One of the most fundamental structural weaknesses of the institutional church is its insistence to function organizationally in the same manner as the world’s organizations. Yet, when we fully grasp that being the church is wherever two or more gather in His name, under the headship of Christ, and with the belief that the Spirit leads and builds His church, we can truly live free from the need for humanistic structures in church life. We have become a building of His making and have returned to the Lord’s original design of family and community.
Once we have come to this point we also realize that we are perfectly positioned to proclaim and demonstrate both the love and rule of Christ. Because we carry no banners, wear no robes, and do not have to conform to religious constitutions or constituencies, we are free to ‘become all things to all men, that we might by all means save some.’ (1 Corinthians 9:22)
Jesus prayed that we might be one with Him and the Father in the same manner that They are one. Yet, in the same prayer He also prayed that those who are so united with the Lord, not be removed from this world. Jesus knows that those who have lost their lives in Him are safe from this world for they are no longer of the same world they were born into. They are therefore positioned as the light to the world, shining as stars and witnesses to the world and the principalities and power of the air.
Jesus’ strategy to save the world was exactly the same and He left us with the perfect example for bringing salvation to a people. Jesus became a man, lived a normal life amongst sinners, rejected the religious order of the day and by the time He was crucified by the powers to be it was too late. He came as yeast and when His work was done the whole lump was affected. Persecution of His followers only worked to strengthen the faith and resolve of those who believed in Him.
Why have the church at large failed to see this? Because the church is simply neither mature nor strong enough in their faith to trust Him in the day of battle. Most Christians are self-focused instead of Christ-focused. Therefore their gatherings, prayers, faith and works are also self-focused. Instead of engaging in the real battles of the Spirit, they pick fights with the devil which were actually triggered by their own carnal desires. Yet, when we turn our eyes fully upon the Lord as Joshua and Caleb did in their day of opportunity, we will also see the hand and power of God at work in the same way.
I trust that we might all have the faith to look pass our own fears to simply follow Jesus wherever He may lead us.
To those who fear for my sake, or the sake of my family, I appreciate your concern, but may simply not entertain any unbelief. We are not novices on this journey. Twelve years ago we left great opportunity for religious recognition, stability and ministry, to go where others feared for our safety, sanity and future. And although we have faced hard and difficult times, this journey has only enriched our lives, strengthened our faith the Lord, added many incredible relationships to our community of friends and left us with great hope for the future.
Please add your faith to ours in praying for His will to be done. Pray that He may open the doors to be opened, and close the doors to be closed. We want nothing but His will. We are fully committed to follow Him regardless whether the journey leads us to cross or glory.
Have great faith, for the Lord is on the move!
