“You are like a building that was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Jesus himself is the most important stone in the building and that whole building is joined together in Christ. He makes it grow and become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Christ you, too, are being built together with the Jews into a place where God lives through the Spirit.” ~ Ephesians 2:20-22
Daily I read God’s Word and daily I am grieved all the more at what has become of the Church. Let me propose a question: What has become of the Church Christ built? I have great joy in knowing that the Church He established is stronger than ever, but it’s not what the natural eye would perceive to be. Jesus said the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church that He establishes. He said that upon the confession of who He is would His Church be built (Matt. 16:18).
So what do I mean by the Church not being perceived with the natural eye? The Church that Christ has established is not an assembling of a couple of hundred people or the large building you see as you zip by on the street. It’s not that televangelist channel you faithful watch, nor is it that revival or popular crusade you attend that is the Church Christ established and is building. No, the Church is much more. Jesus said He would be the one to build His Church (Matt. 16:18). The New Testament Church is the spiritually transformed body of believers, body meaning the total sum. Jesus spent 40 days continuing to give instructions and commands after His resurrection. His last command was to MAKE DISCIPLES – not just evangelize (Matthew 28:16-30).
My minor grief comes from the fact that most “churches” today are lopsided in their mission. Fewer and fewer are devoted to fulfilling the Great Commission. They spend more time talking about the manifesting gifts of the Holy Spirit, being volunteer-oriented, seeking prosperity or doing mission trips (short & long term). But the greater problem is being overlooked. There are very few who are dedicated to obeying Christ in His Word. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:14-16). It can not all be put on the elders of the churches for the lack of obedience, as the true Word of God is available to all. There however is a greater standard for those who would desire to lead (James 3:1-12). Unfortunately, there is a plaguing trend amongst the churches to teach opinions and traditions rather than biblical doctrine – Sound Doctrine.
As churches seek to increase their numbers with programs and flashy services, they lean more and more to a Seeker-friendly establishment rather than being a part of the Church Jesus is building. There is a failure to trust the Lord to take care of what He started. It is as if to say that God can not handle growing what He began. Do not act shocked at that last saying. Pastors and church leaders are doing it all over the place, teaching their opinions with smooth words that entice and comfort the flesh of man (1 Thess. 2). As a result, congregations, by the truck loads, hang on to LONG TRADITIONS, never seeking for themselves biblical SOUND DOCTRINE (Matthew 6:19-21). If you listen to people talk about what they do know of the Scriptures, you hear of beliefs long held because they were taught by their pastors, youth leaders, and their parents, but there rarely is ever any SOUND DOCTRINE involved. Do you know why you believe what you believe? Do you see yourself as God sees you or are you still claiming to be a part of the world by your words and actions?
Traditions can be a valuable part of our lives. They do have their place. But they are only “lasting” to God when they are rooted and controlled by SOUND DOCTRINE. Is what you believe in God’s written Word? Are your traditions from a biblical heritage or are you on auto-pilot? When will we receive all that comes in the free gift giving by Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection? When will we let go of our family traditions and take the opportunity to go to our heavenly Father for guidance in His traditions. This day choose who you will serve – The way of LONG-HELD TRADTIONS or God’s SOUND DOCTRINE.
Speak in faith, walk in faith, know the Word of God and be transformed in your life by the renewing of your mind – that only comes from knowing Jesus, God the Son, personally – not from afar with man-made traditions. Be blessed this thanksgiving and set your mind on things above. Today, if you are in Christ, you are a new creature…the old has gone away, the new has come.
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