A couple of years ago a new cutting edge contemporary satellite church was coming into our zip code. The church community's reaction was mixed. Some where welcoming and prayerful, while others where not as welcoming and afraid of losing "their members" to this church.
Question: What do you think Jesus thinks about it?
Answer: Luke 9:49-50
49 “Master,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Lk 9:49-50., NIV)
interesting, the disciples responded: "we tried to stop him because he was NOT one of US"
Don't misunderstand me when I say this because I am thankful to be part of "organized religion"; however, one of the biggest mistakes "churches" or "organized religion" makes is when we try to stop an organization because they are "not one of us".
When we say "one of us" are we saying because they are not a Southern Baptist Church or are we saying they are not a "born again believer in Jesus". There is a substantial difference, let me remind you of something:
Everyone, period. Not based on denomination or style, based on those who call on the name of the Lord.
Jesus response was simple, do not stop them. You may not like they way they do it, you may not like they way they talk, you may not like the way they dress, and you may not like the music; but its not for you anyway....
So keep in mind, as long as they teach Jesus, Him crucified, rising on the third day to save us from sin, don't stop them....
we need:
the traditional church
the contemporary church
the liturgical church
the Hispanic church
the African-American church
the cowboy church
the biker church
the big-box mega church
the small church
the medium church
the screaming hollering pastor church
the laid back teaching pastor church
the Korean church
the whatever you don't like church
Let's face it, we need each other. Think about how much more we can accomplish together, than apart. You and I are not in competition with each other, we have the same goals and are trying to help people see their need for Christ. Isn't that what we are here for....
Have great weekend, Chris
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