I recently received an invitation to a conference hoping to teach the attendants on
1) Church leadership,
2) How to lead a worship service
3) Church administration
4) How to prepare and deliver a sermon
5) How to prepare and deliver a bible study
6) How to prepare and evangelize
7) How to give a “blessing” (the ritual ending of religious worship services)
My response to the pastor is the following:
” Those are great themes (that show lackings of everyone pursuing each theme). However, I don’t think the problems of the church have anything to do with those themes. For example, giving a blessing has nothing to do with reciting (a list of predetermined) words. All the themes are only promoting religion rather than helping the church know or remember Christ more and more…Whenever I’m at a church, I’m always there to remind them of Christ and what he has done for them and for the world. I’m never there to promote the works of the church when the church is focused on religion and not Christ himself. That’s the problem of the church today, focusing on what they’re doing, and not rejoicing in what Christ has done. Jesus never prepared a sermon. He preached as the Holy Spirit guides him…I don’t scare people into giving their money like (some) guest preachers are paid to do. I only preach the gospel, the freedom of Christ, the forgiveness of God, the love of God, the eternal life through the Holy Spirit. I never represent myself or my opinions, but Christ and his teachings. The themes of this seminar entirely leave out the teaching of Christ. And that’s where the problems of all churches begin. Thanks again for thinking of us. We need real solutions, who is Christ and his teachings. Not theology, but the gospel. I pray that we got tired of religion so that we can start living the freedom of Christ, the love of God, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit as soon as possible. Christ is our blessing. And he’s enough for me. I pray that you…and all the Christians all over the world realize the same sooner than later so that we can stop suffering from our own mistakes and start resting in Christ and him alone. I love you..as Christ loves us…Enjoy Christ always by the power of His Spirit living in you. That’s my hope and blessing to you…Nevertheless, I will try my best to come. I love seeing all of you and your presences are always a blessing to me.”
We need Christ as much as the world does, not religious trainings.
We need the leadership of the Holy Spirit, not our divisive opinions.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” (Galatians 5:16-17)
While we’re trying to predict the moves, the acts and words of each other, Christ said that we’re unpredictable like the wind:
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)
While we’re trying to prepare what we’re going to say, Christ said not to worry about what we’re going to say:
“On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:18-20)
Love all people and rejoice in Christ. That’s all the church is called to do by the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the well of the living water, the Holy Spirit. 