Identity in Church...

[Guest duane65]

Satan said to himself one day. " Self. I know that there are born again Christians that is already going to heaven, but what do I do to keep them discouraged and keep them from winning others to Jesus?"

What makes us men and women of God?

It is the Blood of Jesus, and the choices we make.

I have read many posts on here about men and women that are thoroughly disgusted with church.

There are many great Spirit filled Churches in this country. I have preached and taught at a few, and have seen how they conduct themselves.

The recipe for a great church is very simple. Keep God first. If a member of a congregation came up to me, and said, "Duane I am going to a different church, because I am being fed there, and I have gone as far as I can here." I would tell them go. If you need to be fed elsewhere, and you are being better fed there. Then go for it. This is giving someone an Identity in Christ.

God doesn't just want good teachers, and preachers. He wants good leaders. And a good leader will not covet his congregation, he will give them plenty of room to get an Identity. How many people never go further than the pews because they fear telling the leaders in their church that they have been called to go further.

Many pastors that I have met, truly believe that they are the only ones in their church to have ideas, and to be led by the Holy Spirit.

And on the other side of the coin. There are far to many people in the pews that are looking for positive strokes, and approval seeking from everyone.

There is a song by James Taylor that say's, " They will hurt you, and desert you, they will take your soul if you let them, oh, but don't you let them." I use this analogy especially for Christians, because there are many Christians in church that will hurt you, lead you wrong, talk about you, accuse you, and it is Satan that is eating it up.

We are to understand that we have just as many faults as others, and we are to be an example. We may not do the same things as others, but we are wanting in other areas.

If a Pastor is in sin, then pray for him, and take it to him. If he doesn't repent take it to 2 or 3 others, and if he still doesn't repent then take him before the church. A pastor is not above the Word of God.

We all need to be aware that we go to church to build relationships, whether its with God or others. And we need to be a transparent example of a godly life. We need to edify one another, encourage one another, and admonish one another, in the good times, and the bad. Never look to others for you walk with God. And if others are talking about you, who cares? We have got to quit being the mama in other peoples drama. Christians, and non-Christians alike will think, and say what they want. Never let this be a justifier in walking away from, building godly relationships. We are also called to harvest other Christians, and Satan will use other Christians to be a bad example to new christians, and non-christians alike. Don't let him use you in this way. Satan will do anything he can to keep you from being a godly example. God bless. Duane

[Avodah]

Good post.

[Iryssa]

*gives Duane's post a standing ovation* BIG "AMEN," brother!!

[disconnected]

Another AMEN here.