Conditional Conditions

It with confidence that I make this statement. Many churches here in WNC and in America are not the Church Christ intended them to be. The politics and posturing of a church administration is sending it straight to hell along with others that are caught up in the fray. Yet, they are so wrapped up in their administration they wouldn't take instruction from the Master Himself if He stood up in their midst on a Sunday morning.

I am grieved at what I see. It bothers me that I see it and understand it's consequences. Just not sure what to do with the information yet.

The church struggles for identity by using the same old tactics that have failed and caused the organization of the church to dwindle to the point of the brick, steepled buildings we once filled now barley used except for a few events that only the oldest members attend. The rest of us pass them by wondering what happened. No more does a phrase like "you should be in church" hold any weight or authority in our conciseness.

A great revival must take place and it won't happen in the small red brick churches that dot the back roads and street corners. It won't happen in our living rooms in front of our 70" flat screen big budget televangelist production.

We are going to be required to read the Book, fall from our personal agendas, give up our control over a committee and turn from our own desires and ask God in the name of His son Jesus Christ, to forgive us of our greed and moral decay, Christian that means you. Pastors, music ministers, youth directors, church staff, leaders and congregation will need to fall on our faces before God and ask Him to forgive us. Revival will not come without it. The church will not grow without it. Revival won't come through the pastor with the parachute clause in his contract. It has to come when we put the corporate industry out of our churches and focus on the All Mighty power of God who created Heaven and Earth and you and me in His image.

Face it, we've tried to make a business plan out of the church. Christ intend the church to grow in the knowledge and love of God. Christ will return for His church. How will He find us? He'll find us in a committee meeting arguing over the color of the soundmans seat cushions or whether we sing Amazing Grace adagio or allegro.

So that's the state of it right now, we're all played out. Will this make a difference? Probably not because the 6 people that will read this already know the condition of their church because it's the same condition of their heart; it's full of want. A want to be filled and see the power of God.

This isn't a seminary level entry but it is the condition of our church and if we have a desire to serve God the Father of Jesus Christ our savior, then we need to begin with the one thing we have the authority to change the condition of...our heart.

What I've learned about God while living life

I’ve learned that I am made in His image - Genesis 1:27a So God created man in His own image

I’ve learned there is only one God - 1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

I’ve learned people will let you down – Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

I’ve learned I am Gods best work - Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

I’ve learned I won’t be free of problems – Philippians 4:11-14 ¹¹ I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ¹³ I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me. HCSB

I’ve learned I don’t need to be popular - Ephesians 4:14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

I’ve learned Gods plan is best for my life - Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

I’ve learned Gods version of prosperity isn’t money - Mark 10:23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"

²⁴ And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!

²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

I’ve learned I don’t have all the answers - Matthew 6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

I’ve learned how to put others before me - Matthew 6:3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that you’re giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

I’ve learned it’s not about me – 2 Timothy 4:5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

I’ve learned it’s about a Cross - Colossians 2:14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Biblical References taken from the ESV unless otherwise noted