Leviticus 16:1-2
And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the Lord, and died; And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
It was interesting when my wife went to church and watched a video of someone giving up on attending church, and she mentioned to a colleague that I was definitely like the person in the video. Though I did not see it, I can relate. I truly believe that many churches don't give a damn about those like me. They care more about getting "converts" into the church. What does the difference make if you can't keep those already established in the faith?
There are many who are truly chasing God but end up chasing another dream brought forth by the leaders of the church. This may not be entirely wrong, but when it only allows certain people (the "clique) to be permitted in positions of leadership, many of those who have been mentored and seasoned in the Word are locked out, unless they become like the flock.
The problem with the above Scripture was applied when two of Aaron's sons, Nahab and Abihu, went into the Holy of Holies without any reverence toward God. The same applies today, but we assume that either the tangible presence of God is there at the service or we are worshiping a god that is more manageable. Worse, no one in these service will ever admit the standards have been lowered to where humanism and being relevant are more soluble.
Why have some left? Listed below are some of the reasons. I don't believe I can list them all, since I am writing from my perspective. What is sad is many leaders don't listen, don't want to accept that something needs to change. I will give why I left:
1. Too much control.
I see so many leaders have been hurt by someone who took advantage of a place, people, or situation, and brought division. What was done is go completely to the other side and allow the freedom to occur to their decision. Many only gauge someone by how well they know the person instead of by the fruit. Which leads to #2.
2. Relationship over Spirit.
This one seems easy. My wife and I spent years being mentored and being chosen in leadership at one church. As the last two churches we attended, the leaders chose how well they know you over the abilities you have in the Spirit. Why? Because the Spirit's work isn't fully evident and it cannot be discerned properly through man's work. Instead of seeing the gifts we have, the leaders chose to attack my character while I waited patiently (almost three years) to watch the Holy Spirit work. This leads to #3.
3. The Holy Spirit has become almost nonessential to the services.
It is a shame to see how we can build such a big church and have emotional services and still have the Holy Spirit absent from our walk and assembly. He may see one or two that He gets to minister, but when it comes to 1 Corinthians 12, anything of the Spirit is squashed by the control of the leaders. He has no freedom to work through He wills, only those when and who the leadership allows. This is not the church Jesus built.
4. Always looking for new methods to run church.
Instead of following the New Testament doctrine, we implement new ways, we seek new interpretations, we follow new doctrines and believe this is God's will. We now base what we feel as truth, instead of making Truth or way of worship. We hear sermons on how to make us a better person but we do it with as little of the Bible as possible. We no longer seek truth to transform us but seek feelings in hopes that the Truth will be transformed to what we want. Humanism at its best. Making God come to our terms instead of us coming to Him on His terms.
These are a few. In Leviticus 16, the priests were required by law to perform certain things to enter into His presence. The most intriguing factor is the fear of the Lord they had compared to today, which is almost nothing. The priests, if they did not follow what they were called to do, would lose their lives, just as Nahab and Abihu did. We assume by stepping into church, God is there. His holiness requires much more than what we do and who we are. He is much more.
I left because churches choose to remain in their stagnant state. It wants to remain close to the world but close enough to assume He is happy with us. We want Him to be pleased? Leave the world and seek Him with all you have. How much are we willing to give up to seek Him? It is easier to chase Him with an empty briefcase of the world.
The sacrifices are done but His glory has not changed. If we truly want to get closer to Him, we need to change our view of Him.
Jeremiah 6:15-16
Michael
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Done With Church Part Trois
Acts 2:37-41
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
According to the above verses, Peter speaks to a fairly large crowd, and they were deeply disturbed. in which the crowd asked what must they do? Peter was simple, by saying repent, be baptized and save yourselves from this unfaithful generation. About 3000 people came into repentance that day.
Now you can go to church and hear about some leaders boasting on their two or three that came to church and "know Christ" with the unbiblical sinner's prayer. Just tell them about heaven and avoid the drastic of sin and hell and shove those sinners without repentance past the gates in the Kingdom of God. Chalk more up on our little board how many we have brought to Christ.
Aren't we the evangelists?
We present such a watered down gospel that it takes a watered approach to witness. I have heard many preachers speak of their own interpretation of Scriptures. Other more popular ones make dramatic appeals in their own realm to make their version of the Bible become more personal in nature. Others talk of sin like it belongs to anyone outside their congregation and even their home. Yes, we are human and fall short. The bottom line is are we willing to deal with sin as strongly as we demand it outside our little country club?
The answer is blatantly NO.
I have been to a service where the music was so loud it was actually making my heart vibrate. You may think this is extreme; I assure you, it is not. I had to walk out of the service just to get my heart back into its normal rhythm. Many "worship" parts of the service, (remember, worship and music are linked, one cannot be without the other in today's churches) have the music loud enough where the congregation either doesn't need to sing or can't be heard anyways. It is just like the secular venue; it portrays our feelings more than truth.
After the "excitement," we head over to the announcements and giving, then the sermon. By this time, many of us drained but hopefully, there is enough adrenaline to make the service plausible until the routine begins again the next week.
Here is some more things on how the church has strayed away from the original:
1. Worship is forever linked to music. It is no longer a way of life. It is now a form of entertainment.
2. Prayer is no longer a priority, unless it is for the vision and direction of the church.
Prayer for individuals or families are now relegated to "prayer chains."
3. Life groups have replaced Bible studies. These are done so not to offend. Many have followed "surveys" suggesting that relationships override truth and witnessing.
4. Churches have become business minded. Hire who they know rather than hiring who the Spirit wants.
5. Churches are more lethargic than they were fifty years ago.
6. We have no reverence for God anymore. Acceptance is more feared than holiness. We no longer bow or kneel. We prefer to be more comfortable than afflicted in our soul.
7. We chose doctrine than the Holy Ghost.
8. We are so illiterate concerning the Bible, we accept any good word that comes our way. As long as there is no condemnation, we are "safe."
We need to return to the way God has called us to be. We want new ways and every single one of them is man's idea where we attempt to make His will. Look at all the translations and versions of the Bible. We have the Queen James version, we have a porn star version, we have the 100 minute Bible, for those with deliberate small attention spans. Man continually wants to work his way to the throne where God wants to be in our temple.
We need to return. More on this later.
Jeremiah 6:15-16
Michael
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
According to the above verses, Peter speaks to a fairly large crowd, and they were deeply disturbed. in which the crowd asked what must they do? Peter was simple, by saying repent, be baptized and save yourselves from this unfaithful generation. About 3000 people came into repentance that day.
Now you can go to church and hear about some leaders boasting on their two or three that came to church and "know Christ" with the unbiblical sinner's prayer. Just tell them about heaven and avoid the drastic of sin and hell and shove those sinners without repentance past the gates in the Kingdom of God. Chalk more up on our little board how many we have brought to Christ.
Aren't we the evangelists?
We present such a watered down gospel that it takes a watered approach to witness. I have heard many preachers speak of their own interpretation of Scriptures. Other more popular ones make dramatic appeals in their own realm to make their version of the Bible become more personal in nature. Others talk of sin like it belongs to anyone outside their congregation and even their home. Yes, we are human and fall short. The bottom line is are we willing to deal with sin as strongly as we demand it outside our little country club?
The answer is blatantly NO.
I have been to a service where the music was so loud it was actually making my heart vibrate. You may think this is extreme; I assure you, it is not. I had to walk out of the service just to get my heart back into its normal rhythm. Many "worship" parts of the service, (remember, worship and music are linked, one cannot be without the other in today's churches) have the music loud enough where the congregation either doesn't need to sing or can't be heard anyways. It is just like the secular venue; it portrays our feelings more than truth.
After the "excitement," we head over to the announcements and giving, then the sermon. By this time, many of us drained but hopefully, there is enough adrenaline to make the service plausible until the routine begins again the next week.
Here is some more things on how the church has strayed away from the original:
1. Worship is forever linked to music. It is no longer a way of life. It is now a form of entertainment.
2. Prayer is no longer a priority, unless it is for the vision and direction of the church.
Prayer for individuals or families are now relegated to "prayer chains."
3. Life groups have replaced Bible studies. These are done so not to offend. Many have followed "surveys" suggesting that relationships override truth and witnessing.
4. Churches have become business minded. Hire who they know rather than hiring who the Spirit wants.
5. Churches are more lethargic than they were fifty years ago.
6. We have no reverence for God anymore. Acceptance is more feared than holiness. We no longer bow or kneel. We prefer to be more comfortable than afflicted in our soul.
7. We chose doctrine than the Holy Ghost.
8. We are so illiterate concerning the Bible, we accept any good word that comes our way. As long as there is no condemnation, we are "safe."
We need to return to the way God has called us to be. We want new ways and every single one of them is man's idea where we attempt to make His will. Look at all the translations and versions of the Bible. We have the Queen James version, we have a porn star version, we have the 100 minute Bible, for those with deliberate small attention spans. Man continually wants to work his way to the throne where God wants to be in our temple.
We need to return. More on this later.
Jeremiah 6:15-16
Michael
Monday, June 6, 2016
Rejection
For all those who have been in my shoes and actually found success, I applaud that God has blessed your efforts. As for me, I turn 51 next week and I feel less worth than a pile of midget dog poo in the middle of the street. I have actually reached my limit where I don't give a damn anymore and want to be alone for however breaths I have left.
I ponder why God leaves me in the condition that I am in. People say they care but their actions speak loudly, and refuse to spend any time with me. Everyone else is more important. Why should anyone want to even think of someone like me. I am back to having no job, God is back to His way of not speaking, at least the beggar was cradled by Abraham for such a miserable life he had to face.
I cannot take the rejection anymore. I had spent way much time filling out applications after I graduated tech college. I had so much expectations only to get the silent treatment from countless employers. I truly wonder if I fell off the face of the earth, would anyone care, besides my children?
I am no longer convinced that anyone is willing to take a chance on me. I thought getting married would bring closure to my loneliness; it only brings more despair. I sit day after day, night after night, lonely on the couch. Now, whoever reads this is thinking that maybe I will blame someone else for this. Nope, it has to be me. All of it. 100%. It always has been me.
How many times can a man take of getting let down on a consistent basis? It is obvious that I am the problem and it is understandable that people like me, who have accomplished almost nothing in their life, and can't even get a call for a job interview from a gas station, why should I be on anyone's radar?
I don't regret getting married because of my wife. I regret getting married because of me. It appears I make a mess over everything I am part of. This is the life God gave me. Not everyone is blessed. I was meant to be alone and I should have stayed away from anyone else. For all those who knew me or I was part of the family...I am sorry. Life would be better if I was not around. I thought I had the key for my wife. Her life is only getting worse, so it looks like I opened Pandora's Box. Again, for all those who knew me, I hope life gets better for you. If it is because you have stayed away, continue. Act like you never knew me. The curse will remain on me.
I am part of the unloveable group. I no longer believe there is anyone on this earth today who could love me. That's why I am lonely today.
Michael
I ponder why God leaves me in the condition that I am in. People say they care but their actions speak loudly, and refuse to spend any time with me. Everyone else is more important. Why should anyone want to even think of someone like me. I am back to having no job, God is back to His way of not speaking, at least the beggar was cradled by Abraham for such a miserable life he had to face.
I cannot take the rejection anymore. I had spent way much time filling out applications after I graduated tech college. I had so much expectations only to get the silent treatment from countless employers. I truly wonder if I fell off the face of the earth, would anyone care, besides my children?
I am no longer convinced that anyone is willing to take a chance on me. I thought getting married would bring closure to my loneliness; it only brings more despair. I sit day after day, night after night, lonely on the couch. Now, whoever reads this is thinking that maybe I will blame someone else for this. Nope, it has to be me. All of it. 100%. It always has been me.
How many times can a man take of getting let down on a consistent basis? It is obvious that I am the problem and it is understandable that people like me, who have accomplished almost nothing in their life, and can't even get a call for a job interview from a gas station, why should I be on anyone's radar?
I don't regret getting married because of my wife. I regret getting married because of me. It appears I make a mess over everything I am part of. This is the life God gave me. Not everyone is blessed. I was meant to be alone and I should have stayed away from anyone else. For all those who knew me or I was part of the family...I am sorry. Life would be better if I was not around. I thought I had the key for my wife. Her life is only getting worse, so it looks like I opened Pandora's Box. Again, for all those who knew me, I hope life gets better for you. If it is because you have stayed away, continue. Act like you never knew me. The curse will remain on me.
I am part of the unloveable group. I no longer believe there is anyone on this earth today who could love me. That's why I am lonely today.
Michael
Friday, June 3, 2016
We are a Stiff Necked People
I am going to give another reason why I am a "Done" from the church. Christians have no idea how stiff necked and selfish they are, and this includes me to some degree. I recently seen a church go through what they deemed "transformations" but, in essence, it becomes the old adage:
"No matter how much things change, they always remain the same."
I watch churches make more determination to change the view of the way church looks than how it acts on the inside. I have been part where I took some steps to be part of a church but watched them turn me away. We have no idea how well we turn others off from the Christ that died for them.
We treat churches like a business more than a family. We have our favorites and many are willing to oversee much because it will affect what others see in our choices and judgment. We fail to utilize the ability of the Holy Spirit to guide us corporately.
Many of us, especially Christians, have hurts and past pains they have trouble getting over. I have been treated poorly so many times in the past that the few times I have attempted to step up in my calling that the reaction I received has caused me to walk away. I can trust Christ but I cannot trust the church.
I will not say that all of them are like this. Somehow, this appears regional. I truthfully cannot stand feeling purposely left out and lonely. I am not sure I am not just speaking for myself but I bet there are more in church who wish they could feel more appreciated and part of this "family."
It is sad that many parts of the leadership tell of reaching out to the community but can't reach out to their own. It sounds more that these leaders care more about the numbers than what they will do once they get into the doors. We don't truly see how truly broken the system is for our churches.
It needs a true fasting and praying session to get right down to where God wants His Church to be. Anything else we do in an attempt to be His will is only making this a lie.
Jeremiah 6:15-16
Michael
"No matter how much things change, they always remain the same."
I watch churches make more determination to change the view of the way church looks than how it acts on the inside. I have been part where I took some steps to be part of a church but watched them turn me away. We have no idea how well we turn others off from the Christ that died for them.
We treat churches like a business more than a family. We have our favorites and many are willing to oversee much because it will affect what others see in our choices and judgment. We fail to utilize the ability of the Holy Spirit to guide us corporately.
Many of us, especially Christians, have hurts and past pains they have trouble getting over. I have been treated poorly so many times in the past that the few times I have attempted to step up in my calling that the reaction I received has caused me to walk away. I can trust Christ but I cannot trust the church.
I will not say that all of them are like this. Somehow, this appears regional. I truthfully cannot stand feeling purposely left out and lonely. I am not sure I am not just speaking for myself but I bet there are more in church who wish they could feel more appreciated and part of this "family."
It is sad that many parts of the leadership tell of reaching out to the community but can't reach out to their own. It sounds more that these leaders care more about the numbers than what they will do once they get into the doors. We don't truly see how truly broken the system is for our churches.
It needs a true fasting and praying session to get right down to where God wants His Church to be. Anything else we do in an attempt to be His will is only making this a lie.
Jeremiah 6:15-16
Michael
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