Church Club
The Lord died in shame to redeem all those who would become like himself – devoted to the will of his Father. He did not die to leave his people comfortable, self-satisfied, deceitful and self-deceived. Many churches have long been content to be social clubs using the language of scripture, while denying the power of Jesus to change us. When Paul reasoned with Felix, Felix was terrified. (Acts 24:25) Most preaching today alarms no one.
Our flesh is always inclined to look away from Christ crucified, because seeing his suffering ruptures our pride. And it is our pride that keeps us captive, imprisoned by our lies. Church clubs aim to produce good feelings rather than holiness. But without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14) We are like the Laodiceans when we feel self-sufficient and in need of nothing.David needed Nathan to help him face his sin. At times, we all need help as well.
Church clubs are characterized by self-promotion. These expressions of pride become obvious to visitors, whether disciples or not. Church clubs are theatres, whose productions ring with unreality, leaving their viewers empty. Church clubs are inclined to organize nearly work of service, however small. Thus, “ministries” may become diversions that occupy us, while obscuring our remaining sin.
Jesus’ death was to cleanse us from all unrighteousness – it is an ongoing work.
Church clubs have controlled assemblies where only one or two speak. Occasionally there are meetings where a few are asked in advance to speak briefly - creating the appearance of spontaneous response. But the Spirit of God is not expected to lead. Members are assumed to have received the birth from Above, and club leaders seem unconcerned whether they are actually saved or not.
Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith.”- 2 Corinthians 13:5
It is fair to ask, “What should an assembly of Jesus’ disciples look like?” Scripture indicates what may occur. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 indicates that when all prophecy (speak for God), unbelievers are convicted of their sins, and fall down declaring God is among us. James 5:16 instructs believers to confess sins to one another, promising that healing will follow. Hebrews 10:24 tells us to provoke one another – to love and good works. 1 Peter 5:5 instructs, “all of you gird yourselves with humility to serve one another, for God rejects the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Diotrephes loved the preeminence – and cast some out of the assembly. (3 John 9-10) Cf. 1 Corinthians 11:19.
Those scriptures indicate an interaction of believers (and unbelievers) that is virtually absent in most churches today. By contrast, Paul dialogued with the disciples at Troas. (Acts 20:7) Church clubs are controlled, and sometimes contrived. They fail to reflect Jesus, lowly in heart, empting himself, to give us his life. Assemblies in his name should be occasions for his power to cleanse and heal those hearts willing to receive him. His Spirit will lead, will we follow?
3/26/04 # 34