Mindless Spiritual Wanderers

Many say that the need to be a part of a local church is unbiblical and that it is all about each individual’s relationship with God and so technically it is unnecessary. Such thinking is becoming more and more prevalent. So let me start by making an unequivocal statement concerning those who advocate such a position. That idea is straight from Satan himself and is only spoken by those who are lost, and estranged from the Kingdom of God. Before you lapse into the demonic sleep of isolationism, consider a couple of things. First, the idea of the “church” has no context in Scripture apart from a local congregation. From its inception it is conceived in the context of a group of believers caring and ministering to one another. This is why we have deacons, it is why they sold their possessions to help others less fortunate in their midst. When we consider the churches expansion, it is clear Paul and others are starting local “churches,” these are in physical locations, identified by specific groups of believers. Furthermore, most all of the New Testament is written to those congregations, not mindless spiritual wanderers. There has never been a time that the church was not understood in the context of its local demographic. To infer anything else is ignorance at best or demonically inspired, which is much worse. Those who wish to associate with Christ apart from the institution must disregard the entire New Testament to do so, plain and simple! Even in the Old Testament the paradigm of God’s chosen people is within the context of the congregation of Israel. So let me tell you why those who hold that position do so. These are those who would rather sleep in on Sunday’s and still say they had church, hoard their treasure, because (most also don’t believe in tithing), criticize everything else others are trying to do, while they do absolutely nothing! So I have a word of encouragement for the church, we are better off without them. If someone doesn’t love God’s people enough to come and share the burden and serve in the cause…well, I say, they have a problem. Remember it is a sin to forsake the gathering of ourselves together. Rejoice church in those who do gather, for they are the true church and it is through them the work will get done!

Rev. Joel M McDuffie Jr.

6/28/2016