The Forerunner Times

"A life journal by Nathan J. Elias, called under God's grace to be His forerunner and restorer for His glory."

Resource to Read:
1 Corinthians 12

The Present Churches
Today in the world we see a large number of denominations. While every one of these churches are actually Christian churches, as there are differences in teaching, ministries and gifts, some has grown into resenting one another, saying that the other denomination is not of Christ and of evil. While there ARE false churches and false prophets, measures should be taken not to quickly condemn other churches that they are not Christian.

Churches today have a large range of spiritual gifts:
- Some are given to teaching others, i.e. the Reformed churches and Calvins
- Some are given more on the spirit matters, i.e. Charismatic and Pentecostal
- Some are given more to love and people outreach, i.e. my church
- etc.

The problem comes when these churches fall into making themselves exclusive and branding others unrighteous, where there is actually a greater calling for all and each one of them in God’s larger plan.

What did Paul say?
The fact that there is difference in the gifts granted by GOD are given on the first part of 1 Corinthians 12 (vv. 4-11), note the importance of acknowledging that “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. There are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. This should form the basis of how we look at other churches and their own gifts.

The problem about accusing others that they are wrong have also already been stated by Paul ever since then in the second part of his writing (vv. 15-20). Now let’s change the words a bit. The church who have the gift of tongues cannot say to the church who cannot, “I have no need of you” or “because you cannot speak in tongues, you are not of the body”. Or the church who have greater understanding of the Scripture “I have no need of you” or “because you do not have greater understanding of the Scripture, you are not of the body”. But isn’t this what we see is happening now?

How great would it become for the churches if we want to acknowledge each other and accept each others as brethrens! If you remember an army, there are a lot of types of soldiers. There are infantry, snipers, medic, artilerry etc. Imagine if there was no medic, what would you do if someone is injured? Imagine if all was infantry, what would you do if the enemy uses long range weaponry?

We should remember that our arch-enemy is the master of tricks and master of lies, he has many strategies in his arsenal. Shouldn’t we be thankful that the LORD has seen through all this and given us versatility? If all were Scripture-learners, what would we do with spiritual/demonic attacks? If all were spirit-realm focusing, how can we give a reply to those who attack us by knowledge and words (i.e. atheists)? Each one of us has been given our own tasks in this world and in no way we should resent another from being different from us.

What does this mean to you?
There are no “the best or the rightmost church”. Your church should be the one related to your own gifts and callings. Meditate on it and ask God for guidance through prayer and fasting. Ask Him to place you where He wants you to be. Personally I found out that my church in Indonesia has suited me well as it give me the chance to grow on my talents, which are in music and learning Scripture (and probably writing as well). It may take a few jumping around before you find the place you belong, but believe that the LORD knows the best for you.

Remember, nothing good comes from exclusivism. I was an exclusivist and that made me an anti-this-church and anti-that-church. But now, I am an anti-exclusivism which made me open to all kinds of churches and denomination. I can go to any service and worship the LORD, but if we are talking about a church to stay and be a member on, it IS true that not just every church can be where you belong. Sadly people take this as “if I fit in this church it must mean that the others are wrong”.

Do not think like this, as different people do require different churches. It is why people say they can grow in church A but not in church B, but it does not mean that church B is wrong. It merely means that your talents, gifts, mission and vision fits with that of church A, thus the church is able to nurture your spiritual growth. Church B might fit someone else, and bring blessing to others. The ideal church would be one that can fit all kinds of people and bless every people, but honestly I think we would never see that until Christ returns…

Note:
This is by no means correct, as this is my personal interpretation. Discussions and feedbacks would be very welcomed for us to learn more on this. Also please spend a minute to vote on the poll, it’s on the right.