We’ve come up against the harsh reality that raising questions about how the church functions is automatically labeled “divisive,” and those who raise the questions “grumblers” and “troublemakers.” At the same time, the issues and questions that are raised are largely disregarded. It is therefore encouraging to us to see that others–and there are many others–are also addressing these concerns. One intriguing-looking book, which is definitely going on our “to read” list is Franchising McChurch: Feeding Our Obsession with Easy Christianity (see link below). Wouldn’t it be fun to read this alongside Who Stole My Church? and then discuss the issues raised, and the way people from different perspectives address them?
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Yes, this would be interesting. I share something from my copy of Missions Frontier and the main theme being “Recapturing the Role of Suffering”. Not to minimize in the least the suffering our brothers and sisters experience for their faith in countries that are not free, I wonder if we ourselves suffer in a different realm, that being the’unseen’ . Nik Ripken says in his article “Persecution, quite simply, is normal for Christians”. Hm, what persecution are we under here in Lancaster County? As we struggle with “Who Stole My Church?”, is it a form of persecution?
As I read more of the articles on suffering in Mission Frontier, I wonder sadly how the disunity and discontent in the church today is Satan’s way of distracting us from our call to pray for those who suffer in ways we will never suffer and cannot even begin to imagine. Oh, that we have life too easy and are ungrateful and disappointing to our heavenly Father. It is sad to see how money gets spent to bring ‘others to the kingdom’ and yet on the other side of the world money is nothing.
Such good read in this Mission Frontier issue, because question is raised “Why Aren’t We Suffering?” WE fall into the 2nd category of suffering. Paul lists them as dishonor, bad reports, hunger, sleepless nights, emotional distress, imprisonment, beatings, despairing of life, and even death known as ‘emotional suffering’. This is from article titled “The Other Side of the Cross – Suffering and the Glory of God”.
All this fussing and feeling like we are “divisive”, “grumblers” and “troublemakers” is by and large suffering and to realize God is in it isn’t always easy. I just pray that I am able to continue to desire to serve the God of Heaven and Earth who loves me and died for me and to so share this with those are lost. May God be praised on both sides of the fence. Disciples told Jesus there was one driving out demons in his name and they told him to stop. Jesus said “Do not stop him, No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me.” (Mark 9:38, 39). As much as we would desire to talk out some of the issues that are out there that we see as wrong, God knows what is in all our hearts and I am trusting Him. It is easy to write at the moment and tomorrow I may take two steps back, but I thank God for dear friends who care and love me.
Our persecution is only momentary. Take heart dear ones. Continue to seek truth and it will set us free.