Christ, Christians, and The "Others"

Growing up in a church my whole life I have seen many amazing happenings from the pulpit. I was raised Pentecostal, to believe in miracles and the giftings of the Holy Spirit. I have seen people raised from the dead, diamonds fall from heaven, evil spirits coming out of people, gold dust on the hands of musicians, and so much more that sounds unbelievable. When a community of believers, however, is so dependent on the move of the Holy Spirit that it becomes there only focus or source of outreach, it loses its true power. It become another stereotype church that Hollywood makes fun of. In his paper, Steven M. Fettke speaks about the churches treatment with his disabled son. How is the church reaching out to the sick and broken hearted? Did God really intend us to lay hands on everything with stomping, shouting, and Hallelujahs to make things better? I remember as a young girl, when the congregation was called to the alter for prayer, if there was a disabled person that went up it made everyone uncomfortable. Everyone would watch, not really expecting for such great a miracle to happen but at the same time desire it so badly because that was the only “acceptable” solution to this persons problem. After hard and fervent prayer, if the person didn’t stand up and walk or jump then the preacher would resign to the unknown mystery of God’s timing and the congregation would figure it was a lack of faith on someone’s behalf.

The power and authority that Christ has given the church to reach the WORLD is far more than a display of miracles. Jesus did speak of miracles and healings when he said, “And these signs shall follow those who believe… ” But he also told the parable of the many that would enter the throne of judgment saying, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” These are harsh and scary words to even think of hearing one day. How is it that people like that can be subject to separation from God? I believe there could be a connection between how God would like the church to work on His behalf and how the church is failing to do so. So many times in the Bible mere acts of kindness are referenced with high esteem. Christ calls us to “be the least of these” and take care of the widows and the orphans, visit the sick and those in prison, pray for your enemies and so on. These things do not require a revival service; it is a lifestyle of a community of light. God calls us to be ambassadors of Christ, which means to carry on His affairs, as He would do. The church should not rely on miracles to demonstrate their authority to the lost, but reveal Christ love through actions of service and humbleness. Did not Paul say that though I speak with tongues of angles but do not have love, I am only a resounding sound? God is love and as we love we lift up His name like a banner. Christ said, “When I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.” There is stated the key to church outreach.