Do you find yourself estranged from your church? There is a kind of religious apartheid taking place today. Some remain in the clique. Others? We’ve been castaway.
So we tried going “online”, many of us. But perhaps we should stop watching random preacher videos, and meditate (alone) on the presence of God. Are we ready for some real meat – food that feeds the soul instead of hollow, self-serving pronouncements of so-called experts?
Having been raised pentecostal and survived evangelicalism as an adult – and being a witness to the cesspool that currently represents Christianity in its public form – We simply choose to NOT condone what’s happening by not attending. As an older, experienced believer I’m offended by temporal, churchy narcissism. There is no deep state.
Go to church? We simply choose to NOT condone what’s happening by NOT attending.
Politics from the pulpit? Toxic. Science denial, anti-intellectualism. Conspiracy gossip. Overt racism.
The outward manifestation of the “Gifts of the Spirit” has become meaningless – like the white wash Jesus pointed to on the tombs of the Pharisees. They were appealing on the outside but full of rot and decay inside. And many churches aren’t even attempting conceal their contempt for Gospel. State and US Flags on Dais? “Don’t Tread On Me”?!
Then there is the rest of us. Living life as God intended.
Struggling with vices that keep you down? Can’t go to church? Been kicked out?! Do not worry over your “gifts” or the evidence of your “victory” or your apparent status as a believer. Instead surrender everyday, bask in grace, trust Jesus. Mercy covers our flaws like a warm blanket.
Let’s realize: Fear was removed as spiritual motivation when Jesus gave his new commandment. He built upon “Love the Lord” with “love neighbors as we love ourselves.”
Living this out is much harder (and more scary) than being lawfully obedient and temporally flocked with “evidence” of God’s blessing. The law, being easy, comes with pride, self-righteousness and false holiness.
So, pharisees in our age regurgitate dogma and doctrine – effectively hiding behind academic prowess to avoid being touched by genuine pain found in the flock of Christ. Our leaders are obsessed with appearances, money and followers.
Experienced Bereans are hard pressed to ferret meaning out of their lectures and harangues.
So just ask: Where is the evidence of their love? (James 4:6 and Romans 5:2)
Narrow Way Cafe 