Sordid Or Solid?

The Church and all the people in it.

We are a part of a supernatural spiritual building called the Body of Christ. It's called that because that's what it is. We are His Hands, His Feet, His Voice. His Body acting according to His influence upon us His servants. 

Jesus sits at the right hand of God physically. He is our intercessor. He is awaiting His return to earth. Until then we are the instruments of His actions on earth. He lives in us through the Holy Spirit. We have "power of attorney" to use His Name in all legal matters on ministry such as casting out demons, healing the sick, preaching the Word, and handling all affairs including finances.

Man, in his arrogant quest at times to get out in front of Jesus and usurp authority from Him and run the Church his own way, will always end in failure and embarrassment to the Body of Christ.

Just like a broken leg effects the entire body, so does one rampant act of stupidity and disobedience effect the entire Body of Christ.

We are stuck with the actions of men and women who thought they were so brilliant and intelligent and spiritual, that they ran out in front of Jesus and thwarted the Grace that is given to them.

At whose door should we lay this sin (and make no mistake, it is indeed sinful)?

Paul had already warned us in Scripture:

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (Amplified Bible)

"For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, (4) And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions."

That time is here folks.

I have found that some of the largest mega style churches have the most sordid of doctrines at the core of their teaching. I said some, not all.

I have also found that some of the smallest churches have at their core the most solid and uncompromised adherence to the Truth of the gospel. Again, some, not all.

Pause and ask yourself..."Is my church sordid or solid?"

This "phenomena" is not without explanation. It is my opinion that the spiritually shallow do not want to be bothered with the study and searching for the depth of the Truth for their own lives. They would rather simply "feel" like they have been in church. In other words, they like the "feel" of what they think constitutes the church going experience. Choirs, orchestras, media, lights, cameras. action, socializing, etc. Emotional instead of spiritual.

They will revel in the glitz and merely tolerate the message. And even the message had better be charged up with video, pictures, costumes, acting, plays, to support it and hold the tiny attention span of those who are viewing Sunday as an event rather than a life changing experience that will last long after they leave the sanctuary. They also like getting lost in the sea of people and never have to answer the question by the pastor of "How is your spiritual life going?"

I am sick to death of reading in my local papers the scandals that have swept through some of the churches in my community. I am sick to death of having my Lord and Savior's Name dragged around through some of the most sordid affairs of sex, violence, thievery, and extortion. I am sick to death of sitting by and watching the ignorant but often well meaning being fleeced and pickpocketed.

Is this the Church of the Living Christ? Or a Hollywood soap opera?

God help us. Paul said the time is coming. Let me tell you friends, it has arrived.

At whose door lies the blame?

We are all responsible. We are responsible when we blindly write checks in the name of Jesus and put them in the hands of cheating lying pastors. We are responsible when we look at church as a place to "hide out" rather than be actively involved. We are responsible when we don't speak out against the frivolity and arrogance of men and women who have brazenly and sinfully used the Body of Christ for their own advantage. 

It's not "this church" or "that church". It's not "my church" or "your church".

There is only THE CHURCH and we who are the Living Stones placed into It's foundation must work together to ensure its trustworthiness and honor.

If we will not stand up and protect what is a living breathing organism, and not a corporation gone crazy, then we will stand by and watch it achieve the complete opposite of it's intention to expand as more souls are added.

God help us all. Christian, activate your gift of discernment.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

www.reallifect.com