Wake Up Church!

I started the day wondering what I would write on or even preach about this Sunday and, praise God, He put this in my lap.

“Some people would rather debate doctrine or beliefs or tradition or interpretation than actually do what Jesus said. Its not rocket science. Just go do it. Practice loving a difficult person or try forgiving someone. Give away some money. Tell someone thank you. Encourage a friend. Bless an enemy. Say, “I am sorry.” Worship God. You already know more than you need to know.” John Ortberg

They say you can preach a tough sermon once in a church. The question I have is this; if the church body was to have a pastor come in from outside their church and he or she challenged the congregation to leave behind the arguments of old and grasp firmly to the Truth, to let go the misconceptions that one denomination is better than the other or that a certain version of the Bible is the one and only version to use, would there be push back? Southern gospel is the only true form of worship and that new contemporary stuff is the devil’s doing, the minister is not reverent enough or is way too starchy for me, the minister does not tend to my needs but would rather hang out with people outside our church. Quit looking for things to complain about and embrace the challenge that God has set before you!

The time is now to wake up from the slumber church. The world has infiltrated the Holy gathering and has dug its talons into the very heart of the faith. Love God with every single ounce of your being and I don’t mean in word only, anyone can call themselves a Christian but God knows the truth of our hearts. Next, love your neighbour as yourself. Don’t stop with your church neighbour either, embrace your neighbour regardless of their faith walk, reach out to your enemy or those have done you wrong and love on them. The fight should not be about the denomination, version or cut of the pastor’s collar but rather about how much damage the devil has done and what we can do to drive him back. Put self aside and do what the Lord Jesus Christ has told you to do and be thankful that He lives!

Shalom

Pastor Todd