I went to a freewill Baptist assembly this morning (a place I had just recently spied driving around). I stayed for the "Sunday School" hour and then drove around to visit another place. I had a place in mind, but when I arrived, I had no peace. Ditto for the next place I visited. As I sat in the parking lot, I asked the Lord where He wanted me to go... finally I drove off once more and as I passed by a denomination's building I finally had the sense to go on in. (I did want to see a brother there who has been a great help to me.)
I made it in time to hear the choir singing before the pastor shared on the recent Pew research result (about the great increase in those who no longer identify with any particular religion). I appreciated her point: that God's truth is not affected by human swings, and that the current situation provides to illuminate those who really are standing for that truth.
But I faced something difficult for me... the one place in town in which I felt most at "home" was a denomination with a female pastor! I will continue to visit places where Christians meet, as the Lord leads. My exposure to the various settings has been very eye-opening. (I even intend to visit a Jehovah Witness gathering.)
I trust the Lord will keep my heart fixed on Him and His Word, and be able to lead me as He wills, regardless either any frustration due to doctrinal concepts or personal desire to find spiritual solace.
Logically, I know the situation among Christians seems a perpetuation of folly.
But is it what God needs for His masterpiece, just as He needs our personal hopelessnesses to display His multifarious wisdom?
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