A Church Recipe for Disaster
[Disclaimer–this piece of work is a bit rough,
It could use some editing and some suggestions.
It is open to correction, but available to read
such as it is in its current state.]
Is this a touchy subject?
You Bet!
Should it be discussed?
Absolutely.
But To be clear: Any criticism of God’s Church,
Should absolutely be based in God’s Word,
Not on man’s opinion.
If anyone tries to be a critic of His Church outside of His Word, he is putting himself into hot water.
But if he is simply pointing out God’s Word to the people in God’s Church, he is performing the ministry of FAITHFULNESS.
To be upfront: God is quite clear about a multitude of criticisms of his beloved bride, and the imposters in it. He is careful to describe His requirements, that have often been historically ignored, and the fruits He deems necessary– by not only the modern day church, but even the beginning in the first century church.
There were deep and systemic problems in the Early Church, and God gave his children time to repent, but after choosing not to repent would come a time of strict judgment– according to his own testimony (See Revelation chapter 2 3).
Revelation 2:21-23 (KJV)
21 And I gave her [time and …] space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
These same promises and conditions apply to us, as they applied to the first century church; The same blessings and commendations will be received, as well as the same curses (or judgments) and condemnations will be applied to The Modern Church, that were applied to the First Century Church.
The Big Problem
If we look at the Big Picture, it will show us the Big Problem God has with the Church.
The Big Problem really started when men started to appoint leaders by other men (without the leading of the Holy Spirit, often with financial gain in mind).
When men choose not to seek God, and reject God’s Leadership, and not to follow the Holy Spirit–then, The Spirit of God lets them go. The Holy Ghost will separate Himself from such men, and let them go their own way. This is the greatest tragedy in the history of the Church, but it happens every day.
That in itself is the greatest fault, and the worst indictment
that could happen to any Church–
To be led by men instead of the Holy Spirit.
Every other ill, false work, false salvation, false representation of God, false worship ministry, false conversion ministry, and every demonic influence begins when certain men begin to lead the Church, who are not filled to overflowing with the Spirit of God.
Remember the Original Commission:
Acts 6:3-4 (KJV)
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you [choose] seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
The command and the precedent set is this: To [choose] seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.
When men are filled with themselves, with their own need to be heard, with their own need to be recognized (filled with self, filled with ambition, filled with the need to be rich, the need to be famous, the need to be successful, the need to have a large congregation, etc.), they are not submitted, and do not submit to the infallible Holy Spirit of God, but get their leadership cues from following other fallible men, and often corrupt men with false motives for being in leadership in the Body of Christ–in the first place.
As goes the shepherd, so go the sheep.
If the pastor is focused on money/greed and materialism, the Worship of Mammon, being famous, successful, etc., how can he be a humble, truthful, holy, pure, righteous example and servant to the flock, becoming the servant of all, as God has commanded him to be.
Matthew 20:25-28 (KJV)
25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
The Early Church in the Book of Acts was fully dedicated to the Following and Fulfilling the Ministry of the Holy Spirit in their midst.
They were devoted to doing the Will of the Father from the Heart, keeping the Commandments of Christ was not an option, but a necessary duty and privilege to serve Christ with one’s whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
In fact, there was a general consensus of fear among the common people to join the Church, due to the incredible purity and power, holiness and authority given by the Holy Spirit to correct the Church, when it was starting to veer off the Path of Truth and honesty with God. Hence the Testimony of Peter concerning, Ananias and Sapphira, who died before Peter instantly due to their both choosing to lie to the Holy Spirit. (See Acts 5)
Acts 2:42-45 (KJV)
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Acts 5:11 (KJV)
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
Acts 5:12-13 (KJV) 12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. 13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
Back in the Book of Acts it was a dangerous thing to join yourself to the Church. The Holy Ghost was present. He didn’t allow lying and false pretenses to go on in the middle of the Church. You didn’t go to church unless you were quite serious about growing in the Word of Christ.
For one thing it was dangerous. The church was under attack from Jerusalem’s Religious Rulers. Putting men and women into prison. Stoning men like Stephen. And abusing many others. So there was fear from the outside from other religious leaders. But there was also fear from the inside. You could drop dead on a dime, for telling a lie. That’s some serious quick correction, not everyone was ready to handle.
To close out this point: God is looking for Pure Holy Ghost Led People who love Him, are obedient to Him, and fully willing to serve the Church above themselves for their entire lives–to become leaders in His Church. Those are the marks of a true godly leader, one who sacrifices his comforts to bring comfort, light, revelation, and spiritual nutrition to everyone he meets, every day of the week, not just on Sundays, not just in a prepared speech, but through daily actions that bear God’s Mark, God’s Signature Fruit. Fruit that will last, aka eternal fruit. And to produce such fruit we need truthful, honest, Holy Ghost men filled with Wisdom in the Word of God, who are willing to lay down their lives for those in the Body of Christ, who are preparing to become the Bride of Christ, holy and pure and clothed in whiten linen garments that shine as bright as the sun.
Revelation 19:7-8 (KJV)
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.