- The church Jesus is building is so powerful the gates of hell can't resist it. Finally and wonderfully, denominational walls are crumbling; yea, including the ones the Church of Christ erected. The Word is faithful and Christianity is returning to the Anchor for increasing guidance. All sorts of "brands" are committed to regaining momentum from foundational bibliocity. Many of these are being awakened or reawakened to Bible authority and stability. Even among our own there continues simple interest in getting back to the Bible.
- It seems likely the denominational side of the Church of Christ will get louder and grow grayer. It shouldn't be surprising if a neo-legalistic movement will arise (if not from among our group, then of another) as religious pride seems insistent on claiming some percentage of the Christian turf. Legalism is the style of the lazy believer. It requires little study on its own. It feels secure in knowing some others in the herd (whom they like) have the same conviction. This seems to make their peculiar angle on truth(?) right.
The church which is Christ's is magnificent in direction, marvelous in intent, and meaningful in production. As at its inception, it will always be challenged by the ill-equipped ones of the likes of us. His Holy Spirit is both our confidence and our hope. We are a funeral home without Him and a soul winning factory with Him.
What's the future of the Church of Christ? Much depends on whether we choose to coast or grow, whether we decide to preserve or explore, and whether we have ears to hear His voice over the deafening noise of the fearful. I believe the future is bright for the courageous of heart.
8 comments:
Great post today my friend.
I had to smile at the statement "the Denominational side of the Church of Christ" because I think the side you refer to would think it's the other side. :o)
Also, the last paragraph is great and I agree.
Let's explore, grow, hear and be courageous.
Brilliant post!
Your comments on legalism are dead on the mark.
The future has always been bright for the courageous at heart . . . I just wonder how many of that tribe actually dwells among "us"? I love your enthusiasm and confidence in God!!!
I believe the future is bright! (So bright you gotta wear shades!) Your comment on "We are a funeral home without Him and a soul winning factory with Him" should really makes us think. It's pretty scary to think of us as being a funeral home without God. But you are dead on. Pardon the pun! :) Have a great weekend! Love ya friend!
Having been un-invited from our local Bible Camp and ostracized by most of our local Churches of Christ, I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that the “denomination” known as “the Brotherhood” is alive, well, and kicking hard.
Nevertheless our church is growing and flourishing. We had the most “spiritual” week of Camp we’ve ever had at another facility who welcomed us with open arms.
When God’s people try to honor God with not only their words but their actions, reaching out to the same kind of folks that Jesus reached out to, the disenfranchised, He will honor that no matter how hard the denomination known as “the Brotherhood” tries to silence them.
Job 1:21 –
And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."
I think it is fair to assume that it is God's will for churches to grow and flourish. We know that not all churches succeed, though. Why is that? Certainly God's church, the global body of Christ, will never be defeatd, but denominatons fail and individual churches fail every day.
The future of the Church of Christ and every other church is dependent on the leadership who will decide if thy want to follow the heart of God or the traditions of their past.
This is so good and so very encouraging.
In a few short years the "baby boomers" (I am 62 and a "boomer")will be gone. It is my observation that if something doesn't radically change on the most "conservative" (sic) side of the coC there will be precious little left.
The dry committment to "the church", the sectarianism, and the infighting does not appeal to the children and grand children of us seniors.
I want my offspring in a church where they are constantly callenged to walk with God in a vibrant relationship with Christ, where the leaders are modeling how Spirit controlled people are to live the life of faith.
The theology and practices of the coC of the 1950's are going the way of 8 track tape players.
Grace to you,
Royce Ogle
Post a Comment