Many are Playing a Role

Many people within the institutional church are playing a role to be accepted by others but have never been born again. They have learned the talk and even walked the walk but their heart is not interested in obeying God's Word.

Some who are in error are born-again but most are not, we know this because of this scripture:

Matthew 7:13-14

13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

Yes, they do obey in the "big" things, they don't rob, kill and other blatantly wicked things but they do walk in pride about how good they think they are and how superior to others. These people have such a high opinion of themselves that they never "self-reflect" asking God to show them their flaws, they don't think they have any flaws. They look down on others who admit their flaws to be cleansed from their sins, because they see admission of sin as weakness. Sadly those who view repentance as weakness can never confess their own sins so they remain self-willed.

Luke 18:9-14

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 Now He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the [a]temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and began praying this in regard to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, crooked, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to raise his eyes toward heaven, but was beating his chest, saying, ‘God, be [b]merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other one; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The institutional church has numerous rules they determine and require of the pew people that are not Biblical and they violate more of God's Word than they obey while claiming to believe the Bible.

Matthew 23: 1-12

4 And they (the Pharisees) tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as their finger.

5 And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.

6 And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues,

7 and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people.

8 But as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters.

9 And do not call anyone on earth your father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

10 And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ.

11 But the greatest of you shall be your servant.

12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."

The institutional church is violating these commands of God as well as many others. When we resolve not to follow a person or institution but only Christ our eyes begin to open wider and they will never be closed again.

Hallelujah!!!!