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The Word of God



Last Updated: 7/15/2009

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Signup Date: 11/10/2006
Sunday, August 24, 2008 

Category: Religion and Philosophy

Church: Prison or Refuge?
by Pastor Jim Richards
www.myspace.com/drjimrichards

Times of great revelation are also times of great confusion.
We are in a new day of transition. The people of God are being forced to take a new look at the church and the picture is not that pleasant. I want to be the first to say I am pro–church. I believe that Jesus came to build a church that would have organizational abilities, but thrive as an organism.

The history of the church has been mixed with bright times of world influence with dark times of domination and control. Some of the greatest limitations the world has ever faced has been the result of a superstitious, fearful church. Yet, with all these faults the church has been the only real light in the world. However dim that light may have been at times, we are still the light of the world.

Healthy change should not produce more harm than good.
As a trained healthcare professional I was taught that the first law of medicine was, "Above all, do no harm." I have always sought, in ministry and in health, to find solutions that did not destroy the people involved. James reminded the self-righteous people in the church, "For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." James 1:20.

There are many angry people who have identified the flaws of the church. Identifying flaws is not a gift of the Holy Spirit. A gift of the Holy Spirit would be the ability to identify the flaws and lovingly lead people into the answers. Angry, critical Christians don't nurture and help. They just throw stones and run away.

With all its faults the church is still doing many wonderful things.
Monday, August 11th in "USA Today" it was said that people who attend church live longer and are healthier.

Other studies have revealed that those who attend church develop to higher levels of prosperity and success. People who attend church develop better social skills. All of the studies I have read do not indicate that these benefits come to those who profess Christianity; it comes to those who participate in church.

People who attend church develop a sense of community and belonging. They have healthy social outlets. They have a sense of family that few people in America are currently experiencing. To be quite honest, those that I have observed who were anti-church were usually people who had very poor relationship skills. They were usually very inflexible and often very controlling.

I will be the first to say, leave a negative, controlling church. Find a place where you can experience the love of God on a regular basis. Find a place that builds self-worth. Find a place that provides the opportunity and training to serve in an enjoyable capacity. DO NOT STAY IN A DESTUCTIVE CHURCH! The Bible says this, "Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge." Proverbs 19:27.

Learn how to have a healthy relationship with a church.
You can have a healthy relationship with a church. You do not have to attack the church to be free from control and manipulation. You can fulfill your dreams and be a part of a church. You can enjoy all the benefits of participating in the family of God.

You can lead your church into freedom by setting the standard of a healthy relationship with a church. Every church member should read, "My Church My Family: How to have a Healthy Relationship with the Church." Face the issues of church abuse without the attitude of the devil. For ordering information see the order form on the back page.

www.ImpactMinistries.com
3:54 PM
 
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The Acheson Family band

 
Amen pastor.
 
Posted by The Acheson Family band on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 4:45 PM
[Reply to this] 
Baroness Machiavelli

 
I will agree wholly with what is being said. Especially in the beginning when it's states that we should thrive together as an organism. How true is that! The church should literally be the "Body Of Christ Jesus" and operate as such. Some being the head, the foot the lungs the mind....etc. In that, there the problem begins. My experience with the church when I first became Born Again, was awesome; however, as the years have passed by, I've noticed more and more that churches are being swept away and many down right decieved by false doctrine and that which, if you will, tickles the ears. I don't think that lashing out in anger is ever the answer in trying to point out flaws. Having said that, many times, questioning the church, albeit in love, doesn't go over big either. Because we are living, I believe, in the last days, (even perhaps the final hours), I think we need to be more on our spiritual gaurd than ever before. We truly need to, daily, put on the whole Amour of God. The following quotation, I feel, says it best, which is from Jeffrey Mark Spencer:

"The end-times apostasy of believers occurs because of a great satanic deception among believers. What would such a deception look like? It certainly will not be something very obvious. Satan is not going to waltz into the church on Sunday morning and say, "OK everybody! Listen up! I'm Satan and this is the great apostasy, so get in line and follow me!" No, his end times deception will be through a subtle twisting of biblical Christianity, mixing biblical truth with demonic error. So close is this mixture, in fact, that many believe it to be biblical Christianity and fall away from the true Faith. Thus, many believers are deceived and lead away from the Faith through false doctrine-a subtly different Jesus, different spirit, and different gospel. Consequently, because of Satan's disguise as an "angel of light" and his ministers' disguise as "ministers of righteousness" (2 Cor. 11:14-15) everything they do looks and sounds very Christian. In other words, the great apostasy from the Faith will be orchestrated by ministers who, on the surface, appear righteous and godly. Their teaching will be so close to true biblical Christianity that many will follow the false "angel of light" and the false "ministers of righteousness" away from the true Jesus, the true Spirit and the true Gospel. "
 
Posted by Baroness Machiavelli on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 10:17 PM
[Reply to this] 
Covenant Warriors

 
I believe you are correct and satanhas already started his part but in 2010 the Lord sends his delusionas judgment to the church. here is the vision the Lord gave: ..Vision for and of the Church........http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv-I6wqxiKo....  ..
 
Posted by Covenant Warriors on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 5:56 PM
[Reply to this] 
'Mixy -Michael/Michael Mixy'....
Michael Soft

 
'Point's of -Love'; GOD Says; 'LOVE ME, WITH ALL YOUR HEART 'N' Soul'!!!!

I say, 'If GOD, pUTS A WICKED MAN IN HELL' , I Shall 'Love him less', a bad man (/woman), even less (damn 'typos' L.O.L.)......AN Average person, even less and a good -person, even less.

The 'better the person'/'the closer, they 're to me'; the more' points', they will be 'worth', to GOD, if he 'treats them well and look after them' and the more- 'Minuses', they will 'make'??

It is a confusing: part -business, but Mainly 'Spiritual' idea of mine....

'The points based system':
It goes, from: '-(Minus) Infinite', to 'Infinite'. In between, there is 'Countless', 'figures of Hexillion', from '999-1', then 'Pentillion' and so on.
('Countless', 'replaces'; a '7 sided shape', because it: is 'a resting No.' 'infin8', for '8' sided etc. etc. the rest, 're mainly, like 'No.s in shapes'?? It 's really hard -to -explain -but, I Hope, that GOD, Wishes for/wants my Love, enought to 'keep me and my family', happy to get it)!!
 
Posted by 'Mixy -Michael/Michael Mixy'.... on Monday, September 08, 2008 - 8:55 AM
[Reply to this] 
MZ REAL
Lana O'Connor

 
Also, I forgot to note:-

the Church isn't a building, it's the people!!!! & it's the wife of Christ
 
Posted by MZ REAL on Friday, September 19, 2008 - 12:38 PM
[Reply to this] 
Pr1nzez
LOrraine JOhnson

 
Good point. I visited two different religions this past month, Islam and Judiasm (I am Christian). While I was at both of the services, during the prayers and worship, I noticed a peace that is not normal to the world. I feel sorry for the Christians that think going to a church service would, "Waste their day." I am blessed to build my faith through the church body, imperfect as we are, we still need each other.
 
Posted by Pr1nzez on Monday, August 25, 2008 - 4:32 AM
[Reply to this] 
'Mixy -Michael/Michael Mixy'....
Michael Soft

 
Do you think -that 'Christianity', says those 'Religions', 're 'Wrong'??



Some people -say: 'The False Prophet': 'Mohamed',
'The False GOD': 'Allah',
'The False Religion': 'Islam'??
Also; 'Those who persecute; the Jews, in Israel, will be punished by GOD' AND ''You must not make friends, with your neighbor's, for they will persecute you and I will pour me scourn onto them and you, if you side with them' and finally: 'Whoever; changes the word's, of 'The Bible', will suffer ALL the harsh punishments in it': these seem, to 'point to Islam' (don't believe those, that say that 'JESUS, is not the Son of GOD, for they 're the Anti -Christ'): I HOPE, that I am Wrong)......Some might say; 'why Believe this'??
But 'Christianity' came 1st. What a coincidence, that it 'predicted, these things' etc. etc.
'Prophecy that scares the *hit out of me':
I don't like thinking this, because: A, I Don't want people, to suffer, B, I know 'Muslims' and i 'd really 'dis -Like', offending them, C, I 'Look Muslim' and admittedly, I 'side with them'?? I.E.; 'looking Arab', I think, that 'America's so called war -on terror', is really; 'a war on people, that LOOK Like me' etc. etc. If people, see me, they 'assume', I am a 'Muslim' and if they 'hate': 'Arabs'/Muslims -generally, due to prejudices; e.g.; 'how they look'; they will probably; 'hate me'. Also; (Golly; I do wiffle-waffle L.O.L.); if someone, 'attacks me on the street'; if 'we' stick together, we can fight them??
 
Posted by 'Mixy -Michael/Michael Mixy'.... on Monday, September 08, 2008 - 8:45 AM
[Reply to this] 
MZ REAL
Lana O'Connor

 
Sorry if I misunderstood this message but I totally agree tht Christianity was first & I do question Islam's accuracy when it was like on the other side of the world to Israel. & also Mohammed never met Jesus. Jesus (& even in the old testament) has a lot to say about not wanting sacrifices but mercy & thank offerings. Hosea 6:6 says "I desire mercy, not sacrifices" they are many quotes on this subject, especially preached by Jesus.

What I know is that Christianity is the only string of beliefs which isn't a relgion. It's faith. Religion weighs you down with the sacrifices, idols, confusion, proving things, human tradition we're constantly told not to believe. So if you imagine scales, Jesus' (what he said & did was even prophesized int the old testament!) would weigh nothing for "my yoke & my burden is light" matthew 11:30. Christianity is the way which is pleasing to the eyes of most people, I say most meaning people who don't wish to degrade themselves & harm themselves with drugs & rebellion which ofetn leads to bodily harm. "Judge for yourselves" is what Jesus says. How forceful is that? What peace does that give to inhabitants of the earth. I know it's the through the Holy Spirit that I write this. One thing about muslims. They pray to curse people! Romans 12: 9 states clearly "Bless those who persecute you, bless & do not curse" This is truely the most harmonius "religion" And how many more relgions are made up daily. How many divisions in Christianity. It is written that Christ isn't divided. It is written
"How nice that Christ has redeemed us fromt he curse of the LORD" (Galations 3:13) Did you know it's GOOD NEWS that Jesus' message bring, where others bring a message of condemnation (it is written there is no condemnation for those in Christ). I really sorry I haven't been giving you all references. I am lacking in time, but if you have any questions, please do not hesistate to ask me & I will give you everything I know that would be beneficial. I just adore the freedom I have in Christ & that ALL MY PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED. I must be hearing the Word right somehow.

Once again, I really hope this message have been of use to use & which you the best in finding yuor answers & resolving your confusion. I will tell you when you not at church you get so confused, I know because I'be been through it. Every SINGLE TIME I GO TO CHRUCH PASTOR TALKS ABOUT THE BIGGEST THING ON MY MIND!!!!!! I TELL YOU THIS; IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BE A CHRISTIAN ON YOUR OWN & I don't want you to be forever trying to disprove this fact (oh wow, I'm not really aware of what I'm saying, I'm just writing this like God's giving me the words, I don't write fast if it's not for God!), if one thing doesn't work, try another. Trying another thing helps me so much everyday.

God bless you my brother, careful who you listen to. Not everyone who says 'Lord', 'Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven

Pick up your bible today!!!!!! God has revealed to people how to read it. Read the New Testament first, shortest books first, knock them down by size, then move to the Old testament doing the same.
 
Posted by MZ REAL on Friday, September 19, 2008 - 1:01 PM
[Reply to this] 
'Mixy -Michael/Michael Mixy'....
Michael Soft

 
I don't believe, that it is essential/even important, to attend Church.
The reason why; 'GOD is in the Heart, not in a building -right??'

I Think, I read this Quote, once, in 'The Bible':

'You must not pray -showing off, like 'the Jews' did/have done; you must pray in your Heart'........
(Then; it was; 'the Lord's Prayer', which, admittedly, I have forgot.

Please send me -Prayers and Inspirations, e.g.:
'Inspirational Quotes'.
 
Posted by 'Mixy -Michael/Michael Mixy'.... on Monday, September 08, 2008 - 8:34 AM
[Reply to this] 
Starron

 
Your blog was right on target, but I missed the mission statement. The Church is a place of worship and therein group prayers and praise are given to God. Most importantly, it is a place to learn of God with the emphasis on redemption, lest we remain lost. With me as it should be with all, the praise of God and of the Son doesn’t stop at the door nor expire after the service is over.
The faiths of God are geared for redemption, albeit unknown to many. Making the congregation holy and worthy of Heaven is the goal of the church. The disciplines we learn of in church and practice abroad help to make us holy and eligible for redemption. These gifts are of the grace of God and without them, there is no hope. The church is important and must remain structured to build and maintain faith in God and in Jesus Christ and clearly outline just what holy conduct is. It has always been deed over appearance. It is doing to others that which you want them to do to you; loving in place of hating, forgiving faults instead of persecuting, and interacting fairly rather than cheating.
Angels don’t go to church, for God is with them, and a day will come we will not attend church for the same reason. The congregation is charged with keeping the faith and teaching it to our young. In Heaven, God will dwell amongst you and the role of the church will be geared more toward homage and fellowship on a personal basis. Remember that Heaven is with many mansions, each the work of an angel. Heaven spans the known and unknown universe, ruled by God with conduct enforced by legions of angels. Their code of conduct will be ours, and it is this the church is to uphold.
Spurn from your place of worship those who hate and judge by color or race, for all are welcomed. War has never been the answer, and it is the way of God to balance powers that none are eliminated. We need to get along as this is how it is done in Heaven. Jesus Christ did not come to judge, nor shall I. He came to plant a seed and pay for life, and I will nurture that seed by which billions will be saved. It has already grown so large that many are required to tend it.
The harvest is great and the workers few, but I will carry the cross of my conviction as He did, emphasizing the need to stop sinning and stay holy. Accept God as the only true God, the only one wearing the crown of creation that gives in itself inalienable rights. Believe in Jesus Christ who is to inherit the world and redeem the holy. Treat everyone respectfully, even our enemies. This isn’t too much to ask for in exchange for eternal life. Keep and teach the faith…
 
Posted by Starron on Sunday, October 05, 2008 - 8:08 AM
[Reply to this] 
angel_network-ΜOΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!
Shawna Wold

 
I feel the same as Jesus, we always have to ask what would Jesus do, he wouldnt have mixed church with state. He never voted in the roman empire, and now we are living in the very toes of Daniel still the roman empire and the people of this country are voting and being a part of this goverment consentrating things contrary to what the bible says not to do..anyways you have my impute and i could say more, but you may not want to hear! Love to all
 
Posted by angel_network-ΜOΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ! on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 - 3:37 AM
[Reply to this] 
~Always Strength...No Doubt~
Sista B Taylor

 
Thank you for the blog - very interesting - very real! Thanks for the insight and the suggested reading material, stay blessed!!!
 
Posted by ~Always Strength...No Doubt~ on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 3:57 PM
[Reply to this] 
♥The Kings Daughter
Carey Terry

 
Amen! I come in agreement! Great blog and thanks for sharing! :).. 
 
Posted by ♥The Kings Daughter on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 7:25 AM
[Reply to this] 
*LUVD BY GOD SO I DNT NEED ANY1 ELSES LUV*
Ledeshia Mitchell

 
This truley gave me understanding of sum things
 
Posted by *LUVD BY GOD SO I DNT NEED ANY1 ELSES LUV* on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 8:42 PM
[Reply to this]