I first want to thank the developers of this site for making it possible to connect with other disciples across the globe. This is a beautiful opportunity to fellowship with God's people. I assure you, I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross so that I can have eternal fellowship with the Father. I also believe He was raised on the third day and has prepared a place for me in Heaven. I believe in the Holy trinity. I believe I received the Holy Spirit when I decided to follow my savior and Lord Jesus Christ so many years ago.
With all that said, I do have disagreements with the modern church. I don't agree with all doctrines just for the sake of making peace with everyone. I may not agree with you personally. If that ever happens, please know that it is never directed toward you personally. Because I am not a bible scholar, I tend to fall back on a more literal interpretation until I am convinced a passage is metaphorical in nature.
My apparent non-conformity goes beyond scripture, however. On the outside, I may appear to be somewhat rebellious toward the larger institutions we often associate as our "church homes." I often call out the hierarchy to answer for why we have often chosen to glorify organizations instead of the body of Christ. If you are a pastor or elder of a church organization, I would remind you not to take any criticisms personally, but to just prayerfully consider how the early church functioned; and whether or not it's time for a course correction in 2019.
What an exciting time we live in! People in Africa are being saved despite persecution by warring factions. Christians in China are reading the bible in spite of government intrusion. And yes, people are still faithful to God in the U.S. in spite of an overbearing hierarchy that demands allegiance to organization over service to "the least of these" in the name of Christ.
My wish is not to berate any church or member of a church. I simply hope to dialogue with those who want the church to function as Jesus did. After all, in Mathew 28:19. he told us to go and make disciples of all nations. He didn't say, "go and build huge buildings, entertain a bunch of mildly-interested people to sit and watch a sermon for an hour, send them home immediately and then invite them back next week."
With all that said, I do have disagreements with the modern church. I don't agree with all doctrines just for the sake of making peace with everyone. I may not agree with you personally. If that ever happens, please know that it is never directed toward you personally. Because I am not a bible scholar, I tend to fall back on a more literal interpretation until I am convinced a passage is metaphorical in nature.
My apparent non-conformity goes beyond scripture, however. On the outside, I may appear to be somewhat rebellious toward the larger institutions we often associate as our "church homes." I often call out the hierarchy to answer for why we have often chosen to glorify organizations instead of the body of Christ. If you are a pastor or elder of a church organization, I would remind you not to take any criticisms personally, but to just prayerfully consider how the early church functioned; and whether or not it's time for a course correction in 2019.
What an exciting time we live in! People in Africa are being saved despite persecution by warring factions. Christians in China are reading the bible in spite of government intrusion. And yes, people are still faithful to God in the U.S. in spite of an overbearing hierarchy that demands allegiance to organization over service to "the least of these" in the name of Christ.
My wish is not to berate any church or member of a church. I simply hope to dialogue with those who want the church to function as Jesus did. After all, in Mathew 28:19. he told us to go and make disciples of all nations. He didn't say, "go and build huge buildings, entertain a bunch of mildly-interested people to sit and watch a sermon for an hour, send them home immediately and then invite them back next week."
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