The Institutional Captivity of Christianity

Daily writing prompt

If you could relive one day from your past, which day would it be and why?

The Bible tells how Judea (the ancient Jewish nation) was taken and held in captivity by Babylon. Church history shows that a similar thing has happened to Christianity. Throughout the centuries, spiritual awakenings and revival movements of spontaneous, Spirit-led Christianity have been taken captive and quenched by institutionalized religion.

I’ve seen that happen in my own life. The Jesus Movement of the 1970’s ignited and spread contagious, heartfelt, cage-free, Spirit-led Christianity around the world. Then the institutional captivity set in as churches drew spiritually ignited people into the passive religious routine of systematized programs and traditions.

The institutional captivity of Christianity has misled people to believe that faith in Christ is about little more than faithfully attending and financially supporting the church of your choice. It has been effective at compelling people to come and sit through church services, but very ineffective at empowering people to continually listen to and obey the risen Jesus in everyday life.

Instead of letting the living Jesus continually amaze us, Christianity has been caught in a maze of religious routine. The institutional captivity of Christianity has kept Christ-followers dependent on a human pastor and a religious organization, instead of on the present reality of the living resurrected Jesus.

Cage-free Christianity trains and releases Christians to freely roam as they are inwardly led by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:14) Go beyond the Sunday morning spectator routine and begin to daily follow and obey Christ the inner King.

Jesus isn’t a topic for a sermon or a religious study. He’s the present, living Lord and Savior. Follow Him.

Superficial Christianity is artificial. (2 Timothy 3:5) Spirit-led Christianity is authentic. (Romans 8:14) According to Mark 3:5, hardhearted people make Jesus angry and sad. Open up your heart to the tenderness of God the Holy Spirit.

Testify. 
Don't forget 
Or deny 
Miracles 
Christ has done. 
Magnify
God the Son!

About Steve Simms

I like to look and think outside the box. In college I encountered Jesus Christ and I have been passionate about trying to get to know Him better ever since. My wife and I long to see the power and passion of the first Christ-followers come to life in our time. I have written a book about our experiences in non-traditional church, called, "Beyond Church: An Invitation To Experience The Lost Word Of The Bible--Ekklesia." If you need encouragement, search for: Elephants Encouraging The Room and/or check out my Amazon author page. Thank you!

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