The Two Systems

Good Afternoon!

In our North American Christian system, we have two very distinct works. In my opinion, one is virtually neglected while the other is overworked and over-exaggerated.

The “first system” is described and mandated in Mark 16 and Matt. 28. We often hear it described as the Great Commission. It is great because it was the final instructions given by Christ. This work or system of doing things is recognized, agreed upon and even taught, but very seldom becomes the primary focus of Pastors and denominations. (as we all know, actions speak much louder than words alone).

The “second system” is what I will call church life. The New Testament does speak of shepherds and sheep but don’t sheep have greater purposes than just being protected, pampered and sheared?

This second system however, spends most of its time, focus and money (85% of the typical church budget is spent within the four walls of the building) on programs, activities and caring for the sheep. The activities I’m about to list are not wrong in themselves but only indicate where our real concerns truly are; too often they are with ourselves.

They Include:
a. Fellowship
b. Healing
c. Bible training
d. Conferences
e. Prayer, most often for ourselves
f. Love for one-another
g. Courses and classes
h. Music
i. Comfortable surroundings
j. Dialogue, phrases and buzz words
k. Clergy/laity modeling

Although most of these things are right (except clergy/laity) they should be secondary to what the real goal is. Jesus said that He didn’t want one to perish. In Canada we have only 6% of the population that are born-again. Could that actually mean that a loving God would be ok with 94% of our population separated from Him for eternity?

Let’s get back to the “first system” as described in Mark and Matt.

It Includes:
a. Each person being a minister
b. Each person using their gifts and talents for Kingdom purposes.
c. Each person answering to God individually
d. Each person having a, “take-over” mentality.
e. Each person accepting responsibility for their sphere of influence
f. Each person not forsaking the assembling of themselves together
g. Each person recognizing they are just stewards, it all belongs to Him
h. Each person being a disciple maker
i. Each person taking full responsibility, not leaving it to the “clergy”
j. Each person building His kingdom not the church’s or their own.

Friends, we must be about the Fathers business not the business of the church or even the business of ourselves. No longer can we be side-line Christians. The field is ready and the instructions have been given, it’s just the players that are missing.

We will all stand before God one day and be asked. “what did you do with the talents and abilities I gave you and did you bring My Kingdom to your sphere of influence?”
I think we all long to hear, “well done…”

It’s time to get at it.

George

Comments

1/18/2017
Amen!

Reply to above 5/29/2019
This is real Christ-likeness. Jesus was always about His Fathers business.

1/27/2017
Agreed! It is time to move outside of ourselves and instead of asking what God can do for me, but "What can I do for God!"
The possiblilities are endless.

1/28/2017
Agree with you 100 % ...... we need to always be ready to see the seed..... to bloom where we are planted Amen

4/25/2019
Good one George, That first one seems to be looked down upon by the second. So unless the disciple really feels the call of God, he or she will falter and retreat under the second system. Over the last 20+ years I have seen that happen to many good believers who have been condemed by Pastors for doing what God ordained them to do!
God bless you