Sounds arrogant, doesn’t it? I know somebody’s thinking, “When Matthew’s wrong, he needs to apologize!” Hang with me for a moment!
God has been doing some amazing things in my heart when it comes to churches and how closely they align with the Bible. Some people think I’ve been too picky, crazy, or however they choose to label me. I was driving down the road today after making another ministry-related decision. When I came to my conclusion based upon Scripture and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, I came away knowing that I don’t need to apologize for who I am and following the Lord’s leadership rather than man’s.
I know my ideas go against the grain of the traditional church. A pastor friend of mine said he wants to be only as traditional as the church was in the book of Acts…the days when tons were saved and baptized, all the man-made philosophy wasn’t tolerated, and no business meetings existed. Jesus was the focus, Scripture and the Holy Spirit were their guides, and people’s goal was as narrow as the Great Commission – making disciples.
I don’t have to apologize for wanting to be a biblical rather than a traditional Christian, and I won’t. People can say what they want. Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy the blessedness of obeying my Lord!
Matthew Winters (Honest Thoughts from a Pastor) 
LOL! I can tell you, once you apologize to the Lord and receive His forgiveness, people’s complaints just pale in comparison. Once we get right with God, we are right. That’s a powerful place to be! Humble yourself to the Lord and you no longer have to humble yourself to men. Unless we stomp on their toes or lose our temper or something 🙂
I am with you.
Matthew, I do so love your blunt honesty when it comes to your relationship with the Lord. As I move along in this journey, there are times when I honestly wonder what the Lord will say to many of us. We do need to focus on doing what the Lord says and be led by the Holy Spirit; not by what’s politically correct, what’s trending, etc. I also enjoy your posts because they are encouraging to me to stay focused on Jesus and what thus says the Lord. Keep sharing.
I praise the Lord for what He is doing in me and how He is using it in the lives of others. I’m glad this blogging community is an encouraging community.
Absolutely!!