Has Christ got to be disappointed when He looks at the Church today! What a shame. If the Apostle Paul were alive today I'm sure he'd have some scathing criticism for God's people. There are more denominations and Christian sects than, as my grandparents used to say, "Carter has liver pills." What has happened to the modern church?
Just drive through any town in America and you can see and hear the same quarrels, "I am of Calvin. I am of Luther. I am of Wesley. I am of the Pope. I am of Campbell. I am of Knox." No you don't hear or see those names in particular but you do hear and see, Baptist Church, Assemblies of God, Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, Christian, Church of Christ, Church of God, Methodist, Episcopal, etc., etc.
No wonder the image of the Christ on the cross has lost its power in today's world. It's just another religion. Not any different in the minds of many people from Buddhism, Islam, B'hai, Hinduism, Scientology, Mormonism, Judaism, etc.
Isn't it time we heeded Paul's advice and focus on harmony in Christ through His Spirit? Isn't it time we put Christ back at the head of our lives and churches? Isn't time we stop selling and promoting OUR church and started promoting the simple, but powerful message of the cross of Christ? Isn't time we stopped the quarrels over who's right or who has the better message or presentation? Isn't time we stop glorifying the messengers and simply hold to and up the message of Christ?
Churches, programs, pastors, denominations don't save me or change me. Only the blood of Jesus and the grace of God can do that. God, forgive me for my divisive and sectarian spirit. Not MY will but YOURS will be done.
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