fabric or worldly possession.
Prompts and trends have replaced the preaching and teaching of God's word. Slick words and bright clothes have taken the place of alter calls and repentance. It is like we have short attention spans. Shock value seems to draw crowds over sound doctrine. According to a recent survey 85% of Gen Z are going back to church. However, Gen Z does not want all of the lights, cameras, and antics. All Gen Z wants is a straight and direct relationship with God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Joy fills my heart when I see the youth of this nation turn to God with every ounce of their being.
In closing, I pray that we as the body of Christ find our fascination in Christ rather than brick and mortar. I pray that we practice real Conflict Resolution and Restorative Justice as we unite ethnologically and through gender (male and female). I pray that we do not let denominational sects divide us and distract us from displaying God's Kingdom on earth. I pray that we do not confuse legalism with God's love. I pray that we choose Jesus over gimmicks. I pray that whatever the church does souls are saved and all corners of the world hear the gospel preached. In Jesus name, Amen.
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