As I talked to the pastor in Africa I was astounded by how he understood The Love from Above! On his church staff there are actually two people that look for the needy in the community – Not to increase church members but just to meet their needs as Jesus met the needs of many some of whom followed Him but many of whom did not!
“Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)” – Mark 9:5-6
“Will you ever come back and join and American church?” I was once asked by a good friend. To which I replied, “Sure as soon as I see one with Jesus in it. Not emotionalism, legalism or man-made comfort laws. I seek a church that is like Christ was here on earth – Not trying to increase their kingdom here but the Love, Peace, Grace and Hope Here and Now!”
Well my dad always taught me to dream big but I see Nothing like Christ in establishments that are constantly trying to increase in any of “the 3 s” – size, sizzle or sanctimonious-ness!
Size is obvious but for some strange reason so many churches seem to think that size = success – if this is the case Jesus wasn’t too successful! By the time He was crucified He had a whopping 11 members!
Sizzle – the ability to help others have an emotional high in a short period to increase the feeling of something happening to them. The reason I call this sizzle is that certain foods I have eaten have done the same thing as certain churches I used to go to!
Sanctimonious-ness is the first thing that needs to be thrown out the window if anyone is to see Grace! Why? Because the cross was, is and always will be the Only thing that makes any of us Holy!
The number one reason why American churches in particular have become religious giants but remained spiritual infants is that they are about building a kingdom here and now, they have replaced Grace with half grace and they have bought into the lie that man’s works have some influence on God’s Love for them!
