Hiding In The Sanctuary

Just recently my friend; my brother; my Pastor resigned his position.

This town seems to be gossip central and I have been following a certain thread in our local forum: Ozark Online Forums. There are rumors flying of different reasons as to Joe's leaving. Many of these rumors, I can tell, are coming from a certain set of people.

My first answer to the people circulating these rumors is: look at the track record of Pastors getting run out. It is kind of odd how there is such a turnover. Could it possibly be a problem with certain "long time members" who feel that the Church is their own personal sanctuary?

I say to the people running rampant with these rumors: poll all the people who attended services there and find the real truth.

Let us look a bit closer at this problem which is happening in churches across the nation.

Is it a place to hide every Wednesday and Sunday?

Do as you will out in the world but your OK if you visit this building once or twice a week?

When was the last time you shared Jesus outside those walls of that building?

Do you really believe in Jesus? He didn't teach us to hide in a building. He didn't teach us to keep the message just between the few people that go into that building.

Joe and Julie gave their hearts to reaching Lebanon, Missouri and now people have the gaul to talk "smack" on them.

I am disgusted!

What is Jesus's view of the church? The church is a body of believers, not a building. This body of believers are to spread the good Word, not hide in a building.

We are not playing Dungeons and Dragons here. You cannot retreat to Sanctuary.

I must say that all of you who are back-biting this man; you will be judged one day.

I know this same problem is happening in churches across America. You have certain people who feel the church is only for the people they want there. I can't find anywhere in the Bible that I am taught that, unless I follow the Sadducee's, which doesn't appeal to me.

I remember a few months back when Pastor Joe joined a few others on a short mission trip into Morocco. There was actually a person at our church that during a Wednesday service said he thought it was too dangerous and that Joe shouldn't go. Yep, he actually said that; just the opposite of what Jesus taught us.

People of Lebanon, Missouri; quit these stupid rumors please; this family has shown Jesus to you and this is what his family gets?

Joe, my friend and brother, keep following the calling!

Now let me ask you: are you just playing the social game? Going to a building once or twice a week to see your friends and family? Where did you learn this "form" of Christianity? It wasn't from Jesus, Peter, Paul, or any of the other Bible writers.

Have you told anyone lately about Jesus?

My wife and I are going to hang in there along with a few others. Will we be treated differently now? We will see.

I pray that God opens eyes and hearts. I also pray for those people who are keeping these rumors running rampant. Someday your closets may open and we will see all your junk; chew on that!

The link below is a site I have been building about the Fruits of the Spirit. Check it out: