How many different denominations and independent I’m not sure anyone person knows.
The push to become a mega church seems to be on. One such one that seats 18,000, many seating 10,000. Multiple services, with multiple choice of type’s of service, such as regular, conservative, contemporary, Christian rock, instruments, no instruments,
Jesus only, charismatic on and on.
Multi-million dollar buildings. Plush landscaped grounds with fountains.
Chauffeur’s, bodyguards.
SOUNDS AND LOOKS LIKE BIG BUSINESS .
Be sure you are not drawn into something who is working for there own glory. The following is something I read this morning, which answered some of my?????????????
From the Message Matthew 7:14--23
14"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.
15-20"Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.
21-23"Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance— isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.'
Don’t get me wrong. For every one I mentioned there are thousands of good small church’s
doing the work of the Lord.
We all are tempted to follow the one that has the charisma.
I’m not backing down from what I have started.
Jesus said that we ever 2 or 3 would come together in his name he would be there, the secret is the “TOGETHER” PART, TO BE IN “AGREEMENT” THEN YOU WOULD HAVE CHURCH, it doesn’t make any difference whether your in a nice building or you just happened to meet at the dumpster. When you do have church.
If Christians could agree would there be the need for the many denominations?
The early church met daily going from home to home breaking bread together, sharing the needs of the others worshiping hearing the word and the teaching of the apostles
They were no ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. Read the book of acts, see how the church grew. If we were to do that today
Your neighbors would want in on the faith plan you have.
Maybe some more another day.
2 comments:
Wow! Your posting today forced me to ask questions about the church I attend. It "IS" a huge church and it has some of the characteristics you described. I love the Pastors teachings and I've learned alot. I hope I'm not displeasing God by attending this church. Perhaps the next time you are over this way you could attend a service with me.
I don't think it's the size, but the characteristics of the church that are important. As Dean cautioned, beware those that are "working for their own glory." That's a characteristic. What is important is to get connected beyond just a large service. The next step is to establish relationships with others you can grow and share with.
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