Christian Living

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The reason is that in the western world now He’d see little to remind Him of the Body his apostles were part of 2100 years ago.

At a mega level are church buildings big as the Colosseum, trilli-miles away from the humble houses where the believers shared what they had, broke bread together daily, healed the sick, cast out demons and preached the gospel. Their attitude brought a spiritual earthquake on the world outside that hasn’t been matched since.

In today’s vast auditoriums the Lord would find carpets and chandeliers, lavishly decorated foyers; heated for the winter and cooled in the summer lest anyone endure the slightest suffering. There’d be 20,000 bottoms sinking into comfortable seats, Outside He’d see a full carpark as in a giant supermarket, but chances are He wouldn’t find a soul inside willing to face flogging or jail for Him: or even a few who would find the courage to hand out tracts in the nearby city.

He would find pastors more intent on promoting their latest book than marshalling the Christian soldiers in the streets for a gospel proclamation. Jesus sees Mark 16:15 ignored; the gospel that Stephen was stoned for is now an indoor gospel that offends no-one. Mostly, the simultaneous TV broadcast sermons don’t mention hell, repentance the blood, or the new convert having to take up their cross and follow Jesus. The crowds flock into the auditorium wanting a better life, more comfort, more wealth, and they are feeding on that diet.

Jesus might hear a millionaire evangelist urging everyone to buy (sorry, give a love offering) for their book or cd. Then say to the viewers: “We can’t exist unless you support us.” Not exactly a faith statement!

The Lord would hear plenty of flowery vocabulary - “awesome”, “tremendous”, “fantastic” - but few words on holiness and righteousness. Mostly He would see all fluff and no guts. “What’s in it for me” taught and sought, permeating the atmosphere: millions of dollars raised and spent but with little effect on the populace outside under an eternal death sentence.

Going down to the other end of the building scale, Jesus would find little assemblies fitting 2 Timothy 3:5 exactly; sticking to the glue of their denominational tradition, the only power coming from the electric heaters on the walls. At many meetings the Lord would see no laying on of hands, no anointing with oil, no spiritual gifts operating “because we don’t want to be like the charismatics.” Jesus might gently point them to the Bible but their spiritually blind eyes refuse to see.

Such churches exist – but only just! Some have become restaurants – and many are in danger of same - because the Holy Spirit is not there.

The Second Coming will happen eventually, but many of the believers and leaders described here may not ascend with Jesus. Thank God for those faithful ones He will take, but when are we going to learn, open the Book of Acts and do what is in there?

[I'm not in Private Messenger. Contact email: saul2_au at yahoo dot com]

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