I feel led to continue the discussion on interation in the Christian community:
How many churches have you attended where you felt "processed?" You walk in, receive a program, receive a few greetings, take your seat, hear worship music, hear a message, and then are herded out like cattle of the building all the while hearing "we're so glad you came!" When did worship become so impersonal. When did gathering together with our brothers and sisters in Christ become so routine and so seemingly meaningless? Too many times do we get an intellectual explanation of Love and following Christ, and not even physically touch one single brother or sister in Christ. No hand shake, no embrace, no......Love. A worship service shouldn't "process" people. This isn't a waiting room in a Doctor's office. This is a Christian community of believers who love each other. Why then is it so hidden from view? Why are we afraid to show our love? Why aren't we authentic in our love? Our love should be evident. It should be bright. It should be OBVIOUS. It should be a beacon of light not only in worship, but also in the community. Our interaction with others should make them feel welcome, not only into the church, but into our lives. Care for people. Show them you care.
God Bless
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Holy Kiss
The history of the holy kiss is very interesting. In the time this verse in Romans was written, it was (and still is in some Mediterranean and other instances) common practice for men to greet one another with a kiss on the cheek. The “holy kiss” reference gave it even more meaning to represent the unity in Christ. Over time, this practice became an embrace and kiss on the forehead, then kissing the same cup as a symbol, then a “kissing object,” then passing a piece of wood down the seats of the church for the congregation to all kiss, then a piece of paper, and eventually nothing.
I say this as an analogy. I realize that we probably aren’t going to start kissing one another, or that we even should. This is an analogy of interaction in the Christian community. The holy kiss deteriorated and eventually disappeared. Now I realize this is also due to cultural changes over time; however, our interaction within the Christian community should not disappear.
When someone wants to have someone to talk to, where do they go? When they want to find someone that will listen to everything that they say, someone who will not tell everyone they know, someone to be there for them, where do they go? They will likely go to the local bar. There are drunkards there, but most are there because they are lonely. They receive attention at a bar that they do not get anywhere else. The local bar has replaced what the church used to be. The church used to be a place where everyone could be open and honest with one another, where everyone could be “real.” A place everyone could share their sins and struggles and receive support and love. What church have you been to where this happens? It is rare, if it happens at all.
I am reminded of the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9). Zacchaeus felt unloved until he met Jesus. He realized the unconditional love, and felt comfortable confessing all of his sins and struggles. This action should not stop. The Christian community should be a place where we always feel comfortable confessing our sins and struggles to one another. This is where we should receive acceptance, support, and love—unconditional love. The love should not depend on how we portray ourselves, what laws we follow, or how “Christian” we seem. The love should be there no matter what.
Believers and non-believers alike feel this is impossible because of the judgmental and legalistic state of the Christian community in general. Some would say that it shouldn’t be viewed as general, but it should. The Christian community is all inclusive. There is no escaping this fact. There are fundamentalists, conservatives, liberals, and everything in between, but the world sees: Christian. Christians need to spend less time SHOUTING what is wrong, and more time SHOWING by example what is right. LOVE. Let the world see Christ in us.
Friday, October 15, 2010
A Patient Enemy
I'm sure most of us have heard the strategies of Satan. How he tries to deceive, how he comes to destroy, how he wants to rule, and how he wants to accuse. When have you heard about his main and most successful strategy? The strategy I am talking about is patience. Satan is perfectly content in taking it slow. This is not to say that he does not work fast, as in the example of Eve, but then again it is. He plants a single doubt in Eve's mind, and when she furthers that thought, he continues until his goal is attained. He doesn't have to win the entire battle, he just needs to win today. He will attack a little, then retreat. This strategy is aimed at wearing us down, little by little. Pretty soon you wake up one day and don't realize how you got to be where you are.
Satan will attack a little one day, move away, come back the next day, do a little more, move away. Come back a week later, do a little more. He is incredibly patient. Why is he content attacking you this way? Because it isn't as noticeable. He would rather be successful than quick. If you notice his attack because it is huge and important, you will resist him with Christ's help, but if it is so gradual that you can barely detect it, then it is very difficult to know what is happening. So, what you would have resisted upfront, might become a reality over time.
So how do we protect ourselves against this gradual change? What must we do to guard against his almost imperceptible attacks? Well, sometimes we can detect it ourselves. We get away from our time in the Word of God daily. We become cold. We become a little callous about our thoughts, even our tongues. We know we're becoming a good candidate for Satan to tempt us. Other times we may be blind to it and that's why having someone in our life, someone who can spot these signs, someone gracious enough to point them out to us-- is in many ways invaluable. A spiritual running partner is what the pastor at Epic Church calls it. Someone you can count on to tell you the truth no matter what. Someone who cares about you enough to tell you something, even though it may upset you. A Christian brother or sister who will be there for you and help you grow closer to God. Of course, you should do the same for them, and anyone you develop that relationship with as a matter of fact. I have a group of about 5, and we all watch out for each other. We aren't afraid to tell each other God's truth and show Scripture to each other. This protects us from the gradual attack of the enemy. If you don't have someone like that in your life, start looking TODAY.
God Bless
Satan will attack a little one day, move away, come back the next day, do a little more, move away. Come back a week later, do a little more. He is incredibly patient. Why is he content attacking you this way? Because it isn't as noticeable. He would rather be successful than quick. If you notice his attack because it is huge and important, you will resist him with Christ's help, but if it is so gradual that you can barely detect it, then it is very difficult to know what is happening. So, what you would have resisted upfront, might become a reality over time.
So how do we protect ourselves against this gradual change? What must we do to guard against his almost imperceptible attacks? Well, sometimes we can detect it ourselves. We get away from our time in the Word of God daily. We become cold. We become a little callous about our thoughts, even our tongues. We know we're becoming a good candidate for Satan to tempt us. Other times we may be blind to it and that's why having someone in our life, someone who can spot these signs, someone gracious enough to point them out to us-- is in many ways invaluable. A spiritual running partner is what the pastor at Epic Church calls it. Someone you can count on to tell you the truth no matter what. Someone who cares about you enough to tell you something, even though it may upset you. A Christian brother or sister who will be there for you and help you grow closer to God. Of course, you should do the same for them, and anyone you develop that relationship with as a matter of fact. I have a group of about 5, and we all watch out for each other. We aren't afraid to tell each other God's truth and show Scripture to each other. This protects us from the gradual attack of the enemy. If you don't have someone like that in your life, start looking TODAY.
God Bless
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Stained Glass Masquerade
I heard something on the radio this morning that isn't really addressed in many Christian communities. A woman called into the station and said that one of the main reasons she doesn't attend church is because she doesn't feel welcome. She said she doesn't feel welcome because everyone in the church seems to have everything together and figured out, and they seemingly never sin, or do not seem to struggle with sin.
This sparks a major reflection moment. Do we put up a "false front?" Do we act "perfect" at church and around others so that we look like Christians? Why do we feel we have to hide our temptations, our fears, our struggles? I think we do put up a false front, whether we intend to or not. I don't anyone likes to admit this fact, but that does not change the truth. This, obviously from this woman's observation, does not only affect the Christian community. The lost also pay attention to how we interact and want some way to relate to us. How can we expect to relate to the lost if we do not SHOW them that we are ALL sinners just like we keep saying? I realize there is also argument from Scripture that you aren't to do anything that could cause your brother to stumble, but that isn't what I am referring to. I am talking about hiding even little things that we do everyday from certain people to be seen a certain way. We all do it. We even hide other things from EVERYONE so that we are seen in a certain way by everyone around us. Should we hide the actions/thoughts/struggles? We should let others know what we are struggling with so that like Scripture says we can "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). If our brothers and sisters in Christ do not know what we are struggling with, then how are they supposed to help? We also need to be open and honest with the lost. If we hide our struggles and trials from them, then it is no wonder that a new believer is surprised at how difficult it is to struggle with sin. It also does not help that the Christians around them seem so "perfect."
The main point of this is to be humble to everyone, believers and nonbelievers alike. Being humble does not mean you grovel in front of others and constantly down yourself for your shortcomings. God says that being humble means you are free from pride and arrogance. You know that in your flesh you are inadequate, yet you also know who you are in Christ. Our challenge this week from Epic Church was to read and pray over Romans 8. This is beautiful description of God's love for us, but it is also a description of how we should treat others. We are ALL free in Christ. The chains are gone, why put them on in front of other people? Let us stop trying to walk in our own personal power and portrayed sinless, self-controlled life and walk in the power of God's Holy Spirit. Be honest with everyone about your struggles. James 5:16 says to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Let us all be open and honest with everyone, so that Christ may be evident in our lives through all things. Let everyone see the transformation, instead of trying to slowly transform behind a curtain and come out "perfect" on the other side.
This sparks a major reflection moment. Do we put up a "false front?" Do we act "perfect" at church and around others so that we look like Christians? Why do we feel we have to hide our temptations, our fears, our struggles? I think we do put up a false front, whether we intend to or not. I don't anyone likes to admit this fact, but that does not change the truth. This, obviously from this woman's observation, does not only affect the Christian community. The lost also pay attention to how we interact and want some way to relate to us. How can we expect to relate to the lost if we do not SHOW them that we are ALL sinners just like we keep saying? I realize there is also argument from Scripture that you aren't to do anything that could cause your brother to stumble, but that isn't what I am referring to. I am talking about hiding even little things that we do everyday from certain people to be seen a certain way. We all do it. We even hide other things from EVERYONE so that we are seen in a certain way by everyone around us. Should we hide the actions/thoughts/struggles? We should let others know what we are struggling with so that like Scripture says we can "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). If our brothers and sisters in Christ do not know what we are struggling with, then how are they supposed to help? We also need to be open and honest with the lost. If we hide our struggles and trials from them, then it is no wonder that a new believer is surprised at how difficult it is to struggle with sin. It also does not help that the Christians around them seem so "perfect."
The main point of this is to be humble to everyone, believers and nonbelievers alike. Being humble does not mean you grovel in front of others and constantly down yourself for your shortcomings. God says that being humble means you are free from pride and arrogance. You know that in your flesh you are inadequate, yet you also know who you are in Christ. Our challenge this week from Epic Church was to read and pray over Romans 8. This is beautiful description of God's love for us, but it is also a description of how we should treat others. We are ALL free in Christ. The chains are gone, why put them on in front of other people? Let us stop trying to walk in our own personal power and portrayed sinless, self-controlled life and walk in the power of God's Holy Spirit. Be honest with everyone about your struggles. James 5:16 says to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Let us all be open and honest with everyone, so that Christ may be evident in our lives through all things. Let everyone see the transformation, instead of trying to slowly transform behind a curtain and come out "perfect" on the other side.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Christian Knowledge of Nonbelievers
There was a recent quiz posted among a few friends on Facebook that was being used by news outlets as a picture of religious knowledge by different groups of people (quiz can be found here: http://features.pewforum.org/quiz/us-religious-knowledge/). The quiz itself is comprised of questions of religious nature spanning everything from Christianity to Judaism. I took the quiz after seeing some of my friends' scores and I made a 100%. Now I don't say this to be boastful, but to add to my point. The story associated with the quiz states that the Atheist/Agnostic groups (groups were separated by beliefs) were the highest scoring individuals that took the quiz. The question is: why? Of course, from a statistical standpoint, one could say that the surveyed group is not a true representation of the population as a whole, but is that really true? How many Christians do you know that could make a decent score on a quiz of this nature? How many could make a decent score using simple questions straight from the Bible?
My main realization was that atheists and agnostics spend much more time in study of religious items in order to defend their position than Christians spend reading, studying the Bible, and praying to spread the Gospel (which, by the way, is the great commission). I was atheist for 13 years. I denied the Truth I knew, but refused to accept. Not only did I deny this Truth, but I also studied feverishly to defend my position. Strange isn't it? Atheists and agnostics feel it necessary to be more studied in religions in order to defend their position. Why do you suppose that is? I say this not as a generality, but from personal experience. Myself and the people I associated with that were atheist or agnostic knew quite a bit about the Bible and other religions and continuously studied more and more. Looking back now, I can see why I did it. Was it because I knew I would be challenged constantly and wanted to back up my belief (or lack of)? Sort of. That was definitely part of it, and to be honest, especially in Alabama. However, I think the main reason I did it was not to prove that God didn't exist or to back my position, but rather a search for Him. I guess I wanted to come across something so much to prove myself wrong. So that I would have no choice but to relinquish my pride and accept what I wanted so much. I didn't know I wanted it at the time. I remember seeing someone full of the Spirit and who loved God, and wanting the light in their eyes, wanting the joy in their heart, wanting the purpose of their lives. I studied religion to find God.
Some of my friends who are Christians have asked me how they should approach their atheist or agnostic friends with the Gospel. The truth is, I would just be with them. Show them by example. Let them see the light in your eyes. Let them see the joy in your heart. Let them see.....Christ....Christ In You. That is how you approach them. Also, talk to them. Calmly. If they want to discuss religion, Christianity, God, or anything, then discuss it with them. I remember as an atheist trying to talk to Christians experiencing many rejections. This was in part to the Christians fear that I would convince them God did not exist. They were so insecure and doubtful in their faith, and all I wanted them to do was convince me that He was real. That He did love me, and show me how to get that light in their eyes, that I did not have. Does a study like this disturb me and make me lose faith in the Christian community? No. On the contrary, it gives me faith. It gives me faith that the Atheists and agnostics are searching for God. They are searching and all we have to do is show them He is there, and He loves them. We show His love by loving them. Show them you care, and show them that YOU are there for them, and they will see Christ in you. One thing we have to realize is that we may not see the result. We may not see them accept Christ. Do not be discouraged. God's time. God's plan.
God Bless
My main realization was that atheists and agnostics spend much more time in study of religious items in order to defend their position than Christians spend reading, studying the Bible, and praying to spread the Gospel (which, by the way, is the great commission). I was atheist for 13 years. I denied the Truth I knew, but refused to accept. Not only did I deny this Truth, but I also studied feverishly to defend my position. Strange isn't it? Atheists and agnostics feel it necessary to be more studied in religions in order to defend their position. Why do you suppose that is? I say this not as a generality, but from personal experience. Myself and the people I associated with that were atheist or agnostic knew quite a bit about the Bible and other religions and continuously studied more and more. Looking back now, I can see why I did it. Was it because I knew I would be challenged constantly and wanted to back up my belief (or lack of)? Sort of. That was definitely part of it, and to be honest, especially in Alabama. However, I think the main reason I did it was not to prove that God didn't exist or to back my position, but rather a search for Him. I guess I wanted to come across something so much to prove myself wrong. So that I would have no choice but to relinquish my pride and accept what I wanted so much. I didn't know I wanted it at the time. I remember seeing someone full of the Spirit and who loved God, and wanting the light in their eyes, wanting the joy in their heart, wanting the purpose of their lives. I studied religion to find God.
Some of my friends who are Christians have asked me how they should approach their atheist or agnostic friends with the Gospel. The truth is, I would just be with them. Show them by example. Let them see the light in your eyes. Let them see the joy in your heart. Let them see.....Christ....Christ In You. That is how you approach them. Also, talk to them. Calmly. If they want to discuss religion, Christianity, God, or anything, then discuss it with them. I remember as an atheist trying to talk to Christians experiencing many rejections. This was in part to the Christians fear that I would convince them God did not exist. They were so insecure and doubtful in their faith, and all I wanted them to do was convince me that He was real. That He did love me, and show me how to get that light in their eyes, that I did not have. Does a study like this disturb me and make me lose faith in the Christian community? No. On the contrary, it gives me faith. It gives me faith that the Atheists and agnostics are searching for God. They are searching and all we have to do is show them He is there, and He loves them. We show His love by loving them. Show them you care, and show them that YOU are there for them, and they will see Christ in you. One thing we have to realize is that we may not see the result. We may not see them accept Christ. Do not be discouraged. God's time. God's plan.
God Bless
Monday, September 27, 2010
Testing Me
I got up to my alarm clock at 4:30 AM and started getting ready for work. About midway through my "getting ready" routine, I heard the sound of thunder from outside the house. I basically did a mental shrug of the shoulders, confident in my driving ability and lacking in fear of storms in general, and went on about my morning. There have been few times driving in the rain when I have actually questioned my ability to keep going. I see multiple people on the side of the road waiting for the rain to let up, but I press on in my stubborness and perceived invincibility. This morning was different. It began to rain so hard on interstate 565 that I could not see the road in front of me, much less any car that would be brave enough to lead this blind driver. I actually felt fear for the first time in this situation. I, of course, calmed myself and restated my firm belief in my driving ability. Upon reaching my destination, I went about my routine of grabbing my bag and going into my office. It wasn't until I sat down that the thought, feeling, and utter shock set in: I wasn't paying attention. I completely ignored everything around me and pressed on so I would make it to work on time. Would it have made a difference if I would have been a few minutes late? No. Why did I do this? Even more worrisome is during the whole experience, I never once asked God for protection or asked Him if I should pull over.
I think this is an analogy for our lives in general. I know it is for my life. At Epic Church we are doing a 60-60 experiment where we are reminded every 60 minutes, by a watch that beeps, that God is with us. This is wonderful and definitely has helped me develop a closer relationship with God; however, I think one of my main problems is not only knowing that He is with me, but also that He is in control. He is in control and I am NOT. I constantly rely on myself to fix things. From relationships to finances, I only trust myself with taking care of things. It is so hard just to let go, follow His voice, and trust that He will provide what He wants me to have. I didn't stop in the rain or even try to assess the situation because I was trusting myself like I have so many times before and like I do every single day.
Now I give this example and point this out not to give some magnificent fix or tool to remedy this issue, but to point it out in my life so that I can see it and openly express it. I need to trust Him with EVERYTHING. Not just with blessing my food, not just with leading my study of His word, not just with major decisions He has put in front of me, but EVERYTHING. How do I plan to do this? Give up. I know that sounds strange and in complete contrast to what one might exect, but it is the only way. I will give everything up to Him. I will give up trying to control my life. I will give up trying to trust myself to fix things. I will give everything to Him so that, WITH Him, my life will be controlled. I will give everything to Him so that, WITH Him, His will is the focus instead of my own.
I think this is an analogy for our lives in general. I know it is for my life. At Epic Church we are doing a 60-60 experiment where we are reminded every 60 minutes, by a watch that beeps, that God is with us. This is wonderful and definitely has helped me develop a closer relationship with God; however, I think one of my main problems is not only knowing that He is with me, but also that He is in control. He is in control and I am NOT. I constantly rely on myself to fix things. From relationships to finances, I only trust myself with taking care of things. It is so hard just to let go, follow His voice, and trust that He will provide what He wants me to have. I didn't stop in the rain or even try to assess the situation because I was trusting myself like I have so many times before and like I do every single day.
Now I give this example and point this out not to give some magnificent fix or tool to remedy this issue, but to point it out in my life so that I can see it and openly express it. I need to trust Him with EVERYTHING. Not just with blessing my food, not just with leading my study of His word, not just with major decisions He has put in front of me, but EVERYTHING. How do I plan to do this? Give up. I know that sounds strange and in complete contrast to what one might exect, but it is the only way. I will give everything up to Him. I will give up trying to control my life. I will give up trying to trust myself to fix things. I will give everything to Him so that, WITH Him, my life will be controlled. I will give everything to Him so that, WITH Him, His will is the focus instead of my own.
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