Take a step back and examine how the modern church is now operating compared to how it did originally. Not just in those denominations you believe to be out there but also in your neck of the woods. For example, how the leaders are chosen, major decisions are made, who are considered members of the church, the programs, and many more ways the church operates these days that are different from the original. Also, when did the church turn into a business model?
Several things go on within the church today that have nothing to do with the mission of Jesus Christ. The evidence of this is the degradation of a nation into sin that has well over 1/3 of a million church buildings. You could almost say there is a church on every street corner in America. But they have not changed the nation for good.
I have noticed many methods, agendas, programs, rules, traditions, and rituals within the church that are not right. They do not follow the example left for us by the Apostles. Instead, practices and traditions have become culturally taught instead of following the leading of the Holy Spirit.
There are far too many to discuss in this article. But you may have also noticed some questionable activities in your own experience. Of course, we all know that when mankind is involved, things will always progress downhill if not corrected. The Apostle Paul prophesied that this would happen. What was true then is true now.
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. I know that after my departure, fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock, and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them. Acts 20:28-30
For example, look at the concept of church membership. There is nothing wrong with being considered a member of the body of Christ. That is being a member of the family of God. Yet, in today’s church, it has been segregated to be members of a church building, a denomination, a Christian organization, or some social club. So now we have different dividing groups that separate the members from the non-members. Shouldn’t it only be believers and non-believers?
There should not be a separation from the body of Christ between different entities. All those who are of the Body of Christ are members of the Church. We should not have a separate list between those who are and those who are not, causing many to be puffed up in their hearts and to look down on those not in their particular group. The only real division is between those who follow and obey Jesus Christ and those who do not. Yet this is what has happened, and it should not be so.
All this has developed because the Devil has gained access to the church. Through men who are not of the Lord. Because of decisions made down through the ages, tainting the ways we operate. Customs and practices that are now considered normal but not accurate to how Jesus established them.
Let me give you an example of unbiblical church leadership behavior. I have heard church leaders tell people seeking help or counsel, “If you were a member, we could help you. I see you are doing great things for the Lord, but sorry, this is our policy.” Unfortunately, the ministry of the church has become all about policy, by-laws, rules, regulations, and practices established by the decisions of men. The passage below instructs us how to treat each other no matter what building we attend.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:9-13
People can argue and point to other men’s opinions all they want, but the Church of Christ is not divided. On the contrary, men and the Devil are the ones who cause division, and if they do not turn to the ways of God instead of the Devil, they will not enter the Kingdom of God.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
There are indeed verses that talk about a smaller group of people that are under an overseer. But the context or tone of the writer is always referring to pleasing God, operating in His will, and not bowing to men or their ways. Many use these verses to gain power and position over the people. To even gain wealth and prestige amount, the churches. Be aware they are among us and have been from the beginning.
From my experience, the problem comes when men with no calling from God seek positions in the church or the congregation who are not walking in the Spirit of the Lord. Then, it doesn’t matter how many votes they get; God disqualifies them. It is easy to see how things can go astray quickly.
The churches have changed from being led by Holy Spirit-filled, anointed, and God-fearing leaders to a democratic organization that operates like a government or a business. Not all, of course, but most have followed the example of the business world. In the last two thousand years, the church has changed from being led by the Lord to being led by men.
There are many good and godly servants of the Lord. There always will be, until the Lord returns, a remnant. They are doing their very best to serve the Lord in His will for their lives and to serve the people. This Church is beautiful in how they love and sacrifice themselves for the Lord and others.
Unfortunately, there is a vast amount of church leaders who are corrupt in faith, building their own kingdoms on earth. Even worse, many wolves are among the sheep, masquerading as good, honest men desiring to devour them.
The hardest question is, “What do we do?” All we can do is turn our focus completely on Jesus Christ. To seek the Lord to open the peoples’ eyes to see and ears to hear His direction and warnings, to listen to the warnings of those in the past. To take off the blinders that culture, religion, and the Devil.
Continue to seek the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and serve Him the best you can until He comes. Be aware of the deception of the Devil in the churches and be careful not to follow the wolves in sheep’s clothing, but call them out, that you may save some from their deception. Yes, divisions have come. So keep close to the Lord and separate yourself from all who cause division to walk in the light and truth of Jesus Christ.
But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time, there will be scoffers following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people devoid of the Spirit.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Jude 1:17-23
The Soul Sower 