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RELIGIOUS FRANCHISES

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you." (2 Corinthians 12-13)

Satan has always been the master of the deceitful strategy to divide and conquer. Unfortunately, Satan's job has been easier in accomplishing this due to man's reliance upon carnal reasoning over the written Word Of God. In the realm of Christianity today, this seems to be the age of what I call "market ministries." Of course if you understand what I mean behind this phrase, you will find out this is not entirely new and has been going on for some time.

Although, I would have to admit I have never seen such a rise in the attitude among Christian ministries today that are totally focused on building "empires" rather than building individuals for the cause of Christ. There is an important difference between these two things I mentioned. The empire mentality only sees an individual as just another number to boast about against the so-called "competition." Remember, it was Satan who provoked David to number the people (1 Chronicles 21:1).

I understand that it is important to keep records of people, but it is to be based on the sincere motive that people count as opposed to just counting people. Along with the empire concept of "quantity over quality," the methods that were used to get the "quantity" are generally questionable to the principles of God's Word. The only methods I find that the apostles used were the power of the Holy Spirit and the preaching of repentance. A hard lesson to be learned about methods is that the methods you draw people with is the same methods you have to keep them with.

The "market ministry" also holds to certain extra-Biblical traditions to distinguish themselves from others. The sad about this is that these traditions and standards fall under the category of "Biblical Separation." Yes, the Bible does give standards for Christians to live by, but some people take this to an extreme to hide some awful sins that lie within. And friend, there is a difference between being holy unto the Lord and being holier than thou. We have people in the ministry today who are thieves, liars, and sexual perverts, but you will never catch them wearing the wrong kind of clothing, etc.

The point I'm making is that the "market ministry" looks more on the outward appearance than the inward. Thus, we find the empire ministry mentality is territorial and goes by man-made rules to show they are in competition with others. Their motivation is self-glorification and not the Saviour. I'm sick and tired of people especially among Independent Baptists, who have set up their prideful "meccas" where they require you to make a pilgrimage to be considered worthy for the cause of Christ.

Speaking the truth in love, my headquarters does not belong in Hammond, Indiana or Murfreesboro, Tennessee, but out of the third heaven where the King Of Kings and the Lord Of Lords resides. Now if that bothers you, then you're the one with messed up priorities (Psalms 118:8-9). Let me just conclude by saying that the Body of Christ is an organism, not an organization. It is one thing to be in church and quite another thing to be "in Christ" (Matthew 7:21-23). Any of us who are true blood-washed believers in Christ need to realize that we are colleagues and not competitors.

- James S. Hodges

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