Who
Are We Really Criticizing?
by
Pastor Greg Bitgood
I just finished listening to a series of tapes by a minister who recently visited our City. Though he had many good things to say about addressing legalism, I found that he constantly criticized the Church. Not our church in particular, but rather the entire body of Christ. His message is valid and needed but his critical attitude disqualifies him, and I cannot recommend his ministry.
The Church is the most dynamic (to borrow a word from Pastor David) organism in the universe. Eph 3:10-11"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NIV) Nothing compares to this wondrous conglomeration of people which somehow mysteriously assembles into a sacred dwelling for God.
Some imply that scripture references for the Church only apply to the universal body on earth and not particularly to local churches. They scornfully refer to the local churches as the "organized church" or "organized religion". The word organism implies both organizational structure and vibrant life. To have the complex life form of a "body" structure and organization of parts is imperative. There are one-cell "unorganized" life forms such as amoebas. These usually fall into the category of parasites. The Church is alive and well on Planet Earth. The Lord Jesus is the founder and builder of this incredible instrument of God’s grace and He declared that even "the gates of Hell will not prevail against it!" Matt. 16:18. It is the temple of His presence; Eph 2:21-22. It is His precious bride; Rev. 19:6-8. It is the true Israel of God; Gal.6:16. It is His very body; Eph. 1:22-23.
When you criticize part of my body, you criticize me. I will admit that some criticism can be constructive. Let’s be very careful and wise how we do it. We may find ourselves in the exact same position of Saul the church persecutor, who, when confronted by Jesus Himself, received the rebuke, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting Me?
11 April, 1996