I heard one of the D.J. of a local Christian station last week on the way to work, 'slamming' a television/movie star on air. It's not important who it was. What's more important and what had me switching my station to secular music is this sense of disgust with the judgment being poured out more freely than the grace given us as Christians...the very namesake we are called to model.
Sometimes I think the 'church' does little more than just sit back in their grace-filled chapel casting out judgment and hate to the world.
There is nothing like a little effective proselytizing, eh?
This is what I hear....
Yes, Jesus loves you...IF you look and act like us!
No, they can't come in here or receive love because they don't look right or sound right...or because of what they said...or because of that tattoo...or because of their lifestyle...or because of their family...or because we are called to a higher standard!"
I find myself becoming more and more incensed by the whole scene. Not so long ago, this kind of judgment and evil nearly took down a nation. Historically we have faced this type of evil that attempts to rename itself the 'betterment of society'.
Weren't we all just one prayer away from hell?
Was grace enough?
Is grace still enough?
Just wondering...
My husband and I visited a PH church this weekend. It was probably the friendliest church we've been to yet! I would imagine over 2/3 of the congregants made their way to us to greet us and introduce themselves. We attended the early (8:30 am) service as we are both morning people and we were truly among some elders. At 30-40 we were by far the youngest there.
From what I understand from friends who have visited this church, the service is absolutely split. The late service is very contemporary and the early service...very traditional. I didn't mind the hymns and the wonderful wisdom with the congregants. The pastor was absent so we heard a youth pastor speak about David and Goliath...a good message about facing and fighting our giants. We also attended 'Sunday School' and it was a little less interactive than I would like to see...but overall it was a good experience.
Still searching and waiting for church home...
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Sounds like a friendly church but too bad each service is SO different. I used to go to a church like that as well - I enjoyed a early service but it was definitely more conservative & elderly.
We've been talking a lot about Christians BEING the church not GOING to church lately. In fact, the very word Christian means "Christ-like". How many of us can actually call ourselves Christ-like. Christ follower maybe, Christ lover perhaps, but Christ like? The term Christian is used far too lightly by us North Americans.
I was reading bits of the book "Lord Foulgrin's Letters" (like Screwtape Letters) and this one phrase said by a demon stands out in my mind "The next best thing to a damned soul is a neutralized one." How many of us are luke-warm neutral "Christians"?
What is a PH church? All I can think of is Pilgrim Holiness.
You would find the exact same scenario at our church, and we're in the early service - a graying group with a good sprinkling of younger ones.
Keep looking, Kim...sometimes we just have to get where He wants us, the long way around.
We're finally in a church where He is answering our prayers and keeping all His promises...and they were down the street all this time! :)
Kim, I think alot of us are suffering from same ole, same ole, when it comes to churches. Could this be a prelude to revival?????
Praying.
prayers :-)
Hey girl....you are right on the money with the DJ thing! Wonderful witness THAT is, eh? Speaking out, over the airwaves, the judgement and condemnation of another - and the enemy loves it....gives him more power as we come into agreement together with the power of sin in someone's life. THAT is not the power of Love - that is not why the Father sent His son. That IS however how the Pharisee's acted - so atleast we know now, that that group is obviously not dead!
About the church thing - don't give up - keep looking. My hubby and I actually felt God tell us to plunk our little selves down in a church - told us this one wasn't going to permanent,but would be where we'd heal. Sure enough 9 months later, HE whispered in our ears to go to an evening service at a church across town. Well, to be honest, the worship and the preaching were great - the people a bit 'wild'...- but God said' Welcome to your new home." A few years later....we were pastoring the place!Go figure! Anyway..the point is...just keep open..stay flexible..and He'll lead you where you'll get fed..and grow! It might not be where you expected to end up..but it will be even better!
So true! Great post. We've been homechurching for years now after comin' out of being the very Christians yer talking about.... (((((HUGS))))) and prayers for your search! ~sandi
Hello, It's been awhile but you truly hit the nail on the head. I too have the same problem with those who claim to be christians. Isn't the line in the song "They will know we are Christians by our love"? Anyway, I hang out with my folks and their friends. It's funny that most of the people I know at church are in their 80's but i love them just the same.
Sorry it's been so long. Life got in the way!
I believe in grace. We were saved by grace.
I really hope you find a "home" in a church soon. You will know it is the right place as soon as you find it. Keep trusting in God. He will lead you.
Sorry I haven't been around for a while - Istill pop in nd read even if I don't get time to comment.
Missing you! Hoping you're okay.
I know what you mean about the judgment we hear from Christians all the time. Awhile my husband and I were discussing the sermon after church. My husband thought it was a good message but I pointed out how the pastor had encouraged us, in a subtle way, to judge others. Even to harshly judge them. It was so well-hidden in the message that my husband had missed it (as has probably most of the congregation) but once I pointed it out, the light went on and he completely saw it. We both could not believe that a supposedly mature Christian would stand up in front of church and encourage his flock to judge others. Eeek. It is all over the place. Thanks for calling our attention to this... we need to watch for it, we need to be discerning. Wise as serpents and all that.
Have a great weekend!
Benn missing your posts. I hope everything is going well in your life. You are in my prayers.
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