photo courtesy woodleywonderworks
Mark 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Joh 2:14-16 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
Dysfunctional families dysfunctional churches
There is a direct parallel between the decline and failure of the family and the decline and failure of the church in America. I use the term church in a wide general sense; more in the sense of all that commonly passes for Christianity. Both have in my opinion lost their way, their purpose and their impact on society. To get a feel for the mass confusion just listen to how the media defines marriage, family and church. The definitions are all over the board. Even the basic concept of one man one woman has been attacked. Is there any hope for a return to that which worked for millenia and served mankind well? It's like changing great Grandmother's biscuit recipe thinking you can make it better. If it worked, stick with it! The original recipe for the success of family and Church has been forsaken by many for a new more modern, up to date, cool, hip, politically correct version. It has been played with and modified so much that in many cases it's no longer recognizable. Can you imagine what kind of reaction the twelve disciples would have if they walked in to one of the emerging mega churches and saw a “Christian” rock band blaring out music so loud that if they didn't have the lyrics up on a screen you couldn't even understand what they were singing? I think the message to the Laodicean Church in Revelation is fitting to the situation we find today.
Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Original Recipe
Act 2:42-47 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
