Tuesday, April 13, 2010
As I was reading my Bible this morning before heading out to the gym and starting up my day, I picked up where I had left in my personal study of the book of Acts and there was something that grabbed my attention that I don't think I had ever noticed before (don't you just love how eventhough you read something in the Bible, God always has something new to show you?):
This event marks the great even called "Pentecost", in which the Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles and the new (first) members of the church of Jesus and the thing that struck me about it wasn't the misconception of "speaking in tongues" (which is a whole other study in itself), but what it says in verse 1: "they were all with one accord in one place."
How many times have we witnessed division in the body of Christ because of a simple disagreement? I know I have seen my share of people disagreeing with something that the pastor or a member of the congregation says and that causes people to leave or to be bitter because they did not see the point that was being made.
At Calvary Chapel Three Crosses we have had groups of people who don't get things done their way and leave, I am sure that happens in every church. People come in expecting certain things, and when they don't get done, they leave and move on, only to find the same problem repeated over and over again.
God never wanted us to be so divided and something that hurts me the most is to see churches being divided over small disputes. Yes, there are a lot of churches that teach wrong doctrines that do not go in line with what the Word of God says, but there are also many, who teach the same truths, the same Gospel of Jesus Christ, that by one small dispute are divided or want nothing to do with each other.
A very admirable thing that I have seen my Pastor do, along with a few other Pastors, is try to unite the different churches in the area. While right now they are only starting with other Calvary Chapels, the plan is to expand to other denominations as well. We've had a few church conferences that we do together and it is always great to spend time with other people that are just like the verse says "in one accord". What a vital thing that gets so missed!
Now going back to what I was starting to say before, about the people that leave the churches because they disagree, I have this verse to share:
There are many wolves in sheep's clothing in the church today, we have even had quite a share of these at CC3C and you must beware not to be fooled by what they might have to say. We've had people that get involved with the church, even start serving in ministry and suddenly one day they reveal their true colors. Not only that, but they snatch out other people as well and take them from the church. It is a very sad reality, but it is a true one. I have learned (the very hard way), to look at the fruits of the lives of people, as many times it is easy to use big words to look "spiritual", but deep inside they are only baby Christians who want things their way.
It is easy to get hurt if things don't go your way, but I don't think that God wanted us to divide ourselves from the body of Christ, as we are all one body, just as Romans 12:4-5 says:
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
(Acts 2:1-4)
This event marks the great even called "Pentecost", in which the Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles and the new (first) members of the church of Jesus and the thing that struck me about it wasn't the misconception of "speaking in tongues" (which is a whole other study in itself), but what it says in verse 1: "they were all with one accord in one place."
How many times have we witnessed division in the body of Christ because of a simple disagreement? I know I have seen my share of people disagreeing with something that the pastor or a member of the congregation says and that causes people to leave or to be bitter because they did not see the point that was being made.
At Calvary Chapel Three Crosses we have had groups of people who don't get things done their way and leave, I am sure that happens in every church. People come in expecting certain things, and when they don't get done, they leave and move on, only to find the same problem repeated over and over again.
God never wanted us to be so divided and something that hurts me the most is to see churches being divided over small disputes. Yes, there are a lot of churches that teach wrong doctrines that do not go in line with what the Word of God says, but there are also many, who teach the same truths, the same Gospel of Jesus Christ, that by one small dispute are divided or want nothing to do with each other.
A very admirable thing that I have seen my Pastor do, along with a few other Pastors, is try to unite the different churches in the area. While right now they are only starting with other Calvary Chapels, the plan is to expand to other denominations as well. We've had a few church conferences that we do together and it is always great to spend time with other people that are just like the verse says "in one accord". What a vital thing that gets so missed!
Now going back to what I was starting to say before, about the people that leave the churches because they disagree, I have this verse to share:
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
(Matthew 7:15-16)
It is easy to get hurt if things don't go your way, but I don't think that God wanted us to divide ourselves from the body of Christ, as we are all one body, just as Romans 12:4-5 says:
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.If we are not in one accord and in one mind like the first church of Acts, how can we function appropriately as ONE body, the church?
Interesting you mention this. I was was just listening to a sermon from Paul Washer and he actually used the same Scripture and challenged me especially to see if I was in the faith and bearing good fruit. it helped me see that even I was not good enough. I am glad to see you write things and I was quick to be like yeah talk about church split ups. The irony I guess. So I apologize for that. Anyways I just wanted to say that things happen and better that they people get on the outs than stay in the church thinking they are alright with God. Being lukewarm is a tricky things and i would wish they were either hot or cold. Church is not the walls or building but the building made without hands. Though I will continue to question the C3C I know God has thing in store for you guys despite all that. So my old roommate, I hope you have an awesome week and my prayer is you shine like a light pole and be able to be His hands and feet. Prov 27:17
Thanks Wallace, I appreciate what you wrote dude.