Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.
Last night I read about the body and how it is made up of many parts. That caused me to remember a few other analogies where the body’s parts each have a specific function and need. Which led me to joke about which one was more important and formidably in charge. (You all already know how my brain works ADDOST)
But the reading and subsequent thoughts caused a deeper look in my soul for the body of Christ. The Church. As I am writing this, I am reminded of how when one part of the body fails us, we can die. An organ as small as the appendix: if it ruptures and there is no immediate removal, we will die. The appendix is rarely talked about. I am not sure anyone knows that did not go to medical school; its true purpose is, without going to the Google. However, we all know it is there and the catastrophic end there will be if its flare is not heard and attended to.
Just as the appendix is forgotten about until it is not, so is the body of Christ. We are seen, in today’s society unfortunately, as fanatics and cult-driven brainwashers to some. I was sent a video from someone who has stepped away from the church for such reasons. That video is heartbreaking because of the potential damage it can do and probably already has done. The worst part is that the pastor saw nothing wrong with his actions. In the video, men dressed in camo came into the church armed with air rifles. They shot and pretended to ‘kill’ the devil (a man dressed in all black like a thief). Then they carried ‘the devil’ out as though they had defeated the enemy. As if that were not bad enough, they did this in front of children, and to make it even worse, it was a part of their Vacation Bible School lessons. They videoed the encounter and placed it on the internet, along with the pastor’s explanation and lack of discernment.
Now, I am all about object lessons to help us remember the important things in life. I use them quite frequently. However, in my opinion, this ‘object’ lesson went too far and taught the exact opposite of what Jesus stood for and our marching orders as soldiers for Christ. This object lesson is like the appendix that has burst, and now the body needs immediate Physician assistance. Personally, I place this particular congregation in the same arena as those who play with poisonous snakes to prove their faith. Missing the point of our marching orders.
“Go out and make disciples.”
“Build the Kingdom of God.”
As in my lesson last night while reading, we all have special talents that are needed in the body. Some teaching. Some humor. Some hands-on. Some empathy. Some culinary. All have a place and need in the body. When one part of the body fails, the other parts need to step up and guide or lend a helping hand. Now I cannot build a house that will be livable, but I can drive a nail or be the gopher for tools. I cannot cook a seven-course fancy meal, but I can operate a can opener or peel potatoes. And now that this video has gone viral, and I am sure to run across those wanting to know my take on it, I can show empathy for those involved, pray for those in leadership for discernment, and show those I encounter the Truth in His Word.
In my opinion, this particular incident was yet another attempt by the enemy to divide and destroy the church. However, I believe that when the body comes together as one to serve the One, that damage will be minimal and Love will prevail. I am asking that we come together in our little corner of the world and pray for this pastor, this congregation, and the children who witnessed this role-play demonstration. I also would ask that we pray for others who may be struggling to see His will in their lives. As a body, we can heal ourselves with the Love of the Father leading us. Will you pray with me?
Be blessed.
**The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Last night I read about the body and how it is made up of many parts. That caused me to remember a few other analogies where the body’s parts each have a specific function and need. Which led me to joke about which one was more important and formidably in charge. (You all already know how my brain works ADDOST)
But the reading and subsequent thoughts caused a deeper look in my soul for the body of Christ. The Church. As I am writing this, I am reminded of how when one part of the body fails us, we can die. An organ as small as the appendix: if it ruptures and there is no immediate removal, we will die. The appendix is rarely talked about. I am not sure anyone knows that did not go to medical school; its true purpose is, without going to the Google. However, we all know it is there and the catastrophic end there will be if its flare is not heard and attended to.
Just as the appendix is forgotten about until it is not, so is the body of Christ. We are seen, in today’s society unfortunately, as fanatics and cult-driven brainwashers to some. I was sent a video from someone who has stepped away from the church for such reasons. That video is heartbreaking because of the potential damage it can do and probably already has done. The worst part is that the pastor saw nothing wrong with his actions. In the video, men dressed in camo came into the church armed with air rifles. They shot and pretended to ‘kill’ the devil (a man dressed in all black like a thief). Then they carried ‘the devil’ out as though they had defeated the enemy. As if that were not bad enough, they did this in front of children, and to make it even worse, it was a part of their Vacation Bible School lessons. They videoed the encounter and placed it on the internet, along with the pastor’s explanation and lack of discernment.
Now, I am all about object lessons to help us remember the important things in life. I use them quite frequently. However, in my opinion, this ‘object’ lesson went too far and taught the exact opposite of what Jesus stood for and our marching orders as soldiers for Christ. This object lesson is like the appendix that has burst, and now the body needs immediate Physician assistance. Personally, I place this particular congregation in the same arena as those who play with poisonous snakes to prove their faith. Missing the point of our marching orders.
“Go out and make disciples.”
“Build the Kingdom of God.”
As in my lesson last night while reading, we all have special talents that are needed in the body. Some teaching. Some humor. Some hands-on. Some empathy. Some culinary. All have a place and need in the body. When one part of the body fails, the other parts need to step up and guide or lend a helping hand. Now I cannot build a house that will be livable, but I can drive a nail or be the gopher for tools. I cannot cook a seven-course fancy meal, but I can operate a can opener or peel potatoes. And now that this video has gone viral, and I am sure to run across those wanting to know my take on it, I can show empathy for those involved, pray for those in leadership for discernment, and show those I encounter the Truth in His Word.
In my opinion, this particular incident was yet another attempt by the enemy to divide and destroy the church. However, I believe that when the body comes together as one to serve the One, that damage will be minimal and Love will prevail. I am asking that we come together in our little corner of the world and pray for this pastor, this congregation, and the children who witnessed this role-play demonstration. I also would ask that we pray for others who may be struggling to see His will in their lives. As a body, we can heal ourselves with the Love of the Father leading us. Will you pray with me?
Be blessed.
**The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.
Last night I read about the body and how it is made up of many parts. That caused me to remember a few other analogies where the body’s parts each have a specific function and need. Which led me to joke about which one was more important and formidably in charge. (You all already know how my brain works ADDOST)
But the reading and subsequent thoughts caused a deeper look in my soul for the body of Christ. The Church. As I am writing this, I am reminded of how when one part of the body fails us, we can die. An organ as small as the appendix: if it ruptures and there is no immediate removal, we will die. The appendix is rarely talked about. I am not sure anyone knows that did not go to medical school; its true purpose is, without going to the Google. However, we all know it is there and the catastrophic end there will be if its flare is not heard and attended to.
Just as the appendix is forgotten about until it is not, so is the body of Christ. We are seen, in today’s society unfortunately, as fanatics and cult-driven brainwashers to some. I was sent a video from someone who has stepped away from the church for such reasons. That video is heartbreaking because of the potential damage it can do and probably already has done. The worst part is that the pastor saw nothing wrong with his actions. In the video, men dressed in camo came into the church armed with air rifles. They shot and pretended to ‘kill’ the devil (a man dressed in all black like a thief). Then they carried ‘the devil’ out as though they had defeated the enemy. As if that were not bad enough, they did this in front of children, and to make it even worse, it was a part of their Vacation Bible School lessons. They videoed the encounter and placed it on the internet, along with the pastor’s explanation and lack of discernment.
Now, I am all about object lessons to help us remember the important things in life. I use them quite frequently. However, in my opinion, this ‘object’ lesson went too far and taught the exact opposite of what Jesus stood for and our marching orders as soldiers for Christ. This object lesson is like the appendix that has burst, and now the body needs immediate Physician assistance. Personally, I place this particular congregation in the same arena as those who play with poisonous snakes to prove their faith. Missing the point of our marching orders.
“Go out and make disciples.”
“Build the Kingdom of God.”
As in my lesson last night while reading, we all have special talents that are needed in the body. Some teaching. Some humor. Some hands-on. Some empathy. Some culinary. All have a place and need in the body. When one part of the body fails, the other parts need to step up and guide or lend a helping hand. Now I cannot build a house that will be livable, but I can drive a nail or be the gopher for tools. I cannot cook a seven-course fancy meal, but I can operate a can opener or peel potatoes. And now that this video has gone viral, and I am sure to run across those wanting to know my take on it, I can show empathy for those involved, pray for those in leadership for discernment, and show those I encounter the Truth in His Word.
In my opinion, this particular incident was yet another attempt by the enemy to divide and destroy the church. However, I believe that when the body comes together as one to serve the One, that damage will be minimal and Love will prevail. I am asking that we come together in our little corner of the world and pray for this pastor, this congregation, and the children who witnessed this role-play demonstration. I also would ask that we pray for others who may be struggling to see His will in their lives. As a body, we can heal ourselves with the Love of the Father leading us. Will you pray with me?
Be blessed.
**The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12:12
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