So, forgive me for the rant I'm about to go on, but I'm so sick of hearing people within the Church bash on other churches. I've been in a few discussions with different people who have come from churches without a bunch of special effects and seem to think that God apparently doesn't reside in "those type" of showy churches. Now, hold up. Let me take a step back. You're saying that the God who sent His son to literally defeat death and the grave isn't powerful enough to work in and through any type of church? That just because a pastor decides he wants his worship team to resemble Hillsong United and wants to have "decor" that matches what book they're reading through, that all of a sudden, it makes the gospel just halt from advancing? I think it's an insult to try and put church in a box, and ultimately put God in a box. God created us to be unique creatures who all work differently, so I think that God knew that churches were going to work differently. I would hate to go to Heaven and stand before the Father and Him say "So, why did you spend so much of your life and energy on judging the way churches do worship, messages, etc?" I would rather be applauded for loving people to life and embracing the diversity within the Church. I would like to think that the Creator of the universe and everything in it, is big enough to speak to the hearts of His people amidst the lights and fog. I may be reading this wrong, but I'm pretty sure I understand what this verse is saying.
Genesis 1:1-2
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
So you think that the God who literally created the beginning, isn't big enough to see past showy worship? I think you're wrong. Also, who are we to judge the intent of the pastor's heart? Sure, there are probably pastors out there who get caught up in how the church "looks" but shouldn't we let God deal with him and worry about more important things like abortion, failing marriages, the hurting LGBT community, and so on and so forth? If we, as Christians, are bashing other churches for the way they run their church, how do we expect unbelievers and the lost to be attracted to the Gospel? If you really want to get technical with how things are run, the American Church is not at all how "church" was, back in the day.
Acts 2:42-47
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
This is an example of how church was done. There was no worship band. No 45 minute, bullet point message. No mugs or t-shirts with the church logo on it. It was Jesus and his closest friends getting together, doing communion, praying, giving up their earthly possessions, and spreading the love of the Father to any and everyone. This is the type of church we should strive to have. Now, if we decide to add some lights and a little bit of fog, that's cool with me as long as we keep God at the center and remain kingdom minded.
Genesis 1:1-2
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
So you think that the God who literally created the beginning, isn't big enough to see past showy worship? I think you're wrong. Also, who are we to judge the intent of the pastor's heart? Sure, there are probably pastors out there who get caught up in how the church "looks" but shouldn't we let God deal with him and worry about more important things like abortion, failing marriages, the hurting LGBT community, and so on and so forth? If we, as Christians, are bashing other churches for the way they run their church, how do we expect unbelievers and the lost to be attracted to the Gospel? If you really want to get technical with how things are run, the American Church is not at all how "church" was, back in the day.
Acts 2:42-47
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
This is an example of how church was done. There was no worship band. No 45 minute, bullet point message. No mugs or t-shirts with the church logo on it. It was Jesus and his closest friends getting together, doing communion, praying, giving up their earthly possessions, and spreading the love of the Father to any and everyone. This is the type of church we should strive to have. Now, if we decide to add some lights and a little bit of fog, that's cool with me as long as we keep God at the center and remain kingdom minded.