Prayer Board Requests - What's missing in church today?

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What's missing in church today?
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Posted by: eagle4him

Matthew 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach and say,
" Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

In the NIV, NKJ and NASB versions of the Bile, the word "repent" appears approximately 70-75 times.

In the "Message" version of the Bilbe, that same word appears only 2 times in the New Testament, and included only two more times as part of repentance. Only 34 times is repent or repentance even mentioned at all.

No wonder repentance is not part of the sermon included in most "mega-churches' today.

What is offered in exchange by these churches is "connecting" with other "seekers" in exchange for "repenting and turning away from your sinful life"!

When Jesus comes back for His bride, will He find a spotless virgin, or a painted up 'hussie'?

Posted by: BrendaMagana

In some Churches here in Germany the word "repent and turn away from your sinful life" has completely vanished from Sermon texts.

Some Pastors are busy baby-sitting the Congregation with very mellow words that their itching ears yearn for.

I suppose most of them are so scared that the handful of people who attend Church might vanish altogether if they if they keep on wailing repentance.

Mighty Pastor Jesus Christ, empower the Your assistant Pastors here on earth with courage to teach the Word as contained in the Bible without fear of loosing or of offending the Congregation.

Fill Your Church with people that hunger and thirst for the Virgin Truth as encapsulated in the Holy Writ- the Bible!

In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Posted by: eagle4him

Part of the problem with churches today is that they are run by a Pastor/CEO.

Nowhere in the scriptures does it say that a church is to be run only by one Pastor.

In fact, the very last thing Jesus did before He left the earth was to establish church government. These are called the "ascension gifts".

Ephesians 4:11 (The five-fold Ministry)

"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers."

Posted by: Rachel R

The word 'Pastor' eliminates committee.

God always deals with the single individual and places them in authority.

Authority of the individual, ONE ear to hear from God, is the basis of most of the mega churches.

If there is anything 'wrong' with churches, it is that too many of them are still run by committee, and no one is in obedience or submission.

God chooses one leader and to defy them is to defy God.

I know. I know. I STILL have a hard time with it.

But I really believe it is true.

Rachel R

Posted by: guardianangel

One thing that I have noticed in the "megachurches" is that the prosperity message is rampant... or am I imagining this? I UNDERSTAND that we must be prosperous to spread the message- it takes funding to spread the work.

But without my repentance, I would never have sought to spread ANY message. I would have split the gates of Hell wide open.

I believe that there is too little focus on the basic message and the good news. No one wants to admit that they were ever in NEED of God's grace and forgiveness these days.

There are still times that I have to keep my tongue from getting the rest of me in a world of trouble.

Posted by: Rachel R

I just realized that you are saying that mega churches are a BAD thing.

How is that possible?

God doing an enormous work that the church has cried out for for years?

How can that be a bad thing?

And when leadership is following God, they are telling the people what God's message is.

God tells them what the focus is to be.

Are they to say, 'this seems unbalanced to me, I will correct it'?

I think God has a pretty good idea what the message of the moment is.

Rachel R

Posted by: guardianangel

Rachel,
In my humble opinion-
It seems to me that the megachurches are similar to the "Wal Mart" or "McDonald's" concepts of religiosity- a form of religion- not necessarily the love of God, but a business model presentation of Christianity for profit. I think that Jesus showed what He thought of religiosity in the temple when he overturned the tables.
That is the problem that I see with the conglomerates (megachurches)- they function somewhat as a large business that has lost sight of its original purpose for existence.

Posted by: Christian Commando

Alright now hehe, look, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Mega Churches. God saw a need and leaders and people to fulfill a need. If a smaller Church grew into a Mega one, its because of the presence and movement of God by the Holy Spirit in that Church felt and experioenced, then word spread of it.

Whether its a big or small Church, none are perfect. They all have thier faults, so please lets keep this discussion in context of how God would have it be discussed, in a Christ-like manner.

Secondly- Christ Himself established the Church type system, by the fact He was the leader and disciples the followers- (members). After Christ left, these members, elected as Church Deacons, as it were, went out as commanded, and spread the Gospel and message of God's life for people, to the distance they could reach, in the mean time, continuing to establish the "Church" foundational system wherever enough converts were found to gather them together first in homes, then later in regular buildings either taken over or built for them to praise, worship God and hear leaders preach God's Word.

Third- Do not speak against the Church system not being of God, knowing God had the Jews construct a portable Temple as commanded them by God, thru their leader Moses.

I remember a poster here on annointed about 6-8 months back had asked who had built the first Church, as they were discussing it with another who argued the Catholics did. So I told them of the Scriptures showing the measurements and design inside and out of the Temple God commanded Moses to have the First Chosen build way back in Old Test. times.

If Churches are not to have Pastors as the leader, what then of the Scripture where God, thru Paul declares there are some called as Apostles, Pastors, Bishops, Deacons etc by God?

Then I read retorical remarks about the "Prosperity message" conflict. I suggest we all be more careful how we speak about doctrine taught. Why?

Back when God's Word was flourishing in the early centuries, along came the "dark ages" and God's Word or any type of religious doctrine was quelled almost completely. But, God brought about a reformation of Christianity. Thru the process of Its growth, we find times or "eras", where God appears to have specific messages taught thru chosen people, such as John Wesley, Calvin, plus many more.

Each of these people, chosen by God, had brought to light, particular aspects of God's Word that were apparently not paid enough attention to at those chosen times.

The only place man failed with suh things, is when certain groups started arguing over which one was right or which doctrine more important. They all are equally important and should be collectively taught as God, thru Christ had taught it.

One of the major faults any Church can have, is when the Pastor or leadership under the Pastor, moves more towards worldly and or selfish thinking and operating in thier service to God on a Church Board, to a point they sit and are unable to come to good sound God guided decisions for the operatring of the Church Blessed to them by God.

And you can see that in the first Churches the Apostles started as well. From one problem allowed in, it can lead to more. It is a natural part of man's dealing with his "carnal nature" and satan's ability to manipulate it thru influence.

Remembr this as well, even as God can call specific people as Apostles, Bishops, Pastors, Deacons etc, so also can God call specific people to concentrate on specific parts of His Word where something important God wants the "Body" to hear and learn about needs to be presented and shared.

Ok, maybe they don't share as much about the rest of the Word of God, so what? Think about it people, Benny Hnn is one of the most prominant Pastors God Heals thru, Billy Grahman was a very well known all around Evangelist, Tim LaHaye, Hal Linsey and some others are prominant in Prophecy and Prophetic teaching.

But, do you hear those ministers speaking of all of God's Word continually in ministry, no, they share it to an extent, but that is not thier main calling, so don't come down on them if appear to lack in some area, when we don't recognize thier main "Calling" of God to ministry.

Look at me as well, called by God at age 25 as an evangelistic minister of which I di that till age 45. Now, God provided me with the basic foundation for preaching and teaching in most all areas of His Word, yet, God has only given me more extensive knowledge in some of them. In essence, I can apply what God has taught me to an extent in most areas, but to a great one in a few of them.

This don't mean I'm bad, out of line with God or wrong to the extent of what God has taught me and leave further teaching and Preaching to those God has specifically called in those areas.

I pray this helps!!

God Bless!!

Posted by: JG

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christian Commando

look, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Mega Churches. God saw a need and leaders and people to fulfill a need. If a smaller Church grew into a Mega one, its because of the presence and movement of God by the Holy Spirit in that Church felt and experioenced, then word spread of it.

Whether its a big or small Church, none are perfect. They all have thier faults, so please lets keep this discussion in context of how God would have it be discussed, in a Christ-like manner.

God Bless!!

Dear Brian:

THANK YOU
for such a wise word.

We should not complain about the Gospel being preached.
God has made a church for everyone.

If you like big
God has made it.

If you like small
God has made it.

If you like music
God has made it.

If you like prayer
God has made it.

If you like repentance
God has made it.

If you like Holy Spirit
God has made it.

If you like noisy
God has made it.

If you like quit
God has made it.

Do not complain for the churches you do not like
Find the ones you do

If you can not find one
Then let God make it through you.

Be part of the answer not the problem.

Posted by: BrendaMagana

Amos 8:11-13 says:

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.

Spiritual famine is coming. Lord Jesus, please prepare us adequately.

Posted by: eagle4him

Have we become a society of church-goers that are like the story of The Emperor's New Clothes? Everyone is afraid to say what is wrong, because of what people might think? What is the standard by which we measure what is right and wrong? Hopefully it should be the word of God, and not the traditions of man.

Here's the story of the Emperor.

The Emperor's New Clothes

Many years ago there lived an emperor who loved beautiful new clothes so much that he spent all his money on being finely dressed. His only interest was in going to the theater or in riding about in his carriage where he could show off his new clothes. He had a different costume for every hour of the day. Indeed, where it was said of other kings that they were at court, it could only be said of him that he was in his dressing room!

One day two swindlers came to the emperor's city. They said that they were weavers, claiming that they knew how to make the finest cloth imaginable. Not only were the colors and the patterns extraordinarily beautiful, but in addition, this material had the amazing property that it was to be invisible to anyone who was incompetent or stupid.

"It would be wonderful to have clothes made from that cloth," thought the emperor. "Then I would know which of my men are unfit for their positions, and I'd also be able to tell clever people from stupid ones." So he immediately gave the two swindlers a great sum of money to weave their cloth for him.

They set up their looms and pretended to go to work, although there was nothing at all on the looms. They asked for the finest silk and the purest gold, all of which they hid away, continuing to work on the empty looms, often late into the night.

"I would really like to know how they are coming with the cloth!" thought the emperor, but he was a bit uneasy when he recalled that anyone who was unfit for his position or stupid would not be able to see the material. Of course, he himself had nothing to fear, but still he decided to send someone else to see how the work was progressing.

"I'll send my honest old minister to the weavers," thought the emperor. He's the best one to see how the material is coming. He is very sensible, and no one is more worthy of his position than he.

So the good old minister went into the hall where the two swindlers sat working at their empty looms. "Goodness!" thought the old minister, opening his eyes wide. "I cannot see a thing!" But he did not say so.

The two swindlers invited him to step closer, asking him if it wasn't a beautiful design and if the colors weren't magnificent. They pointed to the empty loom, and the poor old minister opened his eyes wider and wider. He still could see nothing, for nothing was there. "Gracious" he thought. "Is it possible that I am stupid? I have never thought so. Am I unfit for my position? No one must know this. No, it will never do for me to say that I was unable to see the material."

"You aren't saying anything!" said one of the weavers.

"Oh, it is magnificent! The very best!" said the old minister, peering through his glasses. "This pattern and these colors! Yes, I'll tell the emperor that I am very satisfied with it!"

"That makes us happy!" said the two weavers, and they called the colors and the unusual pattern by name. The old minister listened closely so that he would be able say the same things when he reported back to the emperor, and that is exactly what he did.

The swindlers now asked for more money, more silk, and more gold, all of which they hid away. Then they continued to weave away as before on the empty looms.

The emperor sent other officials as well to observe the weavers' progress. They too were startled when they saw nothing, and they too reported back to him how wonderful the material was, advising him to have it made into clothes that he could wear in a grand procession. The entire city was alive in praise of the cloth. "Magnifique! Nysseligt! Excellent!" they said, in all languages. The emperor awarded the swindlers with medals of honor, bestowing on each of them the title Lord Weaver.

The swindlers stayed up the entire night before the procession was to take place, burning more than sixteen candles. Everyone could see that they were in a great rush to finish the emperor's new clothes. They pretended to take the material from the looms. They cut in the air with large scissors. They sewed with needles but without any thread. Finally they announced, "Behold! The clothes are finished!"

The emperor came to them with his most distinguished cavaliers. The two swindlers raised their arms as though they were holding something and said, "Just look at these trousers! Here is the jacket! This is the cloak!" and so forth. "They are as light as spider webs! You might think that you didn't have a thing on, but that is the good thing about them."

"Yes," said the cavaliers, but they couldn't see a thing, for nothing was there.

"Would his imperial majesty, if it please his grace, kindly remove his clothes." said the swindlers. "Then we will fit you with the new ones, here in front of the large mirror."

The emperor took off all his clothes, and the swindlers pretended to dress him, piece by piece, with the new ones that were to be fitted. They took hold of his waist and pretended to tie something about him. It was the train. Then the emperor turned and looked into the mirror.

"Goodness, they suit you well! What a wonderful fit!" they all said. "What a pattern! What colors! Such luxurious clothes!"

"The canopy to be carried above your majesty awaits outside," said the grandmaster of ceremonies.

"Yes, I am ready!" said the emperor. "Don't they fit well?" He turned once again toward the mirror, because it had to appear as though he were admiring himself in all his glory.

The chamberlains who were to carry the train held their hands just above the floor as if they were picking up the train. As they walked they pretended to hold the train high, for they could not let anyone notice that they could see nothing.

The emperor walked beneath the beautiful canopy in the procession, and all the people in the street and in their windows said, "Goodness, the emperor's new clothes are incomparable! What a beautiful train on his jacket. What a perfect fit!" No one wanted it to be noticed that he could see nothing, for then it would be said that he was unfit for his position or that he was stupid. None of the emperor's clothes had ever before received such praise.

"But he doesn't have anything on!" said a small child.

"Good Lord, let us hear the voice of an innocent child!" said the father, and whispered to another what the child had said.

"A small child said that he doesn't have anything on!"

Finally everyone was saying, "He doesn't have anything on!"

The emperor shuddered, for he knew that they were right, but he thought, "The procession must go on!" He carried himself even more proudly, and the chamberlains walked along behind carrying the train that wasn't there.

Posted by: JG

Quote:

Originally Posted by eagle4him

Have we become a society of church-goers that are like the story of The Emperor's New Clothes? Everyone is afraid to say what is wrong, because of what people might think? What is the standard by which we measure what is right and wrong? Hopefully it should be the word of God, and not the traditions of man.

Here's the story of the Emperor.

The Emperor's New Clothes

Dear Bruce

I do not think a fairy tale is the proper place to go to for your foundation text.

No one is afraid to show sin
No one is afraid to point out the pain in society today.
But why do we find it necessary to pick on the body of Christ.

As I said above our most Precious Savior had given us this buffet so we do have a place to go.

When you go to the buffet pick the food you like but don't complain about the food you do not like,

If you do not like spinach or broccoli that does not mean the buffet should ban them because you do not like them

The Lord has provided places for every one of us to be a part of.

Let us pray for them
Let us support the ones we like
Let us love the rest

And let the world see the Love we have for one another.

Sometimes I am afraid for those of you,
who always find something wrong in body of Christ.

Where are the people who see what is right and good and wonderful?

Are we upset because we feel rejected
Are we upset because we don't fit in

Lets look for the places we do fit into
and help build them into a great house of God.

Posted by: GODS Grace

Bruce, we all get weary at times, but God has us in this city "Austin" for a reason. As you know, most Austinites choose not to attend Church at all, instead they head for the lake. We must resist the Austin "boast of pride" liberty goddess over the capitol, wierdness "Keep Austin Wierd" philosophy of and being the most educated people per capita. So, we believers need to stand together as brothers and sisters. Our church does preach the power of the cross, but sometimes pastors need to be lifted up in prayer and encouraged.
Yes, I grieve over these things you mentioned in our city as well...(the absence of the fear of the Lord). We must weep before the Lord in intercession and warfare. He has the power to convict and change hearts.

Lift your eyes up to the hills,

from which salvation comes.

Our help comes from the Lord!

Posted by: monis1013

Dear Rachel, I do not want to disrespect you in any way, but the Bible says Christ is the head of the church, not "Pastor". "The bible talks about "Overseers" and "Elders", not "Overseer" and "Elder". I have seen way too many pastors leading hundreds to hell by teaching them that it is okay to keep sinning (All things are permissable but not all are beneficial) They themselves admit to being in adulterous affairs, drugs, and other things.

Posted by: Rachel R

Dear monis1013,

Not offended AT ALL! The point is the exchange of thoughts and ideas, and I love to do that.

I really know what you are saying.

One of my early childhood memories was the night that the phone rang and a deacon called my Dad to come to the church.

We hadn't been called late at night since the church was on fire! (It burned to the ground, but we had worked hard and built a brick building to replace it.)

When we got to that little building that people had worked for years to build and pay for, the Pastor had abandoned his wife and four children and left town with the church secretary.

She also had a husband and children.

It was quite a mess.

But I have to say, I visited that little church a few years ago, and it is still there and still tiny and still going on. There had been no growth in nearly fifty years.

How much potential for serving that neighborhood did those two people kill that day? Only God knows.

You are right. The only reason that church went on were those Deacons and their wives on their knees crying sobbing tears as they called out to God that night.

They got up off their knees and went back to work for Jesus.

So, I really believe in shared leadership. I really do.

Rachel R

Posted by: eagle4him

Getting back to the original point, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!"

Yes, it is nearer than most of us think. Maybe a day to look forward to or a day to be feared, depending on your relationship with Jesus.

Whether or not you hear this in church or on a prayer board, or on cnn, REPENT!

Salvation doesn't happen without repentance.

Revival doesn't happen without repentance.

All the other "disputable matters" are mute points!

Posted by: Christian Commando

Quite true eagle4him, but as with any doctrine, there must also be clarifications at times, when particular points appear to be misunderstood.

Monis1013-

I also mean no disrespect to you, but do need to point out some facts here that appear to have been overlooked. I suggest, instead of repeating myself, I ask you to look back thru our earlier posts to see where respoces we have given, prove otherwise, to the responces you gave RachelR.

God Bless!!

Posted by: GODS Grace

Brian posted..."with any doctrine, there must also be clarifications at times, when particular points appear to be misunderstood."
These pangolin swings are common.
"David McCullough in his book MORNINGS ON HORSEBACK tells this story about young Teddy Roosevelt: “Mittie (his mother) had found he was so afraid of the Madison Square Church that he refused to set foot inside if alone. He was terrified, she discovered, of something called the 'zeal.’ It was crouched in the dark corners of the church ready to jump at him, he said. When she asked what zeal might be, he said he was not sure, but thought it was probably a large animal like an alligator or a dragon. He had heard the minister read about if from the bible. Using a concordance, she read him those passages containing the word zeal until suddenly, very excited, he told her to stop. The line was from the Book of John, 2:17: ‘And his disciples remembered that it was written, ‘The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up”’”
People are still justifiably afraid to come near the “zeal” of the Lord, for they are perfectly aware it could “eat them up” if they aren’t one of His. Our Lord is good, but He isn’t safe. Source unknown"
I posted this story because it seems to me that you strongly think that the messages you hear "in churches" are "too soft". People need to "repent" and all you hear are messages that "draw" people to God. In the end, don’t we want God to change and transform lives? Not just lay a guilt trip on them. People stopped going to church’s that preached exclusively "repent or burn" or "o what a helpless worm am i". "Hells fire" repentance preachers began asking, "What about the change...Are "fear tactics" the only way to see God transform lives? God's "good news" message gives hope. I believe that's why it's palatable for today’s listeners, but the message is intended to bring transformation.
Secondly, we have God promises that His word will not pass away. It will be preached! Pastor Jerry encouraged you to find a church that you are palatable with... in this regard...
May I please share…Be encouraged because God is speaking to others about some of the thing you’ve mentioned here...

Check out this email from Rich Joiner (see bold, Please do not miss the message of hope at the end of the article)...
Rick Joyner's Word for the Week - Week 26 June 26, 2007The real strength of any church will be seen through how strong the people are, not how great the preacher or pastor is. One of the greatest weaknesses in the modern church is that the people are rarely being equipped and released to do the work of the ministry as is mandated in Ephesians 4:11-16. We can therefore also expect its fulfillment to produce the strongest churches. Because the following Scriptures are the most concise and articulate of the purpose of true ministry in the church and its result, let's read it again before proceeding.
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ.

As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ,
from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
It has proven very easy for ministries to get distracted by building programs instead of people, but when the ministry of the church becomes a true New Testament ministry, equipping the people to do the ministry, we can then expect the church to attain:

The unity of the faith
The knowledge of the Son of God
Maturity
The measure of the stature that belongs to the fullness of Christ

We will then also see a church so strong and mature that:

It will no longer be childish or immature
It will not be tossed about by waves
It will not be carried away with every wind of doctrine
It will not be deceived by the trickery of men, their craftiness, or scheming
It will speak the truth in love
It will grow up in all aspects into Christ
The whole body will be held together by the joints, or joining of the different parts
Every part will be functioning
The body will keep on growing and building itself up in love

We can go on wearing ourselves and the people out with different plans, strategies, and projects, but this is the only one that is going to work to build the body into what it is called to be. So how do we practically equip the saints?
First, equipping is the fourth stage of the process, so this implies that the other three stages have already been accomplished, as the last one will be accomplished. These stages are:

Mobilizing
Teaching
Training
Equipping
Deploying

Most churches never get far past the first stage. They may begin to teach the people, but few go on to actually train them, and there is a difference between teaching and training. As a flight instructor, I would take time to teach the student what we were going to do in a flight lesson before we actually went up in the plane and I trained them to do it. Likewise, we need to teach people about the ministries they are called to, but that alone is not enough—they need to be trained. Isn't this what Jesus did? Remember, He is the leader of the church, and all true leaders who are following Him will do what He did. It is not enough to just teach people what to do; they must be trained, which is why Jesus went about "to do and to teach." He demonstrated everything He taught.
After the teaching and training comes the equipping. Only after my flight students had been taught and demonstrated their knowledge to me, and then demonstrated their skills to me by actually performing flight maneuvers, would I give them the airplane and let them fly solo or take off on their own. However, even this milestone was still but the beginning of their flight training. It is a noteworthy and encouraging accomplishment when an instructor trusts a flight student this way, but there is still a long way to go to becoming a proficient pilot.
This "solo flight" seems to be similar to what the Lord did in Luke 10 when He sent His disciples out without Him to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons. They had to be greatly encouraged by this and would came back rejoicing. We have often seen how encouraging it is for people to see the works of God in their midst, but it is not even close to the encouragement of being used by God to do His works. I have had people who were on Super Bowl winning teams say that being used by God was much better!
Ministers who constantly demonstrate miracles and other works of God will encourage their people and draw many, but it will not be nearly as encouraging as when the people themselves get released and used. Anyone who has any spiritual weight or hunger will ultimately end up going to where they will get released and used themselves.
We also need to consider this if we are afraid that if we release people they are going to mess up. Get this straight now—they are going to mess up just like we did. If we do not release them because we are afraid they will make mistakes, then we are not following the Lord's example. In fact, He gave the most authority to the one who was prone to make the most mistakes—Peter!

A world-class musician told me he could always tell when a "live" album was truly live by the mistakes, which gave it life. If your church or your ministry does not make any mistakes, then it is because there is no life in it. People make mistakes, and possibly the greatest faith that pleases God is getting up after making one and pushing through. As Proverbs 24:16 states, "For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again...." Let this sink in—a righteous man falls! A righteous man actually falls over and over! But a righteous man also keeps getting up!
If you are a leader and you do not think your people are mature or stable enough to be released in ministry yet, then consider this—the Lord sent the seventy out to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons in Luke 10. It was later in Luke 11 that those same disciples came to Jesus and asked Him to teach them to pray. Think about it. They were sent out by Him to do that kind of extraordinary ministry and were successful at it, and they had not even learned to pray yet!
Jesus was obviously the best, most successful ministry there ever will be. We will likewise be successful in ministry to the degree that we follow Him. One of the most extraordinary characteristics about His ministry was that He chose those who seemed the least qualified to be His leaders, turned them loose in ministry even before they knew how to pray, and used their experiences and mistakes to shape them into the most powerful force for the gospel that has ever been released on the earth. What would happen to the church if we started choosing our leaders the way that He did? It would rock the world again!

Posted by: Christian Commando

GodsGrace-

Incredible shaing. Really wonderful. Please keep it up.

God Bless!!

Posted by: billiefan2000

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrendaMagana

In some Churches here in Germany the word "repent and turn away from your sinful life" has completely vanished from Sermon texts.

Some Pastors are busy baby-sitting the Congregation with very mellow words that their itching ears yearn for.

I suppose most of them are so scared that the handful of people who attend Church might vanish altogether if they if they keep on wailing repentance.

Mighty Pastor Jesus Christ, empower the Your assistant Pastors here on earth with courage to teach the Word as contained in the Bible without fear of loosing or of offending the Congregation.

Fill Your Church with people that hunger and thirst for the Virgin Truth as encapsulated in the Holy Writ- the Bible!

In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

that is also true in many of the churches here in my town of Omaha Nebraska and across the usa

which explains why some churches are dying cause people arent being spirtually fed at church.

we have here 2 churches here that are PCUSA churches that are closing down here in my town soon and the main reason is hardly anyone is showing up for services

and the reason why hardly anyone is showing up for services in those churches and in others dying churches is:

many churches in america have become Lukewarm and Politically Correct

Posted by: Rachel R

The salt isn't supposed to stay in the saltshaker.

The salt is supposed to be sprinkled throughout the earth and impacting and preserving everything and everybody.

The 'church', the way you are discussing it, is just the filling station.

People can go to the filling station and fuel up to empower them to go out and serve everyday in their lives.

The reason that churches sit empty six days a week is that Jesus said, "GO".

He didn't say "STAY in the church and serve".

People that stay in the church can get stuck together like clumpy salt.

Christians are to be light in dark places.

No one in my family is a professional Christian, but they are all blessings where they work every day.

Jesus said that religion was the problem, not the solution.

Rachel R

Posted by: Christian Commando

Very good Rachel R.

The fact is, Churches are for the gathering of Saints for praise and worship of God, and for fellowship with others of the "Body" of Christ", as well as for the edification of the "Body" by God thru many forms.

But, what most forget, is thru all these Blessings from God as such, we are still called to go out and help spread the Gospel. God did not leave it up to only ministers, but all His True Children. After all, God declares we are "ALL" Kings and Preists under Christ.

Good exampe about the "Salt Shaker" also. As thats totally true. What must be done, is allowing God, thru us, to help stir up the parts of the "Body of Christ" where we each live, to get as many as possible, to be liing and operating more according to God by sharing such things, to raise up an even greater Army for God to lead out and spread His Gospel and Word.

After all, there is as much a need to help milk drinkers in Christ develope into meat eaters, as there is being a vessel for God to lead lost souls to Him for Salvation.

I can't tell you how many articles I'd read of studies done on all Christian religions who had gone out and spread the Gospel and gained souls to God in Salvation, but just did not have the people to go back as soon as should have to "water" as Paul called it, the new growth that started.

This is why I've spoken to all leaderships of Churches I've attended or called- "Home Church" to not only seek to gain lost souls, but institute a training program where older more mature Christians can be trained to teach specific classes or bible Studies teaching the younger ones the process of growth shown by the Apostles, for helping teach and train people to eventually go out and do the same with other groups etc, etc.

Jesus taught the Disciples to become Apostles, the Apostles then broke up in groups, some to share the Gospel and gain lost souls, some to come after and teach the new converts, the others still, eventually trained them, as grown enough, to choose leaderships and teach and train thier members in God thru Christ.

Thus, as noted before, let us hold our complaining, and instead, become the instruments or vessels thru which God can use to change the operating and thinking of the Churches and "Body of Christ" in our areas and possily further out as God calls us, to following God's original plan. And allow God to supply His "Buffet" as Pastor calls it, for all of God's Children who are at infinitely varied levels of growth, to gain the food of God which each need, rather than trying to put it down or stifle it.

God Bless!!

Posted by: BrendaMagana

Mark 16:15-17

And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

2 Timothy 4:4-5

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths

A pampered congregation that has been baby-sat with sugary words by pastors assisting Jesus Christ here on earth, cannot fulfil the mandate contained in this Scripture.

They are ill-equipped to carry out the Lord's command! No signs can follow them either.

Father God, give your assistants courage to speak and proclaim the Word boldly.

Empower Your flock by Your Holy Spirit with skills to go out and preach the Word to all.

Help us to heed the warning contained in Your Word. Amen

Posted by: Christian Commando

Alright people-

If this is so true, where are you then, in being an instrument to change this, or are you just sitting there pointing out faults of the "Body of Christ" and God's Churches,, of which I know, not guess, we all individually have of our own?

Let us instead, change this discussion from pointing out wrongs, to pointing out what we each will comit to do before God, to help improve the Church we each go to. After all, the Pastor pointed out how important such variety was in Churches for meeting the needs of so many of God's Children and lost souls delivered.

What does the Holy Spirit thru Paul declare? We are to uplift, edify, build up the "Body", not tear it down, malign or otherwise speak ill of it. Think on that people and consider if the attitude and responces seen here of late again is Christ-like or not.

God Bless!!

Posted by: Jon Henry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christian Commando

Alright people-

If this is so true, where are you then, in being an instrument to change this, or are you just sitting there pointing out faults of the "Body of Christ" and God's Churches,, of which I know, not guess, we all individually have of our own?

Let us instead, change this discussion from pointing out wrongs, to pointing out what we each will comit to do before God, to help improve the Church we each go to. After all, the Pastor pointed out how important such variety was in Churches for meeting the needs of so many of God's Children and lost souls delivered.

What does the Holy Spirit thru Paul declare? We are to uplift, edify, build up the "Body", not tear it down, malign or otherwise speak ill of it. Think on that people and consider if the attitude and responces seen here of late again is Christ-like or not.

God Bless!!

Thank you CC for your clarity and discernment, I was in the middle of trying to add my two cents, and felt led by the Spirit to post what follows, but before I could get back to contribute to the discussion, you had already expressed the same idea even better than I could. The Spirit musta been talking loud enough, we both heard Hm? Amen?
Brothers & Sisters,

Please let this discord end now. We are gathered to intercede for those who need God's help and for each other, not to argue doctrine. Paul tells us in Romans 14:5 "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."

and also in

Titus 3:9 Paul cautions Titus "But have nothing to do with foolish questionings, and lists of generations, and fights and arguments about the law; for they are of no profit and foolish."

Father God, thank you for this precious group of saints gathered together as intercessors for the needs of Your children and Your kingdom. Forgive us lord for all our weaknesses, and our misguided zeal in defense of Your Word. We love You very much and we thank You for loving us. Cleanse us of all our unrighteousness and wash us clean as snow in the righteousness of the blood of the Lamb. Make us new and acceptable in Your sight again. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we might know Your will and purpose for each of our lives in service to Your kingdom. Give us courage Father to accept that will and give us strength in our bodies and material provision to accomplish all You require of us today. Be with each of us as we go about our daily routines and anoint our steps that we may be godly in all that we do as ambassadors for Your kingdom. Thank You for Your infinite grace, mercy and loving kindness to us all, and for Your generous blessings, that You shower Your loved ones with daily. I claim the promise and victory of our Lord Jesus over all that I ask and I pray all these things in His holy precious name. Amen and amen
Your loving brother in service to Christ and His kngdom - Jon Henry
"I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " Jer 29:11 NIV"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" 2 Cor 9:8

Posted by: Christian Commando

God Bless you Jon Henry for exact Scriptural references. I suggest I may falter in that area at times of showing them. But, God had started me doing that constantly, then later showed me, it wasn't necesaary, but to inspire others to seek reading God's Word to learn them themselves.

Thank you again-

God Bless!!