Simple Faith
Simple. That's the best way to describe the churches in India.
Their sanctuaries are simple. They range from a hut with walls made of palm leaves to a concrete building with one room. No chairs or benches, everyone sits on the floor. The only thing that could be called extravagant is the colorful decorations on the ceiling, which every church has some version of.
Their worship is simple. A microphone, a drum and a tambourine, that’s it. The songs are long and repetitive, but every second is an act of worship. I don’t know the last time I have seen so many people moved to tears by just singing to God.
Their faith is simple. When they commit their lives to God, they believe he has the power to do anything and they take God at his word. Everything that the Bible claims is taken as the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If someone needs healing, they go to God in prayer. If someone is anxious about the harvest, they go to God in prayer. If someone needs deliverance, they go to God in prayer. When a children's home is started by the church, all the members take care of the children.
That is the kind of faith that I want. Faith that takes God at his word and doesn't try to overthink things. Faith that gives me a greater intimacy with God to the point that I don't care what anyone else thinks about me when I am worshipping or praying or sharing the gospel. Faith that simply believes the God of the universe wants to have a personal relationship with me, no gimmicks and no strings attached.
