The Church, Organism or Organization? Continuation part 7, Customs & Practices?

Beloved, we press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise God will reveal even this to you. We continue to distinguish the vast difference between the organism of His body the church and the organization of man that man calls the church.

As stated in previous writings, the purpose of these teachings is to build the body of Christ the church. By speaking the truth in love, we may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ.

Let’s look at our practices in coming together or as man would say, “going to church.” In the organization of man we are not the church we go to a designated building he calls the church. Regrettably I must address the building itself, for man has made it a part of our faith through his doctrine/teaching. However His Word says, “The Most High does not dwell in temples, made with hands.”  Most organizations man calls the church collect large sums of money to sustain the building called the church. He may have a group of members cleaning the building as their ministry. Others provide flower arrangements to beautify the building as their gift to God. Some have elaborate sound systems so the music deemed as praise and worship sounds perfect. Man through his teachings also makes us obligated to attend.  He cleverly makes our righteousness linked to our attendance to and participation in the organization he calls the church through giving and works. In most organizations of man called the church, man believes and teaches that God’s presence is in the building and as we assemble there we experience God’s presence! All of the particulars I just mentioned are designed by man and for the benefit of man. Whether through ignorance or wickedness it matters not. My goal in these teachings is “If you abide in My Word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  

Now we are the body of Christ the church. Many will give money that they do not have to keep the building in tack while their sister has no job or income to keep a roof over her or her childrens head. They will gladly stand throughout the entire service ushering or bring a glass of water to the pulpit and think they have done God’s service. Man will required you to be in attendance to the point of neglect of your own family. Not mentioning the hours of practicing to perform in the praise and worship team. Are these works for God? Is this the reasonable service His Word speaks of? Can you now see how important knowledge is regarding the truth? There is truly a lack of understanding and I need to say a lack in the heart of God’s people. (The heart of God is the Word of God)  God’s people are ignorant and deceived by the trickery of men in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting. Man carefully and purposefully obligates you to his organization through various forms of works and giving. For he knows that “where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” So if your treasure is in the beautification/maintenance of the building or in the premise that cleanliness is next to godliness or in your dance performance, that is where your heart is. Yet His Word tells us “don’t lay our treasure on earth…..to lay up our treasures in heaven.” For that very reason.

“God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's’ hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath and all things.” Ministry is simply service. I pray God enlightens your heart and mind to discern the folly of our practices. These behaviors that are performed weekly has in the hearts of many become their righteousness. Yet as His Word has said, it’s not for Him! He doesn’t need anything! Is it clear yet what the purpose of these practices are? They are for man. And you may be the man as well.  “Who knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”

These customs of beautifying the building, putting on our best attire and never missing a service has become sacred. Are these practices needed to conjure an atmosphere of holiness? So that God’s presence will join us?  Many of you hold these customs dearer than the sacrifice of the life of Jesus. Which He gave so that we would be free! God is NOT in your building. In truth you worship idols! Jesus said, “For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self indulgence. For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”  

In truth I realize I’ve just scratched the surface of our folly and dullness of heart concerning these things.  However as for today take heed, For I see millions dressed in their finest clothing, with children in tow, bible in hand as sheep led to the slaughter participating in what they believe is of our Lord Jesus only to be deceived, trapped and made twice the son of the hell as their leader.

Yet His Word is true! If you seek Him, truly seek Him you shall find Him!