These words from ancient history are powerful: “O taste and see.” People can tell us about an amazingly delicious food but until we taste and see for ourselves, their words are only hearsay. That’s the problem with modern Christianity. It tries to tell people about the glorious experience of following Jesus by using weak weekly religious talks alone when what people need are profound experiences with the risen present Jesus. “O taste and see that the Lord is good!”
Alexander the Great said: “I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” Christians are called to be sheep led by the Lion of the Tribe of Judah — the risen Jesus! If Christians will come together to follow and obey the living Jesus instead of religious programs, they will change the world!
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice.” Churches should train Christ’s sheep to share what they hear God’s Spirit saying. Jesus went on to say, “And they follow Me.” Follow the risen Jesus, not routine religion. Sheep who ignore the Shepherd eventually get eaten by wolves.
When Christ’s sheep are kept silent and set in rows to hear a weekly religious speech they are sheared of the humble heart-to-heart sharing of Spirit-led community. When Christ’s sheep gather, let them all be free to speak as the Spirit prompts them.
Christianity isn’t about personalities and celebrities. Keep your eyes on Jesus alone! Talk about Jesus, not about a preacher. If the risen Jesus isn’t the center of attention in a church service, it’s way out of focus. I’ve always wondered why the name on a church sign is the name of a preacher instead of the name of Jesus.
Christians who like to talk up a preacher are missing the point. A preacher is a mere messenger who is supposed to focus people’s attention on the risen Jesus. Sheep who ignore the true Shepherd eventually get eaten by wolves.
None the less, for some reason churches and Christian conferences usually leave Jesus off the program. I don’t think I have ever seen this on a program: “Lord and Savior: Jesus Christ.” Churches need to stop counting sheep and begin to count on and rely on the presence of the living resurrected Jesus.
If the preacher doesn’t show up for church people get upset. If Jesus doesn’t show up people often don’t even notice. When you’re thinking about the church you attend who do you think of first, Jesus or the pastor?
Free Gas For Your Think Tank (A blog to jog your mind and unclog your heart . . .) 