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The Chicken or the Egg

I know I am going to light some fires on this one. Several years ago, my wife and I visited a new church for the first time. I knew little about this church. I had friends who were from this denomination, had even participated in an Easter musical at one of these churches, but beyond that, I knew nothing else about them. What made them different? Were they special? Did they know something I did not know?

When we visited that church for the first time, several of my questions were answered. No, they were not really any different than me; no, they were not special in any way; no, they were not aware of things I was not aware of already. Now, having said that, there were some differences in how I was raised, but the fundamental theology was alike and the core beliefs that I hold dear were in agreement with the church. After committing to be a part of the church and eventually serving on the church staff all the way to today (full time ministry with the church), I have become fully devoted and proud of my church. Not because it makes me any better than anyone else or because I hold the secret key, but because I believe that what we teach is important and a vital part of the Christian faith.

Here's where it could go south...why are Christians more committed to their denominational affiliation than their relationship with Christ? If someone asks me what I am, I do not respond with "I'm a Nazarene." No, I am a follower of Christ, I am in a relationship with Jesus Christ, I am madly in love with the Savior of my soul. I see this in all different denominations. I feel confident that God is not particularly interested in whether you are Baptist, Nazarene, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, etc. What God wants to know is: have you given your life to Him? Have you allowed Jesus to sit on the throne of your heart? Have you lived in accordance with HIS will and HIS plan for you. Have you allowed the blood of Jesus Christ to wipe away the sins of your life and make you new every day?

Wouldn't it be fantastic if the Church of today would stop worrying about their manuals, directives, guidelines and policies and focus on the Word of God? I understand it's important for to have Godly wisdom passed down from the generations and I hold a deep respect for what my church believes and what other churches believe. But when your affiliation comes before relationship, I believe there is a problem.

Just something for you to chew on. Which came first? Jesus Christ or the Association of Evangelical churches?

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