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Christian Leader: Don’t bet on a one-trick pony!

 

My ramblings for the week!

 

Earlier this week I was asked by a non-Christian what I thought the purpose of the church was in today’s age and what my own position was regarding the church? He admitted to me that his own experience was limited to a few bad personal encounters with what I would describe as overzealous believers more interested in getting a convert than building a relationship, and more concerned in declaring that we live in the end times and that hell, brimstone and eternal damnation will come to those who do not repent. He also told me that in his endeavour to research Christianity, he had visited a great many different churches.

It became obvious to me that this person was a seeker and that he had embarked on a journey.

I explained to him that the church was many things; a hospital and place of healing for the sick, a counselling centre for those who had sociological issues. A place of refuge and a place where the hungry can find sustenance. A school where we could be grounded in the bible, the Word of God. But it was also a place of spiritual discovery and renewal, a place where a person can find salvation and a renewed relationship with God their creator through his son Jesus.

My non-Christian friend was a little confused by my answer. He said that in one church he went too they blew rams horns, sang songs that sounded very ‘Jewish in style’. The sermon was about following the feasts of the Old Testament and according to him he never once heard the name of Jesus being mentioned.

How was my friend supposed to find Christ if he didn’t understand the message?

Too many churches emphasis only one aspect of Christianity, -albeit in the example above a rather limited aspect of our religion. Other examples could be ‘end time prophecy,’ ‘healing’ and a myriad other subjects. The issue is that Christ never told us to preach on these things, he asked us to preach the gospel. 

Jesus should always be front and centre of our preaching and our message otherwise we are building or trying to build our churches on one trick ponies. These never win the race.

Preach healing, but emphasis why we have healing, preach end time prophecy and that Jesus is coming back but show people what he did for them first, Christ and him crucified and resurrected from the dead on the third day is always a winner.

Comments

  1. Michael21 October 2021 at 04:18

    Good article. The church is more interested in converts and their money. Than actually valuing people for who they are. However, if you have an impressive salary and a high position in society, you are highly valued by any church.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tim King leadership27 October 2021 at 06:55

      Hi Michael, my answer is simple, you are not going to be comfortable in any church. Find one that preaches the true message of Christ. When it comes to money, obey God (Tithe) and give to those that are in need, not to those who have plenty. I was in one church where they took a missions offering ( great) But when I found out it went to pay for the pastors air ticket, I asked for my money back. I would rather give it direct to the mission or missionary.

      Delete

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