GOD IS NOT A MEMBER OF ANY RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION
By Pst Michael Benson Ajayi
Mark 9:39-41 NKJV “But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side.”
While on a mission trip, the first disciples observed an unknown man casting out demons in the name of Jesus. They were amazed and attempted to put an end to the activities of this presumed unorthodox preacher.They reported the incident to Jesus saying “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” Mark 9:38 NKJV To their chagrin and disdain, Jesus commended the work of this missionary thus demonstrating that He was more concerned about the fulfillment of the will of the father on earth, than the upholding of religious tenets .It was also proof that God is not a member of any religious organization .True christianity is not a religion nor a movement but an extension of God's loving arm to humanity sent to demonstrate the power of love and sound a warning about God's judgment upon sinners.
The above scripture parallels an event between Moses and some elders nominated to assist in running the affairs among the Jewish returnees from Egypt in Numbers 11:25-30. Moses had called for a meeting of the seventy nominees for an ordination service, however, there were two men (Eldad and Medad ) who were not part of the selected ones who received the gift of the spirit while in their tents .. On hearing this, Moses’ personal assistant: Joshua immediately tried to silence them but he was stopped by Moses who said Num 11:29-30 NKJV "Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!"
Moses’ prayer is being answered today through the fulfillment of Joel 2:28 NKJV "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.”
The disciples learnt that God is not more in one ministry or preacher than others and denominationalism is not of God. From their statement “because he does not follow us” it is evident that they were more concerned about their church growth than raising disciples for the spread of the gospel. God is the sole agent behind the growth of His church; (1cor3.6,Matt16:18). Religion operates on a man-made template designed to feed one's ego and results in nepotism,pride,selfishness,hatred and hinders the spreading of the gospel. It encourages erroneous theology in the house of the lord especially when leaders claim to be infallible.
God is more concerned about the salvation of humanity and cares less about the sustenance of any person’s inconsequential religious theology. He is seeking for persons with a willing heart through whom living water may be given to thirsty souls (John4:4-42). God is not interested in our academic or theological certifications; all He looks out for is availability, love and a hunger for righteousness. The scriptures say in Matt 5:6 NKJV “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” True fulfillment comes from being used by God to spread the message of His love to humanity: nothing compares to the joy that comes from teaching the gospel. Unceremonial preachers may not be accepted by the religious bigots in the house of God but He sure does approves of that man or woman with an unbridled desire to spread the message of God’s love to a hurting world, the scriptures say in Eph 1:6 KJV “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved”
While on a mission trip, the first disciples observed an unknown man casting out demons in the name of Jesus. They were amazed and attempted to put an end to the activities of this presumed unorthodox preacher.They reported the incident to Jesus saying “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” Mark 9:38 NKJV To their chagrin and disdain, Jesus commended the work of this missionary thus demonstrating that He was more concerned about the fulfillment of the will of the father on earth, than the upholding of religious tenets .It was also proof that God is not a member of any religious organization .True christianity is not a religion nor a movement but an extension of God's loving arm to humanity sent to demonstrate the power of love and sound a warning about God's judgment upon sinners.
The above scripture parallels an event between Moses and some elders nominated to assist in running the affairs among the Jewish returnees from Egypt in Numbers 11:25-30. Moses had called for a meeting of the seventy nominees for an ordination service, however, there were two men (Eldad and Medad ) who were not part of the selected ones who received the gift of the spirit while in their tents .. On hearing this, Moses’ personal assistant: Joshua immediately tried to silence them but he was stopped by Moses who said Num 11:29-30 NKJV "Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!"
Moses’ prayer is being answered today through the fulfillment of Joel 2:28 NKJV "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.”
The disciples learnt that God is not more in one ministry or preacher than others and denominationalism is not of God. From their statement “because he does not follow us” it is evident that they were more concerned about their church growth than raising disciples for the spread of the gospel. God is the sole agent behind the growth of His church; (1cor3.6,Matt16:18). Religion operates on a man-made template designed to feed one's ego and results in nepotism,pride,selfishness,hatred and hinders the spreading of the gospel. It encourages erroneous theology in the house of the lord especially when leaders claim to be infallible.
God is more concerned about the salvation of humanity and cares less about the sustenance of any person’s inconsequential religious theology. He is seeking for persons with a willing heart through whom living water may be given to thirsty souls (John4:4-42). God is not interested in our academic or theological certifications; all He looks out for is availability, love and a hunger for righteousness. The scriptures say in Matt 5:6 NKJV “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” True fulfillment comes from being used by God to spread the message of His love to humanity: nothing compares to the joy that comes from teaching the gospel. Unceremonial preachers may not be accepted by the religious bigots in the house of God but He sure does approves of that man or woman with an unbridled desire to spread the message of God’s love to a hurting world, the scriptures say in Eph 1:6 KJV “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved”
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace to overcome inferiority complex and the boldness to declare your Word in Jesus name.
Prayer/counseling +2348098536911,(partnership) +2348035536911
Email.michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Pics credit : Foto Rabe/ pixabay. com
Email.michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Pics credit : Foto Rabe/ pixabay. com
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