Christian Counseling: The State of the Church on Earth
“And the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it”-strong words and the ultimate promise of Christ to Peter regarding his Church. Yet, while victory will be denied to Satan, one must accept that the Church will be tested. This testing has pushed many Christians away from the Church because they do not understand the nature and relationship of the Bride of Christ. Christian Counseling needs to make clear what the Church is and a Christians responsibility to the Church.
First, what is the Church? So many times, we mistake the entirety of the Church to that of the hierarchy. This is an error. The Church is the entirety of all believers, those in Heaven and those still on Earth. Within the Church on Earth or the Church Militant exists the hierarchy and the laity who all equally represent the Church on Earth as equal brothers and sisters in their baptism. Only the form and duty of the branches differentiate them in their paths. Ultimately all share in the royal priesthood of Christ and are called to know, love and serve God. Those who wish to learn how to become a Christian Counselor are also part of the church and play an important role in its function and reform.
While the Church of Heaven can never sin, the Church on Earth, while still a perfect spiritual bride of Christ, is marred by the sins of its members. With this comes a dualistic nature of the Church-a Church made of sinners but for sinners. Stemming from apostolic succession, the hierarchy element of the Church spiritually feeds its children via Baptism and the Lord’s meal, while the laity of the Church accept these spiritual gifts and also utilize their special charisms in helping advance the Church. Yet, within both hierarchy and laity exists a broken human element. A broken element that throughout the ages has caused corruption within the physical structure of the Church. Satan, has utilized the corrupt to gain control and cause pain and suffering through the arm of the physical structure of the Church. Some can see pass this, while others correlate corruption with he spiritual nature of the Church. These people lose their faith and revolt instead of keeping strong the faith and reforming it.
Perhaps with a better understanding of the Church and its structure, these people would not have reacted agains the corruption of the hierarchy in form of revolt but reformation instead. Christ never came to destroy the Old Law, despite the corruption that existed, but he came to fulfill and reform it. This is the calling of today’s Christians. We are not to revolt and hate the Church for its corruption, but vigorously defend the spiritual nature of the Church. If we truly understand the nature of the Church, then we can never leave her, but always remain apart of her because we know we are part of her as well. Is that not the Mystical Body of Christ?
With these views in mind, we can only imagine Christ’s disgust with the abuse within the Church. His disgust is not with merely the present state but also the past. While there is 2,000 years worth of goodness, there is also 2000 years worth of corruption.
Christ’s disgust would first fall upon laws that no longer serve man but hinder. Traditionalists who hold to outdated laws and judge man by that are no different than the pharisees of Christ’s day.
Christ’s disgust would fall upon the division of of his Churches. He would find no amusement with the divison of East and West and the multiple divisions within Protestantism.
Christ’s disgust would fall upon the present hierarchy who boldly call themselves “Princes” of the Church and care more about the politics of the physical Church instead of its spiritual purity.
Christ’s disgust would fall upon the pedophiles of all religious denominations who prey upon children and supposed shepherds who hide these monsters from justice.
Christ’s disgust would fall upon the various heretical doctrines that attempt to water down his teachings.
Christ’s disgust would fall upon the rich and powerful who oppress the poor.
Christ’s disgust would fall upon those who are Christian in name only and do not fulfill the teachings of the Gospel
Where would we find Christ? We would find Christ criticizing those who defile his teachings. Whether minister, priest, religious or bishop, Christ would correct false doctrines and question these supposed shepherds. While Christ would never condone open revolt against just leaders, he would demand that we stand up to those leaders who pervert his doctrines for financial or political gain.
We would find Christ helping the poor. We would find him conversing with the sinners. While Christ would never expect us to condone these sins, he expects us to serve our neighbors with Christian charity.
We would find Christ standing up for those without rights. Christ expects us as Christians to defend the rights of the unborn.
We would find Christ holding and consoling the victims of sexual abuse and justly condemning those who supposedly represent him.
We may very well find Christ, “turning tables over” in many churches who supposedly profess his name.
Christ founded the Church and he does not expect us to revolt against it but he expects us to reform it. Minister, priests, bishops, christian counselors and even laity need to start this reform. If you would like to learn how to become a Christian Counselor and help in this reform, then consider becoming certified.
The biggest question to be answered is would those who control the Church today yield to their master or crucify him once again?
If you are interested in learning more about Christian Counseling Certification, then please review our program. Those who want to learn how to become a Christian Counselor can learn more by reviewing the program.
Those who wish to learn how to become a Christian Counselor will discover that the process is a simple one. Simply take the required courses. Once these courses are completed, those who wish to learn how to become a Christian Counselor can become certified.