God Is Calling His People Out Of Tradition

Since Covid 19 made its way to the United States, life as we know it has made a major shift.  To be honest, I’m always home normally if i’m not at work or with family, but I can say we all may feel a little out of touch with what used to be easy to access. What is normal has been flipped on its side quite a bit. With all this time we now have on our hands, we can truly take the time to be still and listen to God and study his word so that we are made aware of the times we are currently living in, and how to be more prepared mentally, physically, and spiritually. 

I have lived in different states and I have had my share of finding church homes, and I have always wondered if I was being judgmental towards churches. I attended churches of different denominations, and something always seemed to go left. I always try to give certain churches a chance because I can’t be judgmental on the way that specific church chooses to deliver the word of God. The flow of the Holy Spirit is a flow that I can not change. However, when I sit and observe for a while, the Holy Spirit begins to minister to my heart, revealing to me things that I can’t explain nor understand until I study and it just clicks to me. I believe these 4 major red flags helped me find God more, and taking notice of these has been a major blessing to helping me find God more for myself. 

*disclaimer*

I am NOT against the church. I am The Church, because The Church is in me. There is a difference between The Church and A Church. I am not in agreement with man made religion that binds and corrupts and fabricates the living word of God. It’s a lot of things that I wish a lot of churches would stop doing. God laid this on my heart to write and I am going to listen to what He tells me, because I know that when God tells you to say something, we need to say it [Ezekiel 3:16-21] We as believers know that JESUS IS COMING BACK, and time is running out. As the Church, we have to stop playing and really stay in tune with God. I'm not here to convert. I am here to speak the truth and share the gospel. Nothing more, nothing less.

1. Staying in a Traditional Upbringing.

I noticed that it’s not the churches as a whole, but it has a lot to do with the confusion and corruption of man made religion (tradition). The main problem in most churches today is that they are so stuck in tradition that they are blind and deaf to the fullness of God. When you try to control the flesh WITH the flesh well, all hell breaks loose. When you continue to preach and enforce strict rules that are not biblical, not only are you hindering others from the true word of God, you hinder yourself. Honestly, deep down I believe many people in traditional churches miss out of the full goodness of the Gospel. It’s disheartening because we know that God is good, and you know that He is a way-maker and that our God is an amazing caring God. The only thing that keeps us away from God is the relationship we have with Christ. It’s more than a program, or five minute prayers. It’s more to God, and He requires more from the US, more than just the bare minimum. Don’t continue to be asleep, you have to allow God to open your eyes and your heart. WAKE UP.

2. Gossip.
Too much gossiping among other members is why many saints leave the church. In 1 Corinthians, Paul corrected the church about problems in the church, being divided and not on one accord being one of them. [1 Corinthians 1:10] We are not supposed to act carnal minded as the church. We are set apart, and we should continue to focus on living the way God intended. 

3. Favoritism.
Many of us have experienced the effects of division in the church. It’s great to be around other believers, and it is encouraged to gather with each other and worship. We know that God does not have favorites  [Acts 10:34]. There are no big I’s or little You’s in the body of Christ. If God loves us all for who we are, then so should we. 

4. No Spiritual Growth.

Spiritual growth should not be confused with changing your beliefs. As believers we are to grow spiritually and wing off the “basics” of the word. Just like physical growth, from infancy to adulthood, we are to advance from milk to solid food in our spiritual life.

[1 Corinthians 3:2-3 BSB]

“Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?"

1 Corinthians 3:2-3 

I took notice in this, and applied it to what the word, as the church, we are to be on one accord with one another. With all that I have encountered I had to make a decision. I had to decide if I was going to serve God, meaning I am going to seek His face, heart, and direction for my life, or to serve man and what man expected from me. I knew if I stayed confined in 4 walls I would be missing out on the fullness of God, and I knew that one day God will lead me to a church home where I can be myself and worship and commune with other like minded believers of Christ. 

I Encourage you to accept Christ, and not only accept Him, but to serve and submit to His calling on your life. If you have always wanted to build a relationship with Christ but you never knew how, say this prayer in your heart, and direct it to Him. He's ready to accept you into His arms.

Admit and Repent.

We ALL have to refresh ourselves in our walk. Your journey's may be easier or harder than others. Still, you have to admit that you are a sinner, and everyday we fall short from grace. We have ALL sinned. We were ALL born into sin. We ALL fall short but we were created in the image of God, who is perfect in all His ways. [Romans 3:23]

Believe.

That our Lord Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Son of God came in the flesh, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross for OUR sins. Believe in who Christ is, and know who He is, and what He did for humanity. If you don't truly, honestly believe this, then you won't inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is the ONLY way. [John 14:6; John 15:5-6]

Confess.

Confess, that Jesus is Lord. The King of kings and The Lord of lords. Confess this with your heart and your mouth. It means nothing to not truly confess your sins. If you believe that you have never sinned, then you're calling God a liar. [Romans 10:9; 1 John 5:10]

Pray This Prayer, and Truly Mean It.

"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

If you said this prayer, and you received Christ as your Lord and Savior, and you need prayer, please feel free to contact me, I will be more than happy to pray for you. Stay encouraged and seek God's face diligently. Your life is changed for the better. God Bless you and your journey with Him.