The Problem With Ecumenism

Many want to make all religions and their founders the same...ecumenism...in an effort to bring peace.

However, Jesus doesn't give us that option. He said, "I ...am the Way, the Truth and the Life...no one comes to the Father but through Me. 
 

Either Jesus is a liar, a lunatic, a demon, or exactly who He said He was.

What He can never be, is "on par" with other religious leaders.

That's why He was crucified. That's why the world hates Him and His followers.

Return To An Acts Church

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 
(Acts 2:42-47)


All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.  With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all  that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.  Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”),  sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. 

(Acts 4:32-27)

 
As the end of days approaches, we, in N. America, will face what many of our brethren in Muslim and Communist countries have and are now facing.  We will see an ever increasing animosity toward people of faith, and particularly toward fundamentalist Christianity.  I believe that as the end draws near, our churches will need (or be forced) to shed themselves of their programs, their multi-media ministries, buildings and properties.  These will be unsustainable in an economy opposed to faith and moving inexorably toward a one-world government. 

What we will need to do is return to the kinds of household meetings we read of in Acts.  Gatherings will be smaller, but with much more intimacy.   There will be no "back pews" to hide in...no ability to move in and out of a fellowship without becoming "involved" or "engaged". 

This will also, of course, require a real change in pastoral leadership styles.

Like the apostle, Paul, we will see a rise in tent-making ministries.  Pastors will have other careers to make ends meet, as opposed to having paid pulpit positions. That will require some humbling and a releasing on the part of many ministers and congregations.  It will also require a great deal of trust in the Holy Spirit to provide, guide and empower. 

But, I believe it will all be part of the purification of the Bride. 

As the animosity and distrust of Christians increases, being a part of The Way of Christ will require a deeper commitment and a greater sacrifice than we've ever known or experienced in this part of the hemisphere. 

Are you ready for this?