Who Has The Victory?

Hello, again! Here I am doing another video devotional. I chatted with a great brother in Christ of mine via videophone yesterday and we talked for over an hour. I normally don't talk that long but it was necessary given the severity of the issue surrounding my brother.

He raised some concerns about the deaf church at Fairfax. I could tell you the whole story about what our conversation was about but let me sum this up into one point, hypocrites. Not long ago, I met a visitor whom have attended Fairfax in the past and told me that they wouldn't go to church because there are hypocrites in there. They saw some of the members of the Lord's church at Fairfax doing what they're not supposed to do (outside of the church). Therefore, they decided that if church doesn't help them, how will it help me grow and be mature in Christ? How would it help me grow in faith with God? I'm not going to jump into any conclusions here but these are great questions.

Now, as for this brother in Christ of mine, he decided to stay away from Fairfax for a number of reason: 1. Arrogance of the teacher(s) 2. The brethren thinks highly of themselves 3. Favoritism 4. Hypocrites 5. Unwilling to serve others

Interesting observation, huh? I'm sure you can find these characters in almost every church today. Right? Without a doubt, there's no such thing as a perfect church. Yet, I'm not going to make this an excuse. Every church has issues. Every church consist of hypocrites and sinners.

Here's a scenario that may help us all see from the lens of God:

1. Many of us fail to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ! We represent Jesus' church. If we hear people complain and point fingers at His church, His members and nod in agreement, we fail to defend His church. Remember, it's not my church or your church. It's Jesus' church. Our ignorance, lack of ambassadorship gives Satan the victory. We give Satan a foothold. When you made a decision to follow Jesus Christ (after your confession of faith and baptism for the forgiveness of sins), you became a soldier of Christ. You have entered the battle zone against the dark world. Now, Satan has confronted you then eventually destroyed your faith. How? Many reasons!! To name a few, you may be intimidated by a fellow brother or sister in His church. Or you became distracted with the problems in life.

2. The problem may not be those outside of the person. They may be the problem themselves. For example, you may be looking for a church that best fits your needs and desires. I'm not saying that you don't have a choice. You do. Instead of pointing fingers and spreading gossips like wildfire, you're destroying the work of God! However, their motives is to please self, not to please God. And we're fighting among ourselves, not against the dark world.

Let me close this with a couple of things for you to think about. One, are you any better than other people in your life? Though, others may appear better than you, so what! Even, you ought to have an attitude that you're no better than them! (Read Phil 2:3) Two, if you were intimidated by someone or insulted by a brother or sister or did the church hurt you, can you compare this to how Jesus suffered for the world on the cross? Did He forgive those who don't understand what they've done to Him? Have you forgiven and forgotten the issue(s) or are you still dwelling on the issues that led to your decision to break away from the vine (Jesus)? Third, make sure your own life is in check before you point your fingers to others. You will be judged if you judge others!

We welcome both sinners and saints!