What an Awesome Day!
Quite a few people approached me with some truly edifying words today. It appears the revolution is gaining momentum and I'm far from alone in my feelings. Thank you to those who took the time to say a kind word.
I was highly encouraged during today’s service. Pastor’s message was right on time – absolutely brilliant! And to see him once again singing praises with his daughter was awesome! I’m happy for him, as I’m sure he needed that. I think we all did.
I have the sense our church is on a journey back to our roots, a place where Bible study (real wisdom), bare naked worship and praise (without the distractions), and passionate preaching will replace the theology theorists and methodology rhetoric that has so fractured our congregation.
It’s not to say God doesn’t have a place and a purpose for those who espouse change. But I feel we have the responsibility to adapt our approach in facilitating change to match the environment around us. It’s the way we as human beings push our agenda that’s problematic. You can’t be a rhino in a china shop and then wonder why people hold you accountable for the collateral damage.
2 Timothy 4:2-4
2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
Our revolution requires increased knowledge of the Word. These verses from Pastor’s sermon really struck me. How can we recognize those who espouse ideas that don’t line up with the Word of God if we don’t know the Word of God? Bible study – real meaningful study of the Word – is where our protection will come from.
Knowing the Word will also help us in our interaction with each other. One of the best tools God has given us to introduce Him into the lives of others is….well….our own lives. When we live according to the Word, we eliminate the hypocrisy that runs the risk of keeping the lost from seeking Him. It’s the beauty of living with Christ as our Savior that will attract the lost.
Colossians 3:12-14
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Living according to the Word also means improving relationships within the body. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience – these are the virtues to demonstrate in our revolution.
We must truly learn to forgive. Jesus taught us this in the Lords prayer, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) According to His Word, we shouldn’t ask for forgiveness until we have forgiven.
And then there’s love. With Christ driven love, whole and pure, we cannot fail. Demonstrating love to each other requires living by the fruits of the Spirit and will bind us together in unity.
Colossians 3:15-17
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Enough said. Goodnight, my brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray blessing for all of you.
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1 comment:
There's not a hateful word in anything I've said or stand for. If my opinions run contrary to anyone, I invite open and honest discussion. I believe in shared ideas, be they for or against what I believe in my heart.
I don't believe God wants to fracture the body. Instead, He wants to build it up for His glory. I've read McManus (and others like him) and been moved by his words. At the same token, I don't believe his way is the only way.
I believe ideas both old and new can coexist, working together for the good of the Kingdom. I'm preaching love and a life lived by the fruits of the Spirit. What are you preaching?
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