Due to illness and watching the kids, they weren’t the cause, we were home
this last Saturday night. Usually we go to church, but tonight we stayed home,
and of course the TV was on. And again nothing was on, big surprise, laying to
rest any doubts about what we could be missing when in church. But while
channel surfing a show with the title church in it caught my attention, so we
settled there for a few minutes, a few minutes too long. It was about a black
pastor needing money to build a larger building so his church would grow. He
had hired 4 crazy white men to guide him, and show him the way. Certain things
were missing, noticeable at first to anyone. God wasn’t even mentioned, this
was about church I guess. And no one prayed...so you can imagine the outcome,
which we didn’t hang around for. But back to the show....
These four men in their Land Rover, were giving professional advice to this
poor, as in resources, black pastor. Who wouldn’t listen, why hire a consultant
if you don’t take their advice? So they interviewed the congregation, who all
loved the pastor, and all agreed he preached too long. He admitted he did, and
church ended when he was done, and was too tired to go on, and many didn’t like
that. When they suggested two services, he got very upset. NO way...and the
argument continued. They also found out he had no church board, he had fired
him, the only guy, and had to do it all himself. Do we see a problem here? But
he did succumb to one of their suggestions, and talk to this man, invite him
back. So while he did, with them watching, this guy wanted to know “what are
you doing here, you’re the last one I expected at my door?” And then I shut it
off...the perfect combination for failure, bad advice, men trying to grow the
church instead of God, and a pastor too proud to seek God. Too bad he didn’t
take the advice I am sure he gave his flock. And you wonder why people don’t go
to church? Maybe my lesson that night was from God, just via the TV?
Some years ago while taking back roads to visit Brother Willie in
Nashville, I got lost and travelled some beautiful back roads. Starving I found
a Captain D’s, fish and chips. Good stuff, so I ate-alone. Except for this
group again of 4 white men, business suits, very church like-thankfully not my
church, and one young black man. Something different about him, He had the Holy
Spirit. They were interviewing him for a position at the church, he was
obviously talented and gifted, and they wanted him. And it was evident that
church would not be the same if they hired him, and he knew it. They wanted to
mold him, change him, and make him more church like, but he resisted. He talked
on a Godly level, they talked religion. They talked church, he talked Jesus.
He had a vision from God, they had a board of men. And the twain were never to
meet, for this man sought God, they sought man. I sat appalled that this would
go on, in a public place, but there again maybe just for me, I saw how the
church and God’s way are different. And why people don’t go to church. Now
these men seemed concerned enough, they weren’t bad men, they were this church’s
board, but missed out on God’s way, and His will be done. Which ultimately was
why the man refused the offer...God had given him a vision, and when he started
to explain it, the confused look on their faces told more than they wished to
tell. They were selling freedom in religion, He knew that Jesus offered freedom
from it. By the way, the fish was great....love them hush puppies.
For years I have warned about the world invading the church. And I was
right, but wrong. The world hadn’t invaded, it didn’t need to, it had been
invited in, then the door locked behind it so it couldn’t leave. But
fortunately they left the front door open so the congregation could, and does
when they see God not taking the lead. And so it was years ago when attending a
church, until I caught the pastor lying from the pulpit, and he knew I caught
him. He had invited some businessmen in the church, new men on the board, and
things had gotten pretty bad. But the programs were better, he kept telling
us. And many left over it, as the Holy Spirit had left the place-it was that
evident. Even the families who had gone there for generations were upset, and
leaving, and so did their tithes. So we didn’t attend for two years, and grew
in the Lord. But under pressure from Theresa, the boys needed to be in Sunday
school, we went back-one last time. And we were greeted by some good old
brother, who’s opening line was “where have you been?” as if I was out in sin
somewhere rather than there in sin. My answer was simple, “I needed to choose
between God and the Assemblies of God, and I chose God.” And he was
speechless-muttering something I am sure he hadn’t heard in church, and we
left. Yes we missed church, but really missed the teaching from the word. And
then met some other bikers who invited us to church-and we attended there for
another 18 years, until God directed us elsewhere.
You see we were looking for God, and looking to Jesus. We didn’t want any
religion, and most people don’t. You can always tell I am the stranger in a
church because I don’t stand up or sit down on cue, I guess I am not very
religious. Do you ever feel trapped by religion? Jesus did, and came to set us
free from it, to have a one to one relationship with His Father in heaven. He
made it that personal, and kept the world out. And it was those same people who
cried for His head, and then crucified Him. But yet called us friends to the
end, when asked where did you get those wounds, He answered “at the hands of my
friends.” Well meaning church folk, who didn’t follow God, but did follow the
world. So give yourself a quick check up today, ask God where He wants you to
be? Are you being fed? Is there too much emphasis on church, and not enough on
Jesus? Are their too many programs and procedures, and not enough prayer? And
like loud pipes, does a loud pastor save lives? Or is he just a loud pipe, that
needs tuning? Does he draw attention to himself, or is it all about
Jesus?
Many churches are failing today because they may have God in their name,
but not in their hearts, or in their congregation. And like Jesus said, “if you
are not for me, you are against me, “ and He is closing many churches. Some old
and established, some broke because of building a new building, hoping Jesus
comes with the plans. They have let the world in, locked the door, keeping
Jesus out. But God knows the plans...so listen to Him first. And always. And
remember, when someone comes knocking, see who it is first. And if it is the
devil, just turn to Jesus and say “it’s for you.” Turn to Jesus today....we are
the church, and He is the head. Where you go for advice makes all the
difference. Let God be God, and all men liars. Even on TV, the truth will set
you free. Just another Saturday night.
love with compassion,
Mike
mtthew25biker.blogspot.com