Two Thoughts
Greetings,
Today I have two distinct thoughts rolling around in my head and I am not sure if either one of them is blog worthy. So I am just going to throw them out here and see what happens.
Thought one: “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men.” Stephen said that in Acts 7 just before he was stoned to death. Another version says it like this, “The Spirit of The Lord no longer dwells in temples made by human hands.”
So whenever a Pastor or anyone else refers to their “church” building as “God’s House”, they are telling a huge lie. Right here in my town there is a “church” called “His House”. The pastor there is a friend of mine and I have told him flat out that they need to change the name, but he just doesn’t see it that way. Many times I have heard “men” say “Welcome to God’s House”. Just how sad is that? To be that far from the truth? The truth is that those who follow Jesus are God’s house, we are God’s building made of lively stones and His Spirit lives in us.
Thought two: The only times Jesus passed an offering plate was in offering fish and bread to those who were hungry, like in John 6. Jesus never took up a collection so why should we? Problem is that less than 5% of the money collected by traditional “churches” actually goes to real ministry like feeding the poor and taking care of the elderly and orphans. Over 95% of the “churches” intake of funds goes to building funds, maintaining buildings, paying Clergy, and institutional maintenance. None of which are really needed to actually BE the church and serve God and others. The Church abdicated its role as the mercy giver when it became an institution instead of a Body, and now the government is trying to fill that spot. And it just doesn’t work well that way does it?
I am sorry if this blog doesn’t measure up, but I am intoxicated with love after spending the day with my 4 grandchildren at my daughter Becca’s wedding. I got to hold, love and play with the twins Gus and Annabelle (who are almost 6 months old) Owen who is 2 and Kaden who turns 3 later this month. They all fill my heart with joy and I love them all so very, very much. So today I simply shared what little else I had on my heart and mind. My heart is so filled with sincere love and right now nothing else matters. Plus Becca and Kyle’s wedding and reception were awesome. Very free, open, bold and non-conventional. They had no need or want for a Clergyman and instead had dear friends and family tell the story of their relationship. If anyone wants to add or subtract from what I have shared here today, please do so in the comments?
Love and….
Kirk Out !
notesfromthebridge 
Best thing I’ve read all day! In reference to your first thought, have you ever wonder about what Jesus meant when he said, “…that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us….” (John 14:21a)?
If I read the gospel correctly, the ultimate expression of a believer is to become one in spirit with God. Yet we’ve been programed to think of God and us in duality instead of oneness. We see God so far off, yet see sees us as an extension of himself. Being the body of Christ not only means we contain Him, but we are one and the same with Him. I wish I could explain it better, but to be frank, it’s too big of a thought. I can hardly begin to express it.
Let me say it this way. Religion teaches us that we are so inferior and still sinful in nature, thought and heart. As if God’s plan of redemption didn’t work…we see ourselves as the woman with the issue of blood, crawling through the crowd hoping we can at least touch the hem of his garment. But in reality, God wants us to see ourselves as the Man wearing the garment, “…so the world may believe You sent me” (John 14:22b).
If we can reason that out, will be able to see how deep the rabbit hole goes…
Blessings and congrats on your daughter’s wedding!
I completely agree with both of these thoughts. To me the building the church meets in is nothing more than a building. The only things special about it is the people meeting within. It is sad how much money goes to the upkeep of buildings or to expensive surround sounds when the money people give should go to helping others or to supporting missions.
Great thoughts Chris (and freeoneindeed & Ashley)! Reminds of something a friend of mine told me he heard a pastor say. The people in “his church” were complaining that the service was too long. The pastor’s response was that it was the Lord’s day so people needed to listen to him (him being the pastor). What???? So according to the pastor, people go to the Lord’s house on the Lord’s day to listen to… the pastor. That is wrong on so many levels! I know pastors are put in the place of the Lord/Body of Christ, either by themselves or by others, but I never heard one practically admit it before 🙂
Great message brother. The house not made with hands is just too simple for us humans to relate to. We’ve always needed something tangible. Almost like we’re telling God that the indwelling Holy Spirit isn’t enough. That the Godhead dwelling within isn’t enough. Give me a temple so that i can feel religious and show othets how often i attend, how much money i give. Etc, etc. I am in agreement with the love for our grandchildren. They are so refreshing to our souls. Love you!
Dead on, on both thoughts 🙂
Back from playing with 2 year old Tucker in Conn. First there was sorting hot wheels cars, then lego blocks and after dinner time to bring out the big trucks. Most other posts I read – I want to scream – enough with the quotes – get freaking REAL. This is life, not a damn book report. Ahh, that feels better now
To item one – think it is possible with God for public space to be faithful – key would be humility – say shack or tent put up by members on donated land Would love a faith group that gathered in stable or a cave! ( in Woonsocket area Pauls group meets in loft in the barn- ok if not allergy to hay!) God bless us everyone