Looking For The Meat



For years, there have been divisions within the Church. They have taken the form of Biblical interpretations, doctrines, music, and types of worship. These differences have exposed the Church to both internal and external criticism. Jesus' warning that divisions will have a negative effect on different institutions has gone mostly ignored. (Luke 11:17)

One of the areas that seems to generate a continual flow of criticism is the preaching/teachings that come from the pulpit. The verbal challenges that seem to originate from the pews is that some feel they are not being fed! As a result of "diet" preaching, these people become dissatisfied, and threaten to leave the church in search of a fellowship that offers deeper teachings. It is true there is diversity in preaching/teaching, but there is a purpose for that.

The Corinthian Church operated in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit and were the forerunners in exhibiting the gifts. (I Corinthians 1:7) Yet something was out of order. One of the hindrances to spiritual growth is humanism dressed up in Christian garments. When Paul came to Corinth, he preached the basics of the Faith. Believers needed to have a good foundation if they were to build a life exemplary of Jesus Christ. Paul realized the church was grounded in carnality. In his first letter to them, he acknowledged that they had not grown enough to shed the carnal label. (i Corinthians 3:1,2) He attempted in his letters to correct and instruct the fleshly orientated members. Many of the problems with the exhibiting of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit today is the result of carnal Believers that have not matured. So many are living in a "Back To The Future" sequel, where they continue to relive the carnally of the Corinthian Church. The Church needs to learn from the mistakes the Corinthians made, so it won't make the same mistakes they did.

When the Body of Christ becomes established in the basics of the Christian faith, they will be able to consume the meat of the Word. A good platform on which to build on the Truth is the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-7) Many times, Pastors will feed their flock what the sheep need, rather than what they want. We must trust that the Pastor is called of God and is led by the Holy Spirit. If people want deeper preaching/teaching, they need to display evidence of spiritual growth.

Split churches are usually caused by Believers who have not grown up. The Corinthian Church was hung up with personalities. There were four specific groups in their fellowship: The Apollos disciples, the Peter followers, Paul's army, and the Jesus only people. This last group seemed to have a pious attitude of spiritual superiority. A divided church sends a message to the observing world that diversification among Believers is normal. There are differences among people, but there should never be a difference in the message that is conveyed. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one so "that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them, as You have loved Me." (John 17:23)

It is time for the Church to grow up. Paul stated that when he was a child he did childish things, but when he grew up he put away those things. (I Corinthians 13:11) If Believers want deeper Truths, they need to grow up so they will be able to consume the "meat" of the Word. Paul's letter to the Hebrews put all this in the right perspective when he said that Believers who should be maturing into teachers, needed to be taught the basics again. He stated that strong meat belongs to the mature. (Hebrews 5:12-14) Before we start complaining about the preaching/teaching, maybe we should ask ourselves if we have matured enough to receive the "prime rib" when it is served.
 
 
Previous Post Next Post
  • Lord Ganesha's Idol Makes a Difference

    Ganesha is the God of prosperity, good luck success, remover of hurdles and destroyer of sins. However The idols placed at certain points in the house generate more positive vibrations, such placement benefits the entire household. Even the colors of the idols emit a kind of vibration. ... Readmore

  • How to Manage Your Investment Holdings

    The uncertain condition of today's economy is not encouraging investors. This lowered investment trend can be traced back to the past 5 years where investments have been slow with subscriptions to how to manage your investment holdings magazines taking a dip. Many investors are uneasy o... Readmore

  • The Guts of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

    Senator Bernie Sanders voiced his disagreement to President Obama's big trade deal. Organized labor in the U.S. argued, during the negotiations, that the trade deal would largely benefit corporations at the expense of workers in the manufacturing and service industries. The Economic Pol... Readmore

  • The Seven Wonders of the World

    The world around is filled with all kinds of wonders and we can gaze at them only by opening our eyes and our hearts. After all you need to believe in magic to be able to believe it. However, if you're someone who is a bit on the cynical side, we bring to you a list of the wonders that ... Readmore

  • The Benefits of Network Marketing - 3 Top Reasons Why Network Marketing Rocks

    Let's face it, there are a lot of mixed feelings when it comes to network marketing. Some people love it and some people hate it but in this article, we are going to talk about the 3 top reasons network marketing rocks. Time Freedom When you are a MLM professional, you are able to set... Readmore

  • 2017: A Year of Victory

    This is your year victory! Now, you will pass over to that side of victory. Your victory has come. This is marking the end of you weeping, gnashing of teeth, agonizing, tormenting from the enemy. This is marking the end of that mockery. You have stayed too long on that side. Now, rise a... Readmore

  • The Best Baby Strollers - Guide & Reviews

    Introduction Every child as a gift of God comes to us with a huge responsibility. As a parent, you must prefer to provide your child the best facilities. Having a baby stroller is one of that facility which will provide your baby safety and comfort as well as you will love to carry bab... Readmore

  • Let Us Bring Back Small Business By Reducing Regulation From the Bureaucracy

    A few years back our think tank was discussing what we needed to do to bring back our economy and the jobs we need in the United States. We addressed the issue of our ultra-slow growth under the Obama Administration and the dismal economic recovery. One of the members of the think thank... Readmore

  • 5 Great Horror Anthology Movies

    Looking for some good horror anthology movies other than the Amicus ones? Well, here are five you might like to check out: Dead of Night (1945) - This black-and-white masterpiece was the first real horror portmanteau movie. Martin Scorsese once described it as "the granddaddy of all hor... Readmore

  • Vacant Land Insurance Claims That Tell You Need Coverage

    Of course the vacant property owner needs insurance coverage! The insurance companies will emphatically tell you about all the liability risk - general, as well as bodily harm and property damage perils that exist in an unoccupied home, building or lot. But don't take a blanket statemen... Readmore