I've
been thinking about this for a while, especially as I read about Jesus'
life. But Jesus encountered demon possessed people pretty regularly.
It's got me wondering how many people we encounter every day that are
demon possessed. Especially in today's world with addiction so
prevalent. When one is under the influence of a substance, this is an
open door for an evil spirit. Not to mention some of the demonic movies
that are out there. I just think how many young preteen girls played,
"Bloody Mary" and "light as a feather" at their slumber parties. Messing
with the supernatural and thinking it was for fun, including me.
This
is troubling to me as I read Jesus encountered these people often. To
be honest, I'm not looking for it. But it has me seriously wondering,
how many people attend church that have demonic influence? It doesn't
have to be scary either. Just a person who is bound to something. To
some degree, I don't think we recognize it because the Church/body of
Christ in general is so divided on theology.
Luke 9, Jesus sends out his disciples with his power and authority to cast out all demons, heal all diseases, and to tell the people about the Kingdom of God. (Luke 9:1-2) This is quite out of the norm for those of us who follow Jesus today. Why are we not seeing people set free and healed on a regular basis? Why are we so hesitant to share about the Kingdom of God? Is it the fear of man? The media sure does a good job of shaming Christians. On the other hand, some Christians, because they are out of practice, have brought this shame upon the Church as well with their "church hurt" message.
Jeff says that Sunday services are practice and the other six days of the week is the game. As I'm reading more and more news articles of people leaving the church, it's disturbing as most of these people who say they are Christians, are not at practice. They are playing the game without a strategy nor are they supported by a team. Jesus never sent out his disciples alone, they were always paired. How in the world are we ever going to help set the captives free if we ourselves are separated from the flock? I saw this post the other day and this is so true! (posted photo) There are many followers of Jesus wandering out there--alone that are not in unity.
As I read the headlines, these days are truly what Isaiah 5:20 says, "What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter." This is really weighing on my heart this morning. I'm sharing this today because as the body of Christ, it's time for us to stop "playing" church and get to "practicing." It's time we "be" Jesus and start following His example freeing people in His name! I think people look for the wrong things when searching for a church. We always want what "serves" us. If you aren't in a church currently, maybe you look for a church where you can "serve." Your gifts might be just what they are missing. Jesus didn't either "lure" people into the Kingdom. I'm afraid the Church has lured many which is why we don't see the power that He said we have. Nor the unity. The luring creates a place of comfort (serving the flesh) rather than a place of transformation (serving like Jesus). The church should be "drawing" people in because Jesus is the focus!
Luke 9, Jesus sends out his disciples with his power and authority to cast out all demons, heal all diseases, and to tell the people about the Kingdom of God. (Luke 9:1-2) This is quite out of the norm for those of us who follow Jesus today. Why are we not seeing people set free and healed on a regular basis? Why are we so hesitant to share about the Kingdom of God? Is it the fear of man? The media sure does a good job of shaming Christians. On the other hand, some Christians, because they are out of practice, have brought this shame upon the Church as well with their "church hurt" message.
Jeff says that Sunday services are practice and the other six days of the week is the game. As I'm reading more and more news articles of people leaving the church, it's disturbing as most of these people who say they are Christians, are not at practice. They are playing the game without a strategy nor are they supported by a team. Jesus never sent out his disciples alone, they were always paired. How in the world are we ever going to help set the captives free if we ourselves are separated from the flock? I saw this post the other day and this is so true! (posted photo) There are many followers of Jesus wandering out there--alone that are not in unity.
As I read the headlines, these days are truly what Isaiah 5:20 says, "What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter." This is really weighing on my heart this morning. I'm sharing this today because as the body of Christ, it's time for us to stop "playing" church and get to "practicing." It's time we "be" Jesus and start following His example freeing people in His name! I think people look for the wrong things when searching for a church. We always want what "serves" us. If you aren't in a church currently, maybe you look for a church where you can "serve." Your gifts might be just what they are missing. Jesus didn't either "lure" people into the Kingdom. I'm afraid the Church has lured many which is why we don't see the power that He said we have. Nor the unity. The luring creates a place of comfort (serving the flesh) rather than a place of transformation (serving like Jesus). The church should be "drawing" people in because Jesus is the focus!
I personally want to be better at this. If you are reading this and need prayer, DM me and I will be glad to pray with you and for you. It's time for you to stop listening to the lies that you can't change. Jesus said, "you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) He was talking about himself. He is the truth and life. (John 14:6). Jesus loves you and He came to give you abundant life. (John 10:10)
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