Thoughts.com Blogs - because you matter

a very well known teacher for the Lord
recently apologized to a faith community for calling them names.
i have some reactions to this.
first off, to publicly go after one of the oldest
and largest Christian denominations is not ever smart.
secondly, it also isn't very important.
the group he offended has its moments.
several years ago i picked up a book at a friend's home
(bad habit of mine, this picking up of books ... )
and it was the large denomination's view of us,
the believers who aren't part of their group.
we weren't called "the whore of babylon"
like we call them.
we were just headed for hell.
here is my problem:
we are called to share the Gospel.
isn't that "the Good News"?
if there is another meaning, i haven't heard it.
how is it good news that i think
another group who loves the Lord is headed for hell?
the apostle paul was standing in front of a row of idols.
any idol there could have caused reactive preaching for weeks.
Paul said, "i want to talk about this one
to the unknown God.
That is my God!
let me share a bit about Him."
i am afraid that today
there would be "The West Coast Conference
To Slay The Idols to Other Gods."
Paul got his chance to share with the rulers.
what did the greatest Theologian alive share?
his testimony!
not where the Godless land went wrong.
not how they were guilty in front of the law
because they carried adam's nasty DNA.
paul said, "i met the Son of God and so can you!"
i am tired of the Body of Christ
ripping each other's hearts out.
if you have church on saturday
and you love the Lord,
i love you.
whether you share wafers or loaves,
i love you.
whether you drink wine or juice,
i love you.
if your only chance to meet the Lord
is in a church filled with snakes
but you choose to love Him,
i love you.
whether you baptize in a tub or with a sprinkle,
i love you.
whether you worship with hymns or choruses,
i love you.
whether you meet in a "church building" or a storefront,
i love you.
King James or Revised Standard,
i love you.
pass the hat or walk up to the bucket,
i love you.
pipe organ or worship leaders with guitars,
i love you.
dripping with tradition or dancing in newness,
i love you.
if you love the Lord,
i belong to you.
you can use the word "my" toward me.
"my" brother.
"my" family.
"my" body.
i may be an ugly toe
and you may be a beautiful, hypnotic eye,
but we are His body
and i love you.
you can have a different favorite color from me.
you can call Him "Heavenly Father"
while i cry "Abba!"
you can preach draped in curtains while i share in shorts.
if you belong to the Lord,
you belong to me
and we belong to we.
we have eternity to share Heaven.
i am getting a head start.
i love you now.
amen