In January, I dropped the email account associated with this blog and changed it. I thought I made the necessary changes with the blog but evidently did not. The new email address associated with this account is:
thethinkingfrog@gmail.com
Thanks for pointing out this problem and I sorry for the inconvenience.
Joyfully Serving,
Kermit
2009/04/16
2009/04/15
Changing Approach
Jesus did not entrust himself to human beings because he knew what was in our hearts. Knowing the evil, jealous, and selfish responses of which humans are capable, God realized the necessity of providing people with a new heart.
Western Christians now live in an age when values have been destroyed, a concept of worth has disintegrated, and a sense of propriety has disappeared; leaving the difficult question, “How are believers to influence the world?” The approaches of the North American church in the 1940’s through the mid-1960’s were rendered useless by the sexual revolution and the open rebellion of the late 60’s through the early 1970’s.
Two responses to this unrest were the birth of the Moral Majority (the Religious Right) and the mega church. As Western culture continues to crumble at unprecedented speed, the church must again realign its resources to remain an effective influence in a disturbed time and culture.
This new approach must be Biblical and answer the question, “How does the Holy Spirit want to work?” If the church can get on board with the leading of the Holy Spirit, then it may be that the church can again see the tremendous work that was recorded in the Book of Acts.
A second aspect of this must be to heed the command to “GO”! It is imperative that the church center of operation become the streets, schools, and gathering places rather than the temple. Rather than “going” with a judgmental and divisive approach, the church must go with the love of God as our method of operation.
If we fail to remember the fallen state of the world, we tend to fight for moral issues. While these are important, the main issue is found in our living and loving as did Jesus. This is possible when the church is led by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. If we enable a disillusioned people to see Jesus, then the Holy Spirit will convict them in the areas of moral behavior.
Western Christians now live in an age when values have been destroyed, a concept of worth has disintegrated, and a sense of propriety has disappeared; leaving the difficult question, “How are believers to influence the world?” The approaches of the North American church in the 1940’s through the mid-1960’s were rendered useless by the sexual revolution and the open rebellion of the late 60’s through the early 1970’s.
Two responses to this unrest were the birth of the Moral Majority (the Religious Right) and the mega church. As Western culture continues to crumble at unprecedented speed, the church must again realign its resources to remain an effective influence in a disturbed time and culture.
This new approach must be Biblical and answer the question, “How does the Holy Spirit want to work?” If the church can get on board with the leading of the Holy Spirit, then it may be that the church can again see the tremendous work that was recorded in the Book of Acts.
A second aspect of this must be to heed the command to “GO”! It is imperative that the church center of operation become the streets, schools, and gathering places rather than the temple. Rather than “going” with a judgmental and divisive approach, the church must go with the love of God as our method of operation.
If we fail to remember the fallen state of the world, we tend to fight for moral issues. While these are important, the main issue is found in our living and loving as did Jesus. This is possible when the church is led by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. If we enable a disillusioned people to see Jesus, then the Holy Spirit will convict them in the areas of moral behavior.
2009/03/11
A Different Standard
It is clear that the Republican positions are not the same as those of the Democrats. This is not a difficult concept to grasp. Many people would also readily acknowledge that God’s ways are not man’s ways.
This raises the question as to how astute are we at grasping God’s way. As we view the manner in which we practice our worship services, do we seek God and His presence as we plan these experiences? Or, do we watch other churches practice and plan according to what has been successful for them?
How do we know that the most successful church in God’s eyes is the church that we might choose to mimic? The two churches that Jesus lifts, of the seven in chapters two and three of Revelation, would not match many of today’s definition of a successful church.
Concerning the church in Smyrna, he states that he knows their “tribulation and poverty” and yet they are rich. The description continues, “Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” God views their wealth from a perspective that is unique from a human viewpoint.
The church in Philadelphia is identified as having “limited strength.” They receive their recognition from “keeping” God’s word and not having denied his name. Their accolades are not from a great program and an increasing attendance but rather their faithfulness.
The church in Laodicea takes pride in their accomplishments and they even brag about their wealth. Jesus’ response to them is that he will vomit them out of his mouth. He also admonishes them to purchase new clothing so that they will not be embarrassed or ashamed.
All too often we lift up the church that is able to build the largest buildings and oversee great programs. Their wealth is admired and they are held as model churches. It is an interesting contrast that Jesus challenged churches of this type and recognized churches that suffered and had limited strength.
This does not mean that larger churches are wrong and smaller churches are inherently right. It does indicate that all churches will be judged by the same standard and that is based on our faithfulness in the midst of suffering.
This raises the question as to how astute are we at grasping God’s way. As we view the manner in which we practice our worship services, do we seek God and His presence as we plan these experiences? Or, do we watch other churches practice and plan according to what has been successful for them?
How do we know that the most successful church in God’s eyes is the church that we might choose to mimic? The two churches that Jesus lifts, of the seven in chapters two and three of Revelation, would not match many of today’s definition of a successful church.
Concerning the church in Smyrna, he states that he knows their “tribulation and poverty” and yet they are rich. The description continues, “Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” God views their wealth from a perspective that is unique from a human viewpoint.
The church in Philadelphia is identified as having “limited strength.” They receive their recognition from “keeping” God’s word and not having denied his name. Their accolades are not from a great program and an increasing attendance but rather their faithfulness.
The church in Laodicea takes pride in their accomplishments and they even brag about their wealth. Jesus’ response to them is that he will vomit them out of his mouth. He also admonishes them to purchase new clothing so that they will not be embarrassed or ashamed.
All too often we lift up the church that is able to build the largest buildings and oversee great programs. Their wealth is admired and they are held as model churches. It is an interesting contrast that Jesus challenged churches of this type and recognized churches that suffered and had limited strength.
This does not mean that larger churches are wrong and smaller churches are inherently right. It does indicate that all churches will be judged by the same standard and that is based on our faithfulness in the midst of suffering.
2009/02/26
Removing Routine
On any given Sunday, millions of people follow a habit of heading to church. What is the reason behind this routine? What is it that these people anticipate as they gather?
For those upfront, is it a performance from which accolades are expected? For those in the audience, is it to renew friendships or to maintain appearances?
It may be startling to some but “worship” is a verb as well as a noun. Because a person is seated in a place of worship, does not mean that they engage in actual worship. For worship to take place, those who are gathered must express praise and adoration to God. This entails more than just singing choruses or hymns and more than just an inspiring speaker.
Worship involves humbling oneself before God and acknowledging their dependence upon this divine being. Worship involves uninhibited expressions that are not orchestrated or rehearsed. Worship involves loving the people who are seated in the audience as well as those who are leading the framework of worship.
Worship does not concern itself with what a person receives but in what a person gives. If one leaves a ‘worship service’ concerned about peripheral items (length of service, style of music, or their personal comfort), it may be that the God they are worshipping is no larger than themselves.
For those upfront, is it a performance from which accolades are expected? For those in the audience, is it to renew friendships or to maintain appearances?
It may be startling to some but “worship” is a verb as well as a noun. Because a person is seated in a place of worship, does not mean that they engage in actual worship. For worship to take place, those who are gathered must express praise and adoration to God. This entails more than just singing choruses or hymns and more than just an inspiring speaker.
Worship involves humbling oneself before God and acknowledging their dependence upon this divine being. Worship involves uninhibited expressions that are not orchestrated or rehearsed. Worship involves loving the people who are seated in the audience as well as those who are leading the framework of worship.
Worship does not concern itself with what a person receives but in what a person gives. If one leaves a ‘worship service’ concerned about peripheral items (length of service, style of music, or their personal comfort), it may be that the God they are worshipping is no larger than themselves.
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