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Christianity is Outside the Box (2) Religion today has little resemblance to Christianity in the first century; it has become a "service industry." There are multi-million dollar facilities being built in this community and throughout the country. Each denomination is involved in a race to have the largest building and offer the most activities to the community. Different religious groups have conducted research in order to develop a strategic marketing plan. We see "churches" with gyms, eating facilities, day care services, and host of other "ministries," claiming it is done in the name of Jesus, but it is to the glory of man. The problem is the "s" in service is aimed in the wrong direction. Jesus did not die on the cross so we can have recreational facilities or a place to eat. He died for the "remission of sins" (Matthew 26.28b). The church is not a company designed to offer social services to the community. The church was purchased with the blood of Christ (Acts 20.28) and is composed of the saved, Acts 2.47. As Christians we are to minister to one another, not pay a clergy or youth minister to serve us. The church is to "Serve" with a big S. Our service to God is to worship Him, to help needy saints through benevolence, and to preach the gospel to the world. This service is our duty. Talk about radical Christianity! To show you the true, radical nature of Christianity, imagine going to worship God with other Christians in a place without a multi-million dollar sound system, without a choir or fancy piano, there is no food court or kitchen. The people are there not to eat a common meal together or play games, but for true spiritual food which is the word of God. What kind of a church is that? The kind we read about in the Bible! D.T. |