As I was driving by a busy intersection the other day, I saw one of those yard-sign type advertisements. It was advertising for a local church. It completely got my attention, which is what advertising is supposed to accomplish, right? But this sign made me mad!
The sign read, “CHURCH WITHOUT THE BS. (BS Highlighted in red). _ _ _ COMMUNITY CHURCH-Real People, Real Community, Real Life.” I read it again…Yes, it was advertising for a church, and yes it did say “BS.” For those readers of this blog from other countries etc., BS is an abbreviation—the meaning of which you may have to google as it is considered vulgar language. As well, in my opinion, not appropriate for church advertising.
I’m going to say right off the top, that I was offended personally. Why? Because when you are saying your church is not full of BS, it as well implies that the other churches in your community are. Obviously, they believed this was the case so strongly that they used it as their angle of advertising…their catch phrase. Incidentally, I did check-out the church’s website to insure this was not some rogue parishioner throwing up signs. Sure enough, it’s also on their website.
I realize that there are some who are reading this right now and are thinking, “Yeah, I totally get what they are saying, and I agree.” In fact, some of you may be saying, “That is exactly why I stopped going to church.” That is the harsh reality of this topic and is exactly why I decided to blog on it today. The over-all health of the church and its effectiveness are primary topics of my personal prayer life. Why? Because like many of you, although I grew up going to church, church was merely another social gathering. Something that I did because of tradition. It also brought a sense of belonging. But as I grew older, I became very hypocritical toward the church. But then I had an amazing encounter with Jesus Christ. He spoke to my heart, and I answered. My life literally flipped! I realized that I needed to be either all in, or all out. That was years ago now, but today…I am still far from perfect but striving to be more like Jesus every day. As a Christian, I rely on my relationship with Jesus. I receive wisdom and understanding from His written word, and I believe it when He says we should be plugged into a local body of believers.
Jesus instituted the church. He also gave us instructions on how to follow in obedience through the church to this day. In fact, He equates the church to a marriage covenant between himself and us (the church). He is also the head of the church (Eph 5:23). He gave Himself up for it (vs 25) We, as Christians are actually the bride of Christ (see 1 Cor 12:27, Rev, 19:7-9,21:9, John, 3:29, Eph 5:32, Isaiah, 54:5). Jesus, just prior to His crucifixion, said these words:
“That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one. I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” John 17: 20-23
This is why I absolutely hate it when Christian churches point their finger at other churches. Jesus’ prayer was for unity. We must learn to bend our hearts in the same way.
Days have gone by now and I’m seeing these signs on other street intersections as well. However, my reaction has changed somewhat as I’m over being of personally offended. Furthermore, I have decided to give this church the benefit of doubt and hope that they are not intentionally trying to disgrace other churches. That said, they certainly are not being intentional about sending a message of unity.
I also realize that part of what bothers me about that sign is that there is some truth behind it. Although I do not condone the language and the division that it creates, I realize that there are many churches that are more or less going through religious motions rather than truly hungering for God’s presence and the leading of His Holy Spirit. This, however, is nothing new. In fact, Jesus dealt very harshly against those that were merely “religious” in His day.
Throughout history there have been various religions and doctrines established, Christian and non-Christian alike. Don’t forget, the Christian church has been through a reformation. As well, the last century or so has seen many doctrinal teachings come and go. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however it often resulted in extreme swings. When one teaching was finally discovered to be out of balance, the proverbial pendulum swung to the extreme opposite direction in another church or denomination. This is human nature, not God’s nature. And we must learn from it and press forward. We cannot throw our hands up in the air and retreat. We must press into God and continue to be the church. It’s certainly not God’s fault when people lose their focus on Him.
In recent history (10-15 years) I have witnessed some leaders leave their evangelical backgrounds as they believe they have “emerged” from preexisting ideologies and church structures. In fact, this movements website explains “We began meeting because many of us were disillusioned and disenfranchised by the ecclesial institutions of the late 20th century.” They claim that other Christian leaders have not changed with the times and are not forward thinkers like they are. Hence, they have disconnected altogether with all forms of systematic theology. Claiming that post-modern thinking trumps even the authority of the written word of God. Therefore, they have relinquished Gods Word down to merely a historical document seeming that it is no longer relevant to the current social system. In short, they believe the Christian Church has been living in deception, while they have superior insight and wisdom.
Can I remind you that today, the world as we see it and all of today’s modern ways of thinking…will be history to the next generation? Generations have come and gone from the beginning of time, and so goes the changes of the society and culture around us. There have been different religions and even different doctrines within the Christian Church that have sprung-up over the divisions of those who have in some way thought themselves to be superior post-modern thinkers. So once again, this is truly nothing new.
Many leaders and followers of these new movements have sadly reacted to a negative personal experience or the experiences of others in leadership, which has caused them to develop yet another way…another doctrine. I have watched this occur in one degree or another throughout my Christian life. Many do not intentionally plan to be divisive, but they slowly slip into critical thinking of leadership and begin to focus on the faults of others (particularly leaders), and before long they too are distancing themselves from the very thing that Jesus cried out for…unity in the Church.
Does this mean that we should not be critical thinkers? Absolutely not. In fact, Paul tells us that we should work out our own salvation (Phil 2:12), and that we should actually test spirits and doctrines (1 John 4:1, 1 Thes 5:21) If we are to test anything however, we must first have a standard in which we can rely on for truth and understanding. The Bible is God’s inerrant, infallible, and authoritative revelation of himself to humanity. The writer of Hebrews warned the church about “diverse and strange teachings.” As well, Paul warned Timothy about accepting “different doctrine” (Heb 13:9, 1 Tim 1:3, 6:3). I don’t care how modern of a thinker you think you are, or how smart the leader is that you are following—if it does not line up with Scripture—you are chasing the wind friend. I caution you, beware of anyone who claims to have another gospel, or those who are bringing disunity and destructive heresies, while exalting their own brand of religion. Their criticisms are driven by pride and eventually will promote self and seek to have a following.
Am I saying that the church does not need to be relevant? Not at all, the church absolutely needs to be culturally relevant. Well over half (63%) of our population today is comprised of Millennials or Gen-Z’s. Gone are the days of liturgical styles of worship. We are in the technological age, let’s use it for God’s glory. We must be culturally relevant but also contextually real. The way the message is delivered and the way we minister to one another may change, but we dare not change the message. God’s Word has and will remain relevant from generation to generation. Once again, we must have a standard. If not, what will the next generation put their trust in? Will the Bible be their standard or will culture, social norms, government, etc. dictate their lives?
Are you tired of religion? Good, Jesus was and is too. He had every reason to be offended. His own people crucified him, and those closest to him doubted and even denied him in the end. Can I just challenge you to get your mind and negative past experiences with the Christian church off of people? We all have short comings and are a work in progress. No church (the people, not the building) is perfect. Put your eyes on Jesus. Seek His presence, and trust in His Word. Be a grace giver. He has created us all to be members of the same body. We can agree and support one another on the essentials of our faith, while still leaving room to differ on the nonessentials or secondary matters?The bottom line is that we strive for unity as a global church of Christ followers. After all, when we get to heaven, nobody is going to care what denomination we came from, only those things of which were built on the foundation of Christ will matter (1 Cor 3:14-15).
The Church of Jesus Christ is the most powerful force upon this earth. It will prevail against all forms of darkness, all criticisms, all liars, and deceivers. As Christians our greatest days are ahead of us as we focus and rely upon Jesus—the head of His church. It is absolutely amazing when you belong to a family of believers who are focused on seeking after God’s presence and serving others. We are meant to be encouragers and givers of grace. Let’s pray for and encourage our local pastors and leaders. Let’s speak blessings upon our churches and hold ourselves accountable as true followers of Christ. As a reminder, the enemy’s only hope is to oppose the church and bring discouragement and deception for as long as he can. I’m determined to shut him down and to bring honor to Jesus, knowing that it is Jesus’ desire is that we (His church…His body) be in unity.
God bless you friends as we celebrate Thanksgiving 2019. As we give thanks, let’s remember to lift up all churches in our communities. I’m so thankful for grace, but let’s be givers of it—not just takers. Let’s be determined to have an attitude of gratitude and truly represent (re-present) Jesus in our lives. God is so good, so faithful, and He alone is worthy of our praise.
Blessed by the Best!
Mark
See You in the River 