The greatest tragedy that has taken place in many churches for years, is that after a new soul finds faith in Christ, they start looking at other Christians as role models instead of Jesus. Jesus was and is to be our role model; He is the Truth, the Life and THE WAY. He is also our source of strength, wisdom and power. Jesus is our everything. Yet, it seems easier for new converts to follow the "in crowd." Many new or young Christians sense a new freedom and joy and desire to be part of something wonderful. They also want to know how to "fit in" with the Body of Christ. So they are given lots of literature and pamphlets, or they are encouraged to attend some classes on what their new commitment entails. They are also encouraged to come to other services that they will also enjoy. Seldom are they told to just listen and obey God. Some guidelines are helpful, but much of the stuff given or seen is tied to a lot of religious thinking and organizational rules.
Today, many churches are becoming popular because they have great worship music and anointed preaching—which is good. However, they are also being introduced to a lot of other things, including the latest popular selling Christian books that are being read by many of their members. And that may not be so good.
The early church grew not because it was popular or that they had access to great literature. But because of the power of the Holy Spirit, prayer and the demonstration of agape love—with signs and wonders following. There was also persecution, which meant people had to be serious about their faith when choosing to follow Christ. However, today there is less pressure in many western churches. There is also less power, even though there's more Christian literature than ever. What's the problem?
The truth and the Bible is being ignored more and more, as people spend more time with what is popular fiction and romance novels or the latest craze in Christian circles. Also the quality of some great Christian authors has also changed towards basic entertainment. There are also many other items available at your local Christian book stores or through the Internet. I have a few things myself (mostly worship music and some good books) and they're nice to give as gifts too. But how much does the other stuff really benefit anyone? Have people substituted a personal faith for a display of faith and literary knowledge? Have you noticed that church is the weakest it has ever been; could this be one of the reasons?
There is little value in many of those items, even though they may satisfy a person's entertainment or decor thinking. That's the wonderful part about God's grace; he loves us and wants to enjoy our relationship with Him. Yet, many people have gone to church their whole life and have still missed God's intended plan or calling for them. Some have even become bored as they sit in pews week after week, year after year. God has so much more in mind for those with seeking hearts. Church-life was never meant to be boring.
Church-life was never meant to be boring.
We serve a powerful and creative God, and most of us don't even have a clue or realize how awesome he really is—including me, but I'm beginning to. God is willing to meet us at any level that we're willing to venture into. There are a lot of doors yet to be opened by faith, and Jesus offers us the keys. But most of all, I want HIM who holds the keys.
Jesus stated that He was the door, he that enters through the door will find life. (John 10:9) Jesus also said that in the last days there would be little faith. It's not that there would be fewer Christians. In fact, there are more Christians today than ever before, but unfortunately fewer people really put into practice the teachings of Jesus, or place faith in His power. Loving and trusting God with all your heart should be the foundation for every child of God. Yet, few have press on into the maturity of sonship, because it gets too hard or difficult. Sonship is only gained through obedience and Christ's sufferings.
"Although He was a Son, he learned obedience from the things He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal life." (Heb. 5:8)
Many people who pursue a deeper walk with God, are considered a fanatic. And why? Maybe it's because those who follow Jesus will be persecuted. (John 15:18-21)
Jesus didn't seek to be popular and neither did his disciples. Therefore, we should be cautious about feeding on the most popular books and/or ministries. The books we read or the minister we listen to should points us toward growing in faith, an intimate relationship with the Heavenly Father and his wonderful grace—choosing spiritual maturity over entertainment. It's fine to read some light stuff once in a while. However, I recommended to read as God leads, but we should all know that we are what we eat—and read or listen to.
Remember, we will all have to give an accounting for the way we spend our time. It would be wise to choose authors and ministers who have paid a price for their faith. We should read the Bible more often, asking The Author (God) to reveal more insight on His Word and how we can apply it to our lives. Think of the Bible as fresh baked bread. Each section has a different taste and texture and you want to savor each bite as you chew your way through it. Jesus is the Bread of Life and you can find Him throughout the whole Bible. He is the beginning and the end.
Next, I would recommend reading books by Madame Jeanne Guyon and Gene Edwards. I believe that their relationship with Christ and the anointing on their writings reveals the heart of God for his Church and Bride. They also paid a price for what they wrote and what they did. The passion for Jesus and the power of the early church is a must have if we are to move forward in the Kingdom of God. There are also others books recommended through Seed Sower Publishing worth reading. Sheldon and I also have other great books listed in our "favorite books" section.
You may also want to read, The New Mystics by John Crowder. It gives an sample of what many Christians have been missing and what is about to happen. These books have lasting value in the Kingdom of God, and they will greatly benefit anyone who takes the time to read them. Deception comes in many forms; I encourage you to choose your books wisely and see if you find God's heart and pleasure in reading them.
