Now all those who believe were also in the same place and had all things in common. And they disposed of the acquisitions and the properties, and divided them to all, forasmuch as someone would have need. Besides persevering day by day with one accord in the sanctuary, besides breaking bread home by home, they partook of nourishment with exultation and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor for the whole people. Now the Lord added those being saved day by day in the same place.
Acts 2: 44-47, Concordant New Testament
I ran across a light-hearted video the other day titled "If churches were honest." Now, to be honest, the man who created this video also has created satirical videos for everything from soda pop to car dealerships. However, the more that I watched this satire video aimed at today's mega churches I began to see that the satire wasn't too far from the truth. The video mocks everything from mega church rock...um...praise bands to "somewhat" inspirational sermons. From high priced church leaders to large multi-dollar houses of worship. This guy pulls no punches. The funny thing is, I agree with him. I came away from watching this video with one thought. That is, if today's mega churches were truly honest, they would admit that it's all about the community of believers and not the mega money flashy facade they portray to the outside world. Yes, it may feel warm and fuzzy to tell others that you attend or belong to a million-dollar church, but are you indeed a better Christian for it? Do you have a better understanding of Christ from attending your big money church? I'd think not. From my own experiences, I've noticed that when you look beyond the noise of the rock bands and the fancy suits of the pastors...the message still remains relatively the same. In other words, I could forsake the riches of the mega church and still get the same sermon from a small church pastor. But go ahead and keep believing that your big, expensive church somehow is extra special. Now for the kicker. If churches were to be TOTALLY honest with the community of believers they would proclaim that all of that loud music and fancy buildings doesn't matter a bit. What does matter is the community of believers who are drawn into the church for whatever reason. It's more about fellowship than the elegant exterior.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not easily broken.
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 NKJV
I have a good friend who, after a traumatic period in his life, began searching for a church. Did he look for the most fancy and well adorned building? No. What did inspire his search was one day seeing the cross of the church he would one day flourish in as he was driving past it on the freeway. As a former member of this church myself, there were many people who, upon seeing this cross, began to realize that there was hope when all seemed lost. There have been cases of those on the brink of suicide who saw the cross and decided that the hope of the Lord was more important. In many of these instances, what people were searching for wasn't a loud rock band or a fancy building but a community of like minded believers. This is community, this is the church of the followers of Christ. Jesus tells us that when two or more are gathered that He is there amongst us {Matthew 18:20}. Jesus makes NO distinction of the gathering place where His followers would gather. Only that if two or more gathered, that He is there. So, I'll take your fancy mega church and raise you a Sunday morning at the coffee shop with a few like minded believers. In fact, I'll probably save a few bucks from skipping the mega-church offering as well. I use the coffee shop only as a example, but you could definitely bypass the mega-church at other venues as well. The gym. On a hike. If you work weekends, you might also take a few moments to gather with fellow believers at work. God does not discriminate in where His children gather, only that we come together in His name. Yes, today's mega churches are ornate and flashy, but they're hardly the only game in town.
"You are the light of the world, a city located on a mountain can not be hid. Neither are they burning a lamp and placing it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it is shining to all those in the house. Thus let your light shine in front of men, so that they may perceive your ideal acts and should glorify your Father who is in the heavens."
Matthew 5: 14-16, Concordant New Testament
~Scott~
No comments:
Post a Comment