I recently participated in a discussion on Michael Baisden's Facebook page (a 96.3fm radio talk show host). The topic of discussion - Why do all African American churches have building funds? This isn't only going on in Black churches for sure. Of course today's Christian society is big on the man of God establishing a new church of his own. Not sure when it became so important to build church buildings all over the place while lost souls meander by them, beg on the streets outside of them and let's not forget those insiders who'll end up enemies of God by way of the church. (Luke 13: 25-27)
I know it was a long time ago but in the Bible people of God used to fellowship/have church in their homes. Sounds a whole lot cheaper to me. They made sure there was equity among the followers of Christ (no preachers living like kings while members lived like paupers. (Acts 2: 45) It's so very easy for men/women to get the wrong focus by planning to build a literal building and miss the whole point... You are the temple/building God wants to build up in order that He can dwell.
4 comments:
OH I hear ya comepletely however I can honestly say that government red tape has a lot to do with the disappearance of home based churches. IF caught in many states you can et fined for running a "business" from your home or even in trouble for violating zoning laws in your area..
I'm glad you brought that up because there is a case pending now regarding a couple in California going through this very thing.
Check out the following link for the story:
http://www.10news.com/news/19562217/detail.html
In the UK, most black owned churches are based in rented accomodation and would always want to have a place of their own with the attendant advantages. The building fund is the result.
Hello Olatubosun. I apologize for the late response. I try not to spend too much time on this computer. Thanks for your comment though.
Please understand. There is absolutely nothing wrong with churches having a building fund, vision of building a place to hold services or anything like that(1Cor.3:16-17).
The Word of God makes me believe we really must stay focused on reconciliation(2Cor. 5:18)more than the buildings of the temple (Matthew 24:1-2).
Jesus could come back at any time(Matthew 24 whole chapter). If fellow believers don't have a building/temple to "fellowship" in yet that's ok.
That doesn't stop fellowship and it certainly doesn't hinder the job of Holy Spirit (which is to save souls) on behalf of Jeshua and Abba (John 14:16-17).
Thanks again for visiting.
Monica
under Abba's authority.
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