There is a voice crying in the wilderness of spiritual-moral-confusion. Black people wake-up, and take a long hard, self-introspection-look at your community. Ask these questions: Do you desire to live in a community where you are prisoners, locked-up behind “burglary” bars? Do you desire a better life for your children, as well as, future generations? Do you desire that your community be made spiritually, morally, and economically whole? If your answer to these three questions is YES, then you must demand that pastoral leaders stop hiding behind both physical, as well as, spiritual burglary bars. And, in due time church houses will take all burglary bars off churches, and “Let the Church Be the Church”, because churches are in the world, but should not be of the world.
Church houses should not be fortresses to keep individuals out, because the Great Commission demands that Christians get off of the premises, and stand on the promises of God. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8: 2-4).
God-fearing people in the community, as well as, faithful “church-attending” Christians know who the immoral characters in the community are, and where the immoral activities are taking place. Police officers, as well as, “court” enforcement of criminal laws in the Black community have not been acceptable, respectful, or fair. Of course, the “LAW” is the “LAW”. But, enforcement application and execution have not always been lawful (profiling). Regardless of the circumstances, the community and law enforcement agencies must learn how to work together for the betterment of all.
Christian churches, as well as, pastoral leaders should be in the forefront demanding that communities be made spiritually, morally, economically and physically whole by removing dope houses, gambling houses, gangs who do the devil’s work, houses of ill-repute (prostitution), stray dogs, garbage and trash, junk cars, and drainage repair. Spiritually, “whole” church houses make for spiritually “whole” communities, and more importantly, foster revelation knowledge of God. It is important to note that the BIBLE must be present at all times in our homes, as well as, our churches because the BIBLE is the source of revelation knowledge in order that all individuals: “But grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3: 18).
More importantly, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12). On the other hand, Jesus has made it possible for all to: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4: 16).
A clarion call is blowing in the wind: “Let the church be the church, and take the physical burglary bars off church-houses”. In so doing, churches can begin the process of establishing pre-justice, rather than always seeking post-justice in the Black community. Justice is a spiritual concept. In fact, the prophet Amos said it best: “But let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” (Amos 5: 24). But, more importantly, church houses will truly become the “spiritual” church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: Peter’s Rock: Christ’s Church. Moreover, Jesus’s church (Peter’s Rock: Christ’s Church) lift-up people; not just raise money. A feel good religion that is not transformed into good works is not good at all. The Word of God says if pastoral leaders lift-up people; God will raise the money, because “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Christian church is and has always been the center of communal life in the Black experience. Therefore, the Christian church must provide an answer to this socio-spiritual question: “O Lord what are we going to do?” We all know how Jesus lived is the answer. But, how do Blacks “concretize” the life teachings of Jesus in everyday living is a reality check question. Simply coming together Sunday after Sunday and asking the “WHO” question is not good enough. It was not good enough during chattel slavery, and it certainly is not good enough in mental slavery. Question: How do Blacks free their minds in order to free their behinds?
Here’s the formula for how “real” Christians can live out the true meaning of the Gospel of Good News, take the physical burglary bars off of church houses, and above all, learn to spiritually live “Free from Fear”:
Spiritually understand God’s principles.
Spiritually understand God’s promises.
Spiritually live in the power of God’s Will.
Spiritually practice what you preach: That is, say what you mean, and mean what you say.
Locked in and locked out represent Christianity with faith, but without works, because: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he have faith, and have not works.” (James 2:14). Jesus’s church is a church without walls, and this is why He stated: “If you do not believe me, then believe me for my works” (Paraphrasing John 10:38). In fact, the Sermon on the Mount “congregational-gathering” represented Jesus’s church: Peter’s Rock: Christ’s Church. In conclusion, “Verily, verily I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5: 24). Selah!