Did You Grow Up in the Church? Part 2

We are living in some serious times. There is much spiritual warfare about us. The world is not going to get better. But there is a better way to live daily. Jesus lived an exemplary life. He was and is the epitome of what life is all about. It is because of Jesus we have a direct way back to the Father. When He died the veil of the temple was torn in two. The purpose of the veil was to separate the section of the Temple where only the priest were allowed. We can thank Jesus because; we now can go directly to God. His Word can cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Did you know that Jesus was God’s Word wrapped in flesh? Jesus came as a living testimonial to the world and the family of God; which is His Church.

Did you know that the Church is actually Christ’s Bride? Do you know how important faithfulness is to a bride? Think about that; that is really heavy! God not only wants us to be faithful to our spouses but to Him. Jesus came to let us know that the principles in God’s Word are true. Did you know that God wants what is best for us? Did you know that God even disciplines us because He loves us so much? He even allows persecution so we can move on to further allow His will to be done in our life. Did you grow up in the Church but the Church did not grow up in you?

God does not have a list of rules and regulations. Yet, you are considered to be “in the know, if you acknowledge everyone in a hierarchal manner before you speak. You are even commended for knowing protocol. If you don’t walk while someone’s talking you are respectful. But these are not really rules are they? Think about it? If you are walking you really must need to go somewhere? Are not the doors of God’s Church always open? These are just a few things to think about. Oh! These again are not rules; it just shows you know how to do what? “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Liberty”. But God tells us not to use that as a cloak for maliciousness.

Did you know that God intended for His Church to be a “Lighthouse.” A place where we can worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. A place where darkness should not prevail. God is also a God of order. Yes, we should be respectful of our place of worship. But some things are just not necessary. If you were raised in Church, but the Church is not in you the truth really does not matter. It is easier to just do whatever is expected. This assures you that you can participate in any way. You can even opt to fill any position you desire. Nowadays some of everything goes on during worship. Many dance, sing and lay on hands to the glory of man. They often seek a momentary emotional experience. Week after week they come to the altar but go home to confusion. This is okay because your heart is considered okay, you have passed inspection. All you have to do is put in your request. After all you are related to or in the inner circle. You have a blanket excuse for any and every past or present behavior because you obey without question. You are unconditionally loved? Or are you really? You also give God honor, praise and thank him for giving you the opportunity to stand before all. Yet they can already see you are standing up. But do you really have inner Peace?

If you really want to stand for something; stand up for what is right.” In actuality protocol to you really means you know who to call in order of importance? Now who is the respecter of persons? What’s really important is that we call on Jesus and create and environment where His presence is truly welcomed. Yes, I am being a little sarcastic. But not to be facetious. What is your point? I merely want all of us to think about why we do or do not do some of the things we do. Many of the ways of world has nested themselves into many worship services. No disrespect intended a lot of things just are not necessary.

For example who thought of the five minute fellowship? Think? Where did this originate? Who gives a person the authority to tell you what to do and when. Especially if the only time they speak to you is within those five minutes? Go figure! We have the freedom to not conform to every trend or doctrine. I have seen many trends come and go. OH! “But we are doing a new thing?” “NOTHING IS NEW UNDER THE SUN”

God has said that He would write His law in our hearts. As you diligently study God’s Word He will really deliver you! He will free you from a lot of stuff that just does not make sense. God has so many wonderful things in store for us. He also gives us the freedom to choose. Have you ever seen the movie “Groundhog Day?” It is a humorous little movie where this guy wakes up at the same time everyday and the same thing happens over and over. He knew how each person would respond. He knew each day exactly what to expect. After a while he realizes that some things really need to change. Did you know that God really can change you? Did you know He really does have a better way for you to live? Ask yourself honestly have you grown up in the Church but the Church did not grow up in you? God really and truly can deliver you!

There really is a difference between being in the Church and the Church being in you? When the Church is in you the Holy Spirit becomes the governor of your soul. You live in the world, you are to be law abiding citizen but you realize it is in GOD you LIVE and MOVE and have your being. You are convicted when wrong. You do not desire to be right just for the sake of being right. This is not some unrealistic, legalistic, rigid, mythical, unattainable, cultist way of being. (You are often encouraged to go along when there is a cultist mentality for the sake of being accepted by the group or groups.) Remember; “Jim Jones?” You realize how vitally important it is to live your life before the Lord. You know without a doubt that God is your Heavenly Father.

The devil his imps and no one or nobody can do anything to pluck you out God’s hands, once you truly believe that you truly belong to God and Jesus is your Lord and Savior! You have been adopted into His family and you know that you know that you know without doubting you are His child! You know what His Word says about being double minded? Wait I must caution you! You must be aware that you will be thought of as negative, strange and or self righteous by those who really do not know or understand you. They will even put you through their heart test. But, those who really know you know that you have been raised in the Church and the Church is in you. Go pluck some spiritual fruit and “pig out” in a good way on the WORD of GOD. Especially try some of His good ole patience. Don’t go there; this not some egotistical, arrogant or prideful statement.

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead You. Pray and Meditate on GOD’S WORD before you enter into worship. Sincerely ask Him to open your spiritual eyes. Take time to observe what is happening around you. What happens before, during and after worship. “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING” during and after worship. Make sure regardless of what everyone else is doing that you take some time throughout worship & “BE STILL & KNOW!” KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON CHRIST JESUS!

See Part 3