Myths that Make Us Hypocrites

I just read this post from Pastor Jeff Leake from Allison Park.  I thought it was something that all Christians need to read and check themselves on so I reposted it here.  You can check out his blog here.

Myths That Make Us Hypocrites

I was reminded today of a message that I gave last summer about three common myths in the church world. Believing this false ideas has a way of making us into 'actors' or 'hypocrites' (that's actually what the Greek word meant in Jesus' day - one who plays a part on stage). What are those myths?

#1 - HOLY PLACE - In the Old Testament, there was a place designated as THE place of worship. It was the tabernacle or temple grounds. In the New Testament, the place of God's presence has changed. 1 Corinthians 3 & 6 declares that 'we are the temple of the Holy Spirit' and that God's presence rests on the hearts of every believer in Jesus.

People who believe that a church sanctuary is the 'holy place' living in a certain duplicity. When in the 'holy place' certain words, attitudes, or practices are off limits because they lack a certain spirituality. Outside of the 'holy place' anything goes.

Truth is - the Holy Spirit is with you all of the time. We should act in a way that recognizes His presence every moment of every day - being careful not to grieve his heart.

#2 - HOLY THING - You can see the falsity of this idea in the book of Exodus where Aaron makes a golden calf to represent the God who delivered them from Egypt. This is a superstitious idea where one associates a special power with a religious icon or artifact. We think if somehow we touch, hold, or are near a special religious thing - that our prayers gain a special power.

Prayer, however, functions in the context of relationship. So if you are not living in vital relationship with God, your prayers will be hindered no matter what icon you hold in your hand. But if you are confident that you are a child of God and are living connected to Him - you need no artifact to bring you special spiritual 'luck'. The promises of God are all that we need. Jesus said, 'those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth'.

#3 - HOLY MAN - This final idea elevates clergy or the 'anointed man/woman' to a other-worldly place of connection with heaven. When we believe this myth we think that we need this 'holy man' to pray for us in order for God to move. But the New Testament teaches that any answer we receive, we receive through Christ. We all have access to the Father because of the cross.

Each of us has the right to pray and believe for breakthrough answers. Yes, agreement in prayer is powerful. Yes, there are some people who have experience in prayer and pray with authority and anointing. Each of us, however, has the capacity to become that man or woman of God. We should seek that with all we are.

Let the Little Children Come to Me...

I find it so hard to blog everyday.  In fact, I find it hard to blog once a week.  But here goes me blogging about what's on my mind this second week in August.

Yesterday, I was preaching on the Armor of God.  At the end of my message I always give opportunity for people to embrace the cross of Christ, as I close in prayer.  There was a grandma there who had brought her grandchild with her.  (I believe she is 4 years old.)  The grandchild did not want to go to Children's Church so she stayed with her grandma.  As I gave the call to know Jesus, the grandchild's hand shot up to my surprise.  She was looking right at me with her hand raised.  I was caught off guard and not sure what to do or if she understood but asked the grandma if she could bring her up front.  I didn't want to scare her or make her nervous so I asked her if I could pray for her.  She said, "Yes."  I asked her if I could lay my hand on her shoulder and she said, "Yes," again.  So I prayed God's blessings upon her as she took this step.  I encouraged her grandma to talk with her grandchild and help her understand what it means to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.  I thought it would be better for her to be able to talk to someone she knows and ask any questions she may have.

Grandma reported to me today that her grandchild was so excited after church.  She went and told everyone in her family that she had blessings prayed on her at church.  Most of which do not know go to church.  This little girl and her excitement over having blessings prayed on her at church could be the key to her whole family coming to know Christ.  Pray and believe with me.  I find this such an awesome testimony on this Monday that has found me dragging a bit because of a sickness that I cannot shake.  I'm so blessed to pastor the New Life Center at such a time as this.  God is doing great things in young and old alike.  So pumped for what God is doing and going to do.

Also, check out our Back 2 School Blast at www.tinyurl.com/back2schoolblast.  It's an event that will be held in Ford City Park August 28.  Children from Kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible for free school supplies but they must be registered by visiting the site above.  Check it out.