DIVISION IN THE CHURCH/DIVISION IN OUR COUNTRY
We have witnessed over the last few years the division in our country between conservatives and liberals, radical right and far left socialists, and the green policy advocates. This confusion and chaos, along with pride, arrogance, and stubbornness, is not good for our country nor for our personal wellbeing. It is often said that as the church goes, so goes the family, neighborhood, city and nation. So, let’s take a reality check of the Christian church.
As I have said before, I have attended several church denominations from my childhood to present: Assembly of God, Church of the Nazarene, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and several non-denominational churches. I have attended a Mennonite church and even went with a Catholic friend to pray for a twirling competition. Each had their own rules of conduct, dress, prayer, preaching style, salvation and music. Some of which were substantiated by scripture but most were just “precepts of men”. Matthew 15:9.
The first church I attended when just a child (maybe 3 or 4 yrs. old) was the Assembly of God. I had a great time in Sunday school and learned songs that I can still sing today, but the regular church service was exciting and yet frightening at the same time. This Pentecostal church was referred to by sceptics as a “holy roller” church. There was a lot of shouting, clapping, loud music, and speaking in tongues which made “big” church more exciting. The sight of people falling out and rolling on the floor was a little too intense for me, but I really enjoyed the people and the feeling that something different was happening there.
The next church I attended while in elementary school was the Church of the Nazarene. This church was not as exciting as the AOG. I don’t even remember any music, but I think we sang from a hymnal. Everything was done quietly and sedately. Girls had to wear dresses and learn how to sit correctly. The only thing I remember from this time are the flannel board lessons and the Christmas play. I thought the Nazarene church was boring, but then came the Methodist and Presbyterian churches.
The Methodist church, the tallest building in town, had a pipe organ with pipes that went all the way to the ceiling. The inside was dark as a tomb and about as quiet, but when the organist began playing, the whole building would shake, especially when she hit those low notes. It was the only thing to keep you awake. The Methodist and Presbyterian services were much alike: opening prayer, 4 songs from the hymnal, a speech to which generally no scripture was referred, and a closing prayer. I only heard about Jesus in Sunday school and youth activities.
When I became an adult and accepted Christ as my savior, the first church I went to was the Baptist church. It had an organ and a piano which was generally used. They sang many different songs and even allowed you to clap your hands while singing. The sermons were always from the Bible and provided excellent teaching on the Word. They did teach that women should “dress modestly” which was, for me, hard to know what that meant. Shorts were not to be worn, nor anything enticing such as low-cut, too short or too revealing. Even swim suits were controversial. The biggest problem and ultimately the reason for leaving, was their stance on the Holy Spirit.
This Baptist church taught that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have passed away. They use 1 Corinthians 13:8 but fail to read the next chapter which says “eagerly desire spiritual gifts.” Most of the New Testament, but especially Acts, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians talk about the gifts of the Spirit. When I expressed the desire to go to a church that taught on the Holy Spirit, my pastor told me that if I went to that church that within 6 months I would be on my way to HELL.
Well.......I guess I was still a little rebellious, stubborn or hard-headed, but those words seem way out of order for someone trying to seek God. I eventually returned to a AOG church to learn about the gifts of the Spirit (and I haven’t gone to hell).
I say all this to bring to light the differences in churches made by the teachings and opinions of man versus the teaching of the Word and since some don’t study the Word, they quickly accept these ideas without searching out what God really means. I’m certain that most of men’s rules are meant to protect the sheep or are misunderstood scriptures passed down from others. The problem is that we project to the world a divided church and consequently, many cults and other religious groups use that division to justify their “real love” groups.
Our society is full of confusion, division, hatred and chaos because the church of Jesus has not come to the understanding of what is really important. The list of Don’t do this! doesn’t bring people closer to Christ, .....only love. Young people are looking for truth, and that truth must be walked out before them not just preached from a pulpit.
Over the next few months, I want to take a closer look at men’s precepts and God’s precepts. Understand that I am just an ordinary Christian with a love for God’s word. I don’t have all the answers or truth. Only God has that ability, but I want to challenge your thinking and perhaps entice you to explore the Bible and seek God for answers. You can only convince others when you are truly convinced. We can change the world if we understand that “in all these things we are more than conquerors (overcomers) through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37
Next month: Why Some Do Not Preach About the Holy Spirit
KLN
As I have said before, I have attended several church denominations from my childhood to present: Assembly of God, Church of the Nazarene, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and several non-denominational churches. I have attended a Mennonite church and even went with a Catholic friend to pray for a twirling competition. Each had their own rules of conduct, dress, prayer, preaching style, salvation and music. Some of which were substantiated by scripture but most were just “precepts of men”. Matthew 15:9.
The first church I attended when just a child (maybe 3 or 4 yrs. old) was the Assembly of God. I had a great time in Sunday school and learned songs that I can still sing today, but the regular church service was exciting and yet frightening at the same time. This Pentecostal church was referred to by sceptics as a “holy roller” church. There was a lot of shouting, clapping, loud music, and speaking in tongues which made “big” church more exciting. The sight of people falling out and rolling on the floor was a little too intense for me, but I really enjoyed the people and the feeling that something different was happening there.
The next church I attended while in elementary school was the Church of the Nazarene. This church was not as exciting as the AOG. I don’t even remember any music, but I think we sang from a hymnal. Everything was done quietly and sedately. Girls had to wear dresses and learn how to sit correctly. The only thing I remember from this time are the flannel board lessons and the Christmas play. I thought the Nazarene church was boring, but then came the Methodist and Presbyterian churches.
The Methodist church, the tallest building in town, had a pipe organ with pipes that went all the way to the ceiling. The inside was dark as a tomb and about as quiet, but when the organist began playing, the whole building would shake, especially when she hit those low notes. It was the only thing to keep you awake. The Methodist and Presbyterian services were much alike: opening prayer, 4 songs from the hymnal, a speech to which generally no scripture was referred, and a closing prayer. I only heard about Jesus in Sunday school and youth activities.
When I became an adult and accepted Christ as my savior, the first church I went to was the Baptist church. It had an organ and a piano which was generally used. They sang many different songs and even allowed you to clap your hands while singing. The sermons were always from the Bible and provided excellent teaching on the Word. They did teach that women should “dress modestly” which was, for me, hard to know what that meant. Shorts were not to be worn, nor anything enticing such as low-cut, too short or too revealing. Even swim suits were controversial. The biggest problem and ultimately the reason for leaving, was their stance on the Holy Spirit.
This Baptist church taught that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have passed away. They use 1 Corinthians 13:8 but fail to read the next chapter which says “eagerly desire spiritual gifts.” Most of the New Testament, but especially Acts, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians talk about the gifts of the Spirit. When I expressed the desire to go to a church that taught on the Holy Spirit, my pastor told me that if I went to that church that within 6 months I would be on my way to HELL.
Well.......I guess I was still a little rebellious, stubborn or hard-headed, but those words seem way out of order for someone trying to seek God. I eventually returned to a AOG church to learn about the gifts of the Spirit (and I haven’t gone to hell).
I say all this to bring to light the differences in churches made by the teachings and opinions of man versus the teaching of the Word and since some don’t study the Word, they quickly accept these ideas without searching out what God really means. I’m certain that most of men’s rules are meant to protect the sheep or are misunderstood scriptures passed down from others. The problem is that we project to the world a divided church and consequently, many cults and other religious groups use that division to justify their “real love” groups.
Our society is full of confusion, division, hatred and chaos because the church of Jesus has not come to the understanding of what is really important. The list of Don’t do this! doesn’t bring people closer to Christ, .....only love. Young people are looking for truth, and that truth must be walked out before them not just preached from a pulpit.
Over the next few months, I want to take a closer look at men’s precepts and God’s precepts. Understand that I am just an ordinary Christian with a love for God’s word. I don’t have all the answers or truth. Only God has that ability, but I want to challenge your thinking and perhaps entice you to explore the Bible and seek God for answers. You can only convince others when you are truly convinced. We can change the world if we understand that “in all these things we are more than conquerors (overcomers) through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37
Next month: Why Some Do Not Preach About the Holy Spirit
KLN
Visiting the Body of Christ
We have been visiting churches in the area in the hope of networking with fellow Christians as we search to bring unity, and build the Kingdom of God. It is amazing to see the work that these bodies are doing for their communities. We hope to visit your church in the weeks to come!
First Baptist Church of Deer Trail - Pastor Sam Courts Journey Church Strasburg - Pastor Dusty Morris Calvary Baptist Bennett- Pastor Bob McCurley Mountain View Christian Strasburg - Pastor Donn Headley Strasburg Community Church - Pastor Steve Musser Living Springs Cowboy Church Byers- Pastor Zac Sanger Save the Cowboy Kiowa - Kevin Weatherby Cornerstone Fellowship - Pastor Keith Sauder |
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Galatians 6:2 encourages fellow believers to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. As a community, we are bound together with the love of Christ. We exhibit that love through prayer for one another. Someone in our midst may be hurting, believing for a new job, seeking direction from God. When we come together in agreement for each other, we see God begin to work! We want to agree with you. We encourage our readers to let us know what we can all agree on for you. If you have a specific need that you would like us to pray for, let us know. The Word of God compels us to pray for one another in the community where we live. So agree with us as we pray for each other!
Simply fill out the form below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Simply fill out the form below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Community Prayer List
Calling all Prayer Warriors:
-Pray for BM for healing in his back and upcoming surgeries to go well.
-Pray for RG, he is home from rehab, but still needs healing for his back.
-Pray for SD for healing in her back from a bad accident.
That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You;
that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me
John 17:21
that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me
John 17:21