Childlike faith and Childish Faith, there is a difference
Like every Church, Boundless Grace has an age limit for children who can be placed in our nursery. I think it’s around two or three years old. Of course, the reason for the age limit is that infants demand lots of attention which requires more personal care and staffing than other ministries. These little ones are still crawling, crying, and wanting to be coddled. The fact is, infants have one thing in common “need.” In keeping with the vernacular of our day, it’s all about them!
Well, recently while driving down the highway a humorous thought came to mind. What if Churches lifted the age limit, spiritually speaking for attendance into our nurseries? The result I fear would be overcrowded nursery rooms with people in their twenties, thirties, forties, and even fifties, all needing to be checked in.
All right, I must confess, I have become a little jaded over my twenty plus years in vocational ministry as a pastor but I have observed many believers who are old in their confession of the faith by mere infants in their walk of faith. As I used to hear from a pastor in my former Church, some men are so old in God that you must part their beard to give them a bottle. Ouch!!!!!
The Crawling Believer
When a baby starts crawling a parent gets excited, but if the child is still crawling at the age three there is reason for concern. Well, my blogger friends, I think that our churches are filled with crawling believers; crawling in their knowledge of the word of God, crawling in their ability to serve faithfully without complaint, crawling in their ability to trust God under trial, crawling in their ability to love people unlike themselves, crawling in their willingness to forgive and forget. They are just crawling! There is reason for concern. After all, God gets glory from our walk, not our crawl.
The Crying Believer
Of course, a baby cries because it has only one way to express his need! But at age forty we would hope a person would be able to communicate need without whining. I’m afraid some believers are better known for their whine than their worship. They whine because the pastor didn’t acknowledge their need or ideas, they whine when they are overlooked for a leadership position, they even whine if the coffee is not hot enough or the doughnuts don’t have sprinkles on them! All right, maybe it’s not all this bad, but deprive some believers of what they feel they deserve and be ready to plug your ears!
Perhaps we have forgotten that just being in God’s family is a blessing.
I’m reminded of the story of the prodigal son in keeping with this point.
You know the story! The son goes out and sows his wild oats and screws up his life only to return home in repentance. The words uttered by the boy upon his return home to his gracious father are worth reflection here.
I am not worthy to be called a son, just let me live as one of your servants!
Dear Believer, do you remember how blessed you felt to know that the Father had forgiven you of your sins and rebellion? Do you remember the sense of privilege of just being welcomed into the family of believers? I’m afraid that sometimes we can lose sight of our blessings and be self deceived into thinking that we are somehow being neglected by the Father or his people.
The Coddled Believer
Have you ever been around someone in Church that made you feel that you must walk on egg shells around them? You know the type, people who seem to say non-verbally, it’s my way or the highway. My friends, the Church isn’t Burger King’s where you can have it your way! We are called to consider others more important than ourselves (Philippians 2). It’s not about us is it?
Growing up in our Faith
All right, what might you ask is the solution to growing out of the spiritual nursery? I think the Apostle Peter with great precision and concision has the answer: a statement, a scripture printed on our giveaway coffee mugs at Boundless Grace:
Grace and Peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 2Peter1:2
Mature believers are people who are so attracted to God that they not only want to know him better but that they want to become like him as well. Not just enjoying His grace and peace as a gift for themselves but gifts to be poured out on those with whom they worship next to in the pew. Or as the Apostle Paul exhorted the Church at Ephesus,
Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph.5:1-2
Symptoms of Maturity in the Making
As a father of three, I can still remember using the door jam in my daughter’s bedroom as a benchmark for their growth spurts. Every few months one of my girls would want to stand up against the door jam to be measured. If the pencil mark was even a ¼ inch above the last line there was reason to celebrate, after all, growth had taken place. This exercise was always fun for both me and my daughters. Perhaps we would do ourselves well to standup in the doorway of our own spiritual bedroom and measure ourselves in the following areas to see if we have grown over the past few years:
1. Gentleness towards others:
Mature people are gentle spirited which is seen in a willingness to yield rather than be pushy and controlling. Phil.4:5
2. Able to overlook offenses: Mature believers are not easily offended and will work hard at overlooking faults. After all, love covers over a multitude of sins. 1Peter4:8
3. Hard to tick off: The Bible says that we are not to be easily angered!
4. Content to serve others rather than being served or seen!
The greatest in the kingdom according to Jesus are the servants of all! Matt.20:26
5. Refuse to whine!
Do all things without grumbling or disputing: so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we appear as lights in the world holding fast the word of life. Phil.2:14-16a
6. Follow your leaders rather than fight with them.
A clear symptom of immaturity is an unwillingness to submit to leadership, i.e. authority figures in the church. Heb.13:17
7. Growing in your knowledge of God: Growing believers are growing in their knowledge of God by means of Bible study.
Well, in wrapping this blog up, can I ask you a question or two? Have you grown in the past year? Do you have reason to celebrate, or are you still crawling, crying, and needed to be coddled? If you are growing go out today and celebrate your growth in Christ! If not, get off the carpet at once and make up your mind to start walking after Christ. After all, the carpet will give you rug burns!!!!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Big Rocks Must Go in First
Recently while preaching on the importance of evaluating how we use our time, I asked the congregation to raise their hands if they had goals for the coming year. To my delight, the majority of the people raised their hands. However, when I asked the follow up question, how many have their goals written down, 90% of the folks put their hands down. To be honest, I expected such a response because people are filled with good intensions but most fail to take their goals serious enough to write them out and carve out time to make them happen. We all want to lose weight, save more money, spend more time with our kids, etc…. But, will good intensions enough to realize our desires? I would suggest they are not.
Moses prayed in Psalms 90:12, Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. This prayer was uttered on the heels of his comment; the length of our days is seventy years – or eighty, if we have the strength.
You see, life is brief and will quickly pass. Therefore we must make good use of our time. While there is some value to having a spark of spontaneity in life, unless we take charge of our schedules we will discover that our year will come and go with very little progress or productivity in the areas that really matter.
My blogger friends, the following story is worth the read as a starting place to help us gain a heart of wisdom:
A time management expert was teaching a seminar for executives. He placed a large, clear open-mouthed jar in front of the group. Next, he put seven or eight large rocks into the jar until it was full. “Is the jar full?” He asked. Everyone nodded. Then he took pebbles and filled up the jar with the small rocks until they reached the rim. “Is the jar full?” By now, they didn’t answer. So, he poured fine sand in. “Is the jar full?” Some nodded. He proceeded to take a pitcher of water and filled up the jar again. “What’s the lesson about time management?” he asked. Hands shot up, and everyone agreed “No matter how busy you are you can always fit more things into your schedule.” “Wrong.” he replied. “The lesson is: unless you put the big rocks in first, they never will fit in. You must figure out what the big rocks are for you.” What are the big rocks in your life?
As 2011 passes through the hour glass of time I hope you have placed your “big rocks” in your calendar and that these priorities are governing your routine. After all, life is a vapor that is here today and gone tomorrow.
In this context, I would like to suggest four big rocks that must make it into our schedules:
Rock Number One-You: That’s right, unless you take care of yourself you will be of little value to others. But what, may you ask, does it mean to take care of yourself? Well, I think that we all need exercise, proper diet, mental stimulation(read), recreation(play), & meditation (pray). And while it is true that all the above require determination and discipline, I believe you are capable. So, get started today! Begin with some baby steps in each area. You will be surprised at how much improvement you will experience in a week if you will but get started.
Do you love life? Then don’t squander time, for it’s the stuff that life is made of. Benjamin Franklin.
Rock Number Two-Your Family: One of the greatest of blessings in life is family, and yet, we can neglect our own families by default. We all live in such a busy world, filled with demands and allurements that can rob us of time or emotional energy to bless those we love. In this context, I beg of you to get your family and even extended family into your weekly and monthly schedules. A family movie night, a dinner date with your wife, a game night with your children’s aunts & uncles, etc….. I promise you that this investment of time will be one of your best ways to number your days afresh!
Rock Number Three-Your Church: Of course, you reading a blog written by a biased Pastor. But, I would suggest that the scriptures lend ample proof that God’s children were brought into His family to serve, fellowship, give, and worship together. Can I ask you a few honest questions? How many Sundays do you skip out on Church each year? How many times have you served the people in your church in the past year? How much money does God kingdom receive from you each year? How many people have you entertained this past year for the purpose of blessing? My friends, the rock of fellowshipping with God’s people is a wise investment of your time.
Rock Number Four- Your Neighbors: As Christ followers we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. I know far too many Christians who spend all of their time with other Christians or working in their communities for positive change but have no impact on those living right next door or working in the cubicle next to them. Could it be that we have forgotten that, going into the world to make disciples is a top priority with God (a big rock)? My friends, get your calendar out and schedule in a barbecue, dessert night, or a wine and cheese night and invite some of your neighbors over to your house, after all, outreach is best accomplished through acts of kindness motivated by love.
Well, lest I run the risk of running on a bit in this blog I had better stop. However, let me leave you with a few simple words of encouragement. First, remember that failure is not fatal. In pursuit of your goals don’t give up just because you fail along the way. Failure does not have to be fatal or final. Second, ask the Lord to help you-(commit your plans to the Lord) He will help you if you invite him into your routine. And finally, if you are serious refuse procrastinate, start today. Get out a pencil, a note pad, and a calendar and start planning. You must remember that Someday is not a day of the week!
Moses prayed in Psalms 90:12, Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. This prayer was uttered on the heels of his comment; the length of our days is seventy years – or eighty, if we have the strength.
You see, life is brief and will quickly pass. Therefore we must make good use of our time. While there is some value to having a spark of spontaneity in life, unless we take charge of our schedules we will discover that our year will come and go with very little progress or productivity in the areas that really matter.
My blogger friends, the following story is worth the read as a starting place to help us gain a heart of wisdom:
A time management expert was teaching a seminar for executives. He placed a large, clear open-mouthed jar in front of the group. Next, he put seven or eight large rocks into the jar until it was full. “Is the jar full?” He asked. Everyone nodded. Then he took pebbles and filled up the jar with the small rocks until they reached the rim. “Is the jar full?” By now, they didn’t answer. So, he poured fine sand in. “Is the jar full?” Some nodded. He proceeded to take a pitcher of water and filled up the jar again. “What’s the lesson about time management?” he asked. Hands shot up, and everyone agreed “No matter how busy you are you can always fit more things into your schedule.” “Wrong.” he replied. “The lesson is: unless you put the big rocks in first, they never will fit in. You must figure out what the big rocks are for you.” What are the big rocks in your life?
As 2011 passes through the hour glass of time I hope you have placed your “big rocks” in your calendar and that these priorities are governing your routine. After all, life is a vapor that is here today and gone tomorrow.
In this context, I would like to suggest four big rocks that must make it into our schedules:
Rock Number One-You: That’s right, unless you take care of yourself you will be of little value to others. But what, may you ask, does it mean to take care of yourself? Well, I think that we all need exercise, proper diet, mental stimulation(read), recreation(play), & meditation (pray). And while it is true that all the above require determination and discipline, I believe you are capable. So, get started today! Begin with some baby steps in each area. You will be surprised at how much improvement you will experience in a week if you will but get started.
Do you love life? Then don’t squander time, for it’s the stuff that life is made of. Benjamin Franklin.
Rock Number Two-Your Family: One of the greatest of blessings in life is family, and yet, we can neglect our own families by default. We all live in such a busy world, filled with demands and allurements that can rob us of time or emotional energy to bless those we love. In this context, I beg of you to get your family and even extended family into your weekly and monthly schedules. A family movie night, a dinner date with your wife, a game night with your children’s aunts & uncles, etc….. I promise you that this investment of time will be one of your best ways to number your days afresh!
Rock Number Three-Your Church: Of course, you reading a blog written by a biased Pastor. But, I would suggest that the scriptures lend ample proof that God’s children were brought into His family to serve, fellowship, give, and worship together. Can I ask you a few honest questions? How many Sundays do you skip out on Church each year? How many times have you served the people in your church in the past year? How much money does God kingdom receive from you each year? How many people have you entertained this past year for the purpose of blessing? My friends, the rock of fellowshipping with God’s people is a wise investment of your time.
Rock Number Four- Your Neighbors: As Christ followers we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. I know far too many Christians who spend all of their time with other Christians or working in their communities for positive change but have no impact on those living right next door or working in the cubicle next to them. Could it be that we have forgotten that, going into the world to make disciples is a top priority with God (a big rock)? My friends, get your calendar out and schedule in a barbecue, dessert night, or a wine and cheese night and invite some of your neighbors over to your house, after all, outreach is best accomplished through acts of kindness motivated by love.
Well, lest I run the risk of running on a bit in this blog I had better stop. However, let me leave you with a few simple words of encouragement. First, remember that failure is not fatal. In pursuit of your goals don’t give up just because you fail along the way. Failure does not have to be fatal or final. Second, ask the Lord to help you-(commit your plans to the Lord) He will help you if you invite him into your routine. And finally, if you are serious refuse procrastinate, start today. Get out a pencil, a note pad, and a calendar and start planning. You must remember that Someday is not a day of the week!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Humility bumped up against My Soul
Reflections from Sundays Worship Gathering
This past weekend was amazing at Boundless Grace Church. Our worship team set a wonderful climate of intimacy with Jesus and the people responded beautifully. The sounds of worship filled our facility and the presence of the Spirit was evident. I felt that there was a corporate expectation for God to work among his people.
On this particular morning I was wrapping up a series called, Shoe Leather Theology from the letter of James. This final section from James 5 deals with prayer and healing, which in my estimation are deep water faith issues.
I have never really spoken of healing before, and I was so aware of my weakness and inability to “make it happen.” In fact, all week in preparation I felt a strong sense of humility bumping up against my soul. After all, who am I that I would be called upon to anoint the sick with oil and pray for the healing of the physically and spiritually sick among us?
On this special morning, several of our old friends from around the country were in attendance. These folks had come together for a Friendship Reunion, a bunch of godly people who all worshipped together in the same Church in days gone by.
Within this cluster of friends was a sister with cancer and others who were in need of both physical and spiritual healing as well. And along with this folks were many others in the Church who needed healing and/or deliverance. In fact, one man approached me during our worship set and told me that he had fallen off the wagon the previous week and was ready to repent, even publicly if necessary. This man had no idea that my message would involve confessing sins and seeking prayer from the Elders.
Well, after wrapping up my message on prayer and healing, I invited Bryan Maxwell, a dear brother and fellow Elder to join me in interceding for those in the Church who wanted to “call upon the Elders.” I also invited those among us who have a strong heart for intercession to help us pray for our people. In this context, the altar was flooded with people who came forth for prayer as Boundless Grace became a house of prayer. in this holy moment together.
During this prayer time it seemed as if, with every person that stepped out of their seat, came and deeper awareness of the Spirit and his anointing to minister among us.
In my many years of doing ministry, this particular morning was unique and special, and will not be forgotten any time soon. And although I don’t know exactly what the outcome of this morning will bring, I would not be surprised to learn of healing and and help from God in tangible ways.
An interesting after effect of this morning was that someone from our group of old friends gave the largest financial offering that Boundless Grace has ever received.
In summary, I am so thankful that humility bumped up against my soul. To God be the glory, great things he has done!
Praise to Jehovah Raffa! (the God who heals)
This past weekend was amazing at Boundless Grace Church. Our worship team set a wonderful climate of intimacy with Jesus and the people responded beautifully. The sounds of worship filled our facility and the presence of the Spirit was evident. I felt that there was a corporate expectation for God to work among his people.
On this particular morning I was wrapping up a series called, Shoe Leather Theology from the letter of James. This final section from James 5 deals with prayer and healing, which in my estimation are deep water faith issues.
I have never really spoken of healing before, and I was so aware of my weakness and inability to “make it happen.” In fact, all week in preparation I felt a strong sense of humility bumping up against my soul. After all, who am I that I would be called upon to anoint the sick with oil and pray for the healing of the physically and spiritually sick among us?
On this special morning, several of our old friends from around the country were in attendance. These folks had come together for a Friendship Reunion, a bunch of godly people who all worshipped together in the same Church in days gone by.
Within this cluster of friends was a sister with cancer and others who were in need of both physical and spiritual healing as well. And along with this folks were many others in the Church who needed healing and/or deliverance. In fact, one man approached me during our worship set and told me that he had fallen off the wagon the previous week and was ready to repent, even publicly if necessary. This man had no idea that my message would involve confessing sins and seeking prayer from the Elders.
Well, after wrapping up my message on prayer and healing, I invited Bryan Maxwell, a dear brother and fellow Elder to join me in interceding for those in the Church who wanted to “call upon the Elders.” I also invited those among us who have a strong heart for intercession to help us pray for our people. In this context, the altar was flooded with people who came forth for prayer as Boundless Grace became a house of prayer. in this holy moment together.
During this prayer time it seemed as if, with every person that stepped out of their seat, came and deeper awareness of the Spirit and his anointing to minister among us.
In my many years of doing ministry, this particular morning was unique and special, and will not be forgotten any time soon. And although I don’t know exactly what the outcome of this morning will bring, I would not be surprised to learn of healing and and help from God in tangible ways.
An interesting after effect of this morning was that someone from our group of old friends gave the largest financial offering that Boundless Grace has ever received.
In summary, I am so thankful that humility bumped up against my soul. To God be the glory, great things he has done!
Praise to Jehovah Raffa! (the God who heals)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Contemporary Worship and the Church
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP AND THE CHURCH
I’ve been reflecting and reading for several weeks now on the matter of worship in the local Church and would like to flush out some random thoughts on the matter.
Entertainment or Exultation:
A few years ago my wife and I were invited to attend a friend’s Church (of the mega variety, which shall remain nameless) in the greater Bay Area. At the time we were just months away from planting Boundless Grace Church. Therefore, our eyes were wide open to discover the secrets of a successful contemporary Church.
I must say the worship team was excellent that night. The singers were all beautiful women of the Runway variety. The stage mimicked that of a rock concert with cool lights, screens, and décor. The musicians were nothing less than professionals who played a tight set of contemporary music of CD quality. However, what struck me that night was the lack of volume coming from the congregation. I would guess there were close to a thousand people in the building that night but, by the sound of things, maybe one hundred believers were engaged in heartfelt worship.
What was the cause for this lack of outpouring of praise among God’s people? And why would these believers settle for the role of a spectator rather than worshipper?
While I’m not an expert on the matter of corporate worship, I do believe that this Church, like many others, was so focused on doing it right that they got it wrong. You see, while there is nothing wrong with striving for excellence in worship, the Church is not called to put on a great performance. As Christ followers we are rather to offer to Jesus a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips.(Heb 13:15) You see, I believe that unknowingly, many Churches in our modern day have traded exultation for entertainment forgetting that the primary instrument in worship is the heart not the harp, and the people not the band.
Choosing Preaching over Praise
Recently, I was talking with my cousin about Church life and he shared his struggle to find a Church that worked for him and his family. He struggles to find a Church, from his perspective, because, most of the Churches he attended were obviously targeting you. This was evidenced by the climate set on the stage which was of the rock and roll variety. I hope I’m not putting words in my cousins mouth, but I think what I heard him saying was that worship in many of the Churches he tried felt more like a rock & roll show than a worship gathering.
What I find interesting about this conversation is that my cousin is the same guy who turned me on to classics of rock and roll back in the day. He is a lover of music and can appreciate its power and effect. One would think that if anyone would love the modern worship set he would. Yet, in the end, he chose to attend a Church with less than professional worship on the platform but a pastor sold on biblical exposition. For him, and many like him, worship should awe you not just wow you!
The purpose of Worship in the local Church:
The most important thing about worship is to understand its purpose. Musically driven worship, like all forms of worship is designed to give God’s people an opportunity to express their gratitude to God for his many blessings. And while worship should be pleasurable to the worshipper, its intended purpose is to bring glory to God alone and nothing more. As one worship leader from my former Church put it, we are to be servants not stars on Sunday.
Recently a friend emailed me an article about worship that underscores that purpose of worship in the life of a Church and individual. The following excerpt is worth mention:
Worship rescues our spiritual efforts from routine, religiosity, pride and guilt; it takes our minds completely off ourselves and burrows us into the overwhelming life of God. Measure Those Who Worship: By Francis Frangipane
Worship Alone is Insufficient in our Gatherings.
While worship in song is a major blessing to the Church, it alone is insufficient to accomplish the will of God for his people. Many people mistake worship as the conduit through which all the benefits of God are accomplished, i.e. healing, transformation, prophetic words, etc, etc. The fact of the matter is that worship is about what God receives from us, not what we can get from him during our times of praise.
However transformation and worship are related subjects. After all, worship medicates the heart so our divine healer can perform his work in us through the preached word. I like to think of it this way; music expands our spirit so the preached word has sufficient room to transform the heart.
The Apostle Paul’s states in the book of Romans, Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). And in another passage he exhorts Timothy, his disciple in the following way:
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Tim4:1-2
My blog friends, good worship is not enough for God’s people when gathered. We must also expect preachers to deliver the truths of the word of God in a demonstration of the Spirits power. (2Cor.2:4-5).
Many Churches today have great worship only to be followed by a pastor who is really nothing more than an Anthony Robbins type inspirational talker. And while there is certainly some value to inspirational speakers, God has called pastors to preach the whole council of God as spelled out in his word (the Bible). This council will include the doctrines of depravity, redemption through the blood of Christ, the resurrection, biblical morality, etc…..
Friends, we are now living in the last days when people only want to have their ears tickled and their hearts warmed by the music and a shallow message and then leave our Churches touched but not changed (2Tim3).
• Worship is a Welcome Mat
We have all seen one of those carpeted welcome mats on someone’s porch which is intended to communicate to visitors that the inhabitants are hospitable folk. Well, I believe that worship is the welcome mat that God is looking for. What I mean is that, God is looking for a gathering of people who have come together to worship Him with all their hearts based upon a right understanding of the person of Christ.
In this context the story of the woman at the well comes to mind. In the gospel of John, there is a recorded conversation in which Jesus dialogues with a sinful woman about worship. In this conversation Jesus makes it clear that God is seeking to manifest himself among a worshipping community who understands the truth.
Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:21-24
What is clear from the passage is that the worship mat that God is looking for is a true understanding of his Son Jesus. You see, this woman, not unlike the chosen people (the Jews) were showing up at their worship sites and worshipping without a true understanding of what made their worship acceptable/pleasurable before God. Worship that the Father seeks is worship that declares JESUS as LORD!
Friends, our God cares not about aesthetics in worship but only authenticity. It matters not what our buildings looks like, where they are located, what type of stage and lighting package we have, what genres of music we select, etc….. No, God is searching for Churches and people who will throw out the welcome mat of a heart that understands the truth about His grace and mercy demonstrated in the person of Christ and will sing with all of their hearts to declare Jesus as Lord! After all, it is he that has made us righteous in God’s sight.
(Note: there is nothing wrong with the aesthetics unless they get in the way of our worship)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1Peter 2:9
God is not seeking pastors, healers, apostles, prophets, evangelist, successful leaders, executives, or even worship leaders. No, God is seeking worshippers who make it their priority to worship Him and declare his praises!
• Worship must be planned yet spontaneous in our gatherings
Have you ever been bored in Church? My guess is that you have. After all, Church life can be rather predictable can’t it? We meet every week at the same time in the same place. We generally follow the same format and see the same people. And we may even sing the same old songs the same old ways.
While there is nothing wrong with routine, it often leads to a lack of freshness in worship. At the core of true worship is divine romance between the bride and the bridegroom. And nothing ruins romance faster than predictability and formula. Bob Sorge, in his book, Following the River hints at what I believe is true about modern worship when he speaks of people who, pass through the river of our worship services and come up the other side, for the most part, untouched. They leave a little bit damp, saying, “They have good music at this Church.” Or they may say, “Nice service.”
From this author’s perspective, many worship leaders believe that if they work hard at putting together a great team of musicians, a great line up of contemporary songs, practice until perfect, all they will need to do is “bring it” on Sunday. This formula will guarantee spiritual rain to fall week after week. Yet, we have all been in Churches that have the formula down pat but only a trickle of water seems to flow from heaven’s streams.
Much like a sermon that is exacting in logic but lacking in power, worship can be beautiful in form but lacking in fragrance. With this in mind, the Church and its worship leaders must learn to run the risk of moving outside the comfort zone of predictability and go with the flow of the Spirit into the river of refreshing!
All right, what does all this mean? Well, first it means that we bring new songs to the church often, and that the worship leader and pastor be sensitive to the Spirit of God during the gathering so that they can be lead by the Spirit and not the platform schedule. It means that songs may be sung that are not in the line up and words may be spoken that are not in the notes. It means that the line up be thought through weekly for the purpose of keeping it fresh.
• Understanding the law of Synergy in Worship
Synergy is a word used to describe the notion that the whole is better than the sum of its parts. In cooperate worship, there are many parts: the pastor, the worship leader, the singers, the band, the sound technicians, and of course the congregation. When all of the above parties join in worship with all of their hearts magic happens! Our worship experience moves from merely singing songs to making music before our majestic God! Sorge calls this concept, the tapestry of worship and suggest that the congregation has the greatest contribution to this tapestry (p.45) After all, once the congregation understands that while the worship team has musicians, singers, and microphones, they don’t make up the majority vote, the pew does. You see, a congregation can move the worship team into the river of worship if they decide, “we have the majority voice” and we can take them (p.70)!
• Prayer and Worship: Tuning more than your Instruments
An essential requirement for a worship team that desires to throw out a welcome mat for God is to meet Him in prayer prior to worship gathering. Sorge refers to this matter of prayer as, the time to be digging wells in the Spirit.” I love this word picture and I am fully persuaded that this is essential to our worship experience. (p.33)
Why is prayer so important to the worship experience? Well, for one reason, the worship team may need to get their hands clean through confession. After all, sin is one major way we can ruin the rhythm of the divine dance of worship. Listen to Israel’s worship leader in this context,
Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy presence? He who has clean hands and a pure heart. Psa. 24:3-4
Another reason for pre gathering prayer is that it allows us to focus on our God, after all, while there will be many people before the platform, its an audience of one that we must center in on.
And finally, we may need to work the wrinkles in our spirits out. How easy we forget our many blessings in the battles of life and become preoccupied with our trials. The only way I know to cast off this thinking is to count our many blessing. This will get our minds back on the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Conclusion: Although I have only scratched the surface on this topic of worship in the Church, I hope that you have enjoyed this article and that it will enhance your worship in the worshipping community. Would you now take a few moments for the sake of your Church and pray the following scriptures into its corporate soul.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Ps.9:1-2
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
Ps. 34:1-5
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Ps. 33:1
I’ve been reflecting and reading for several weeks now on the matter of worship in the local Church and would like to flush out some random thoughts on the matter.
Entertainment or Exultation:
A few years ago my wife and I were invited to attend a friend’s Church (of the mega variety, which shall remain nameless) in the greater Bay Area. At the time we were just months away from planting Boundless Grace Church. Therefore, our eyes were wide open to discover the secrets of a successful contemporary Church.
I must say the worship team was excellent that night. The singers were all beautiful women of the Runway variety. The stage mimicked that of a rock concert with cool lights, screens, and décor. The musicians were nothing less than professionals who played a tight set of contemporary music of CD quality. However, what struck me that night was the lack of volume coming from the congregation. I would guess there were close to a thousand people in the building that night but, by the sound of things, maybe one hundred believers were engaged in heartfelt worship.
What was the cause for this lack of outpouring of praise among God’s people? And why would these believers settle for the role of a spectator rather than worshipper?
While I’m not an expert on the matter of corporate worship, I do believe that this Church, like many others, was so focused on doing it right that they got it wrong. You see, while there is nothing wrong with striving for excellence in worship, the Church is not called to put on a great performance. As Christ followers we are rather to offer to Jesus a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips.(Heb 13:15) You see, I believe that unknowingly, many Churches in our modern day have traded exultation for entertainment forgetting that the primary instrument in worship is the heart not the harp, and the people not the band.
Choosing Preaching over Praise
Recently, I was talking with my cousin about Church life and he shared his struggle to find a Church that worked for him and his family. He struggles to find a Church, from his perspective, because, most of the Churches he attended were obviously targeting you. This was evidenced by the climate set on the stage which was of the rock and roll variety. I hope I’m not putting words in my cousins mouth, but I think what I heard him saying was that worship in many of the Churches he tried felt more like a rock & roll show than a worship gathering.
What I find interesting about this conversation is that my cousin is the same guy who turned me on to classics of rock and roll back in the day. He is a lover of music and can appreciate its power and effect. One would think that if anyone would love the modern worship set he would. Yet, in the end, he chose to attend a Church with less than professional worship on the platform but a pastor sold on biblical exposition. For him, and many like him, worship should awe you not just wow you!
The purpose of Worship in the local Church:
The most important thing about worship is to understand its purpose. Musically driven worship, like all forms of worship is designed to give God’s people an opportunity to express their gratitude to God for his many blessings. And while worship should be pleasurable to the worshipper, its intended purpose is to bring glory to God alone and nothing more. As one worship leader from my former Church put it, we are to be servants not stars on Sunday.
Recently a friend emailed me an article about worship that underscores that purpose of worship in the life of a Church and individual. The following excerpt is worth mention:
Worship rescues our spiritual efforts from routine, religiosity, pride and guilt; it takes our minds completely off ourselves and burrows us into the overwhelming life of God. Measure Those Who Worship: By Francis Frangipane
Worship Alone is Insufficient in our Gatherings.
While worship in song is a major blessing to the Church, it alone is insufficient to accomplish the will of God for his people. Many people mistake worship as the conduit through which all the benefits of God are accomplished, i.e. healing, transformation, prophetic words, etc, etc. The fact of the matter is that worship is about what God receives from us, not what we can get from him during our times of praise.
However transformation and worship are related subjects. After all, worship medicates the heart so our divine healer can perform his work in us through the preached word. I like to think of it this way; music expands our spirit so the preached word has sufficient room to transform the heart.
The Apostle Paul’s states in the book of Romans, Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). And in another passage he exhorts Timothy, his disciple in the following way:
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Tim4:1-2
My blog friends, good worship is not enough for God’s people when gathered. We must also expect preachers to deliver the truths of the word of God in a demonstration of the Spirits power. (2Cor.2:4-5).
Many Churches today have great worship only to be followed by a pastor who is really nothing more than an Anthony Robbins type inspirational talker. And while there is certainly some value to inspirational speakers, God has called pastors to preach the whole council of God as spelled out in his word (the Bible). This council will include the doctrines of depravity, redemption through the blood of Christ, the resurrection, biblical morality, etc…..
Friends, we are now living in the last days when people only want to have their ears tickled and their hearts warmed by the music and a shallow message and then leave our Churches touched but not changed (2Tim3).
• Worship is a Welcome Mat
We have all seen one of those carpeted welcome mats on someone’s porch which is intended to communicate to visitors that the inhabitants are hospitable folk. Well, I believe that worship is the welcome mat that God is looking for. What I mean is that, God is looking for a gathering of people who have come together to worship Him with all their hearts based upon a right understanding of the person of Christ.
In this context the story of the woman at the well comes to mind. In the gospel of John, there is a recorded conversation in which Jesus dialogues with a sinful woman about worship. In this conversation Jesus makes it clear that God is seeking to manifest himself among a worshipping community who understands the truth.
Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:21-24
What is clear from the passage is that the worship mat that God is looking for is a true understanding of his Son Jesus. You see, this woman, not unlike the chosen people (the Jews) were showing up at their worship sites and worshipping without a true understanding of what made their worship acceptable/pleasurable before God. Worship that the Father seeks is worship that declares JESUS as LORD!
Friends, our God cares not about aesthetics in worship but only authenticity. It matters not what our buildings looks like, where they are located, what type of stage and lighting package we have, what genres of music we select, etc….. No, God is searching for Churches and people who will throw out the welcome mat of a heart that understands the truth about His grace and mercy demonstrated in the person of Christ and will sing with all of their hearts to declare Jesus as Lord! After all, it is he that has made us righteous in God’s sight.
(Note: there is nothing wrong with the aesthetics unless they get in the way of our worship)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1Peter 2:9
God is not seeking pastors, healers, apostles, prophets, evangelist, successful leaders, executives, or even worship leaders. No, God is seeking worshippers who make it their priority to worship Him and declare his praises!
• Worship must be planned yet spontaneous in our gatherings
Have you ever been bored in Church? My guess is that you have. After all, Church life can be rather predictable can’t it? We meet every week at the same time in the same place. We generally follow the same format and see the same people. And we may even sing the same old songs the same old ways.
While there is nothing wrong with routine, it often leads to a lack of freshness in worship. At the core of true worship is divine romance between the bride and the bridegroom. And nothing ruins romance faster than predictability and formula. Bob Sorge, in his book, Following the River hints at what I believe is true about modern worship when he speaks of people who, pass through the river of our worship services and come up the other side, for the most part, untouched. They leave a little bit damp, saying, “They have good music at this Church.” Or they may say, “Nice service.”
From this author’s perspective, many worship leaders believe that if they work hard at putting together a great team of musicians, a great line up of contemporary songs, practice until perfect, all they will need to do is “bring it” on Sunday. This formula will guarantee spiritual rain to fall week after week. Yet, we have all been in Churches that have the formula down pat but only a trickle of water seems to flow from heaven’s streams.
Much like a sermon that is exacting in logic but lacking in power, worship can be beautiful in form but lacking in fragrance. With this in mind, the Church and its worship leaders must learn to run the risk of moving outside the comfort zone of predictability and go with the flow of the Spirit into the river of refreshing!
All right, what does all this mean? Well, first it means that we bring new songs to the church often, and that the worship leader and pastor be sensitive to the Spirit of God during the gathering so that they can be lead by the Spirit and not the platform schedule. It means that songs may be sung that are not in the line up and words may be spoken that are not in the notes. It means that the line up be thought through weekly for the purpose of keeping it fresh.
• Understanding the law of Synergy in Worship
Synergy is a word used to describe the notion that the whole is better than the sum of its parts. In cooperate worship, there are many parts: the pastor, the worship leader, the singers, the band, the sound technicians, and of course the congregation. When all of the above parties join in worship with all of their hearts magic happens! Our worship experience moves from merely singing songs to making music before our majestic God! Sorge calls this concept, the tapestry of worship and suggest that the congregation has the greatest contribution to this tapestry (p.45) After all, once the congregation understands that while the worship team has musicians, singers, and microphones, they don’t make up the majority vote, the pew does. You see, a congregation can move the worship team into the river of worship if they decide, “we have the majority voice” and we can take them (p.70)!
• Prayer and Worship: Tuning more than your Instruments
An essential requirement for a worship team that desires to throw out a welcome mat for God is to meet Him in prayer prior to worship gathering. Sorge refers to this matter of prayer as, the time to be digging wells in the Spirit.” I love this word picture and I am fully persuaded that this is essential to our worship experience. (p.33)
Why is prayer so important to the worship experience? Well, for one reason, the worship team may need to get their hands clean through confession. After all, sin is one major way we can ruin the rhythm of the divine dance of worship. Listen to Israel’s worship leader in this context,
Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy presence? He who has clean hands and a pure heart. Psa. 24:3-4
Another reason for pre gathering prayer is that it allows us to focus on our God, after all, while there will be many people before the platform, its an audience of one that we must center in on.
And finally, we may need to work the wrinkles in our spirits out. How easy we forget our many blessings in the battles of life and become preoccupied with our trials. The only way I know to cast off this thinking is to count our many blessing. This will get our minds back on the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Conclusion: Although I have only scratched the surface on this topic of worship in the Church, I hope that you have enjoyed this article and that it will enhance your worship in the worshipping community. Would you now take a few moments for the sake of your Church and pray the following scriptures into its corporate soul.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Ps.9:1-2
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
Ps. 34:1-5
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Ps. 33:1
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Faith in Troubled Times
I am preaching through the book of James in a series I call, Shoe Leather Theology. I must admit, James is challenging all of us at Boundless Grace in this series.
After all, James commands believers to view trials and troubles with an attitude of joy!
Are you kidding me, I hate trials don't you?
Well, readers, James wants us to know that trials are designed to grow us not destroy us. Therefore we must process them with a positive attitude. James line of thinking goes this way; God is the Father of lights who blesses us with only good things not bad. Therefore, when what appears to be a bad thing shows up on our plate we must know that God is not the source of the mess. (Although most likely He is the solution).
Friends, most of the time we dish up our own messes in life and our plates are full of hardship we have brought upon ourselves. However, I believe that many of the biggest trials in our lives are sourced in evil. Satan is working his plan to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Whatever the source of our trial though, James would have us be warned that on the heels of a trial will be a temptation to see God as the problem and not the solution. After all, God could stop our trials if he really wanted to, could he not?
You see, once we blame God for our test and trials we begin to doubt his love for us and stop relying on Him for deliverance.
If you're in a trial right now let me remind you of a biblical truth, yes God can and will intervene on your behalf. After all the Bible teaches us that both Jesus and the Holy Spirit will be praying us through our trials(Romans8:26-34). So be certain that your Father in heaven is hearing their prayers and will come to your aid in due time and in accordance with His plan for your life!
At this point, I am reminded of Jesus and his discussion with Peter about Satan's request to sift him like wheat. Jesus did allow Peter to be sifted (tried)but not without a promise of divine prayer to help him through his ordeal(Luke 22:31).
Brothers and sister, when being tested, refuse to allow yourself to be deceived into thinking that God can't be trusted, He can. Yes, trials are painful and they test our faith at the deepest levels but only to makes us stronger and grow us up in our faith.
And we know that in All things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purposes (Romans 8:28).
Right Now, read the above stated promise out loud and claim it as God's word to you!
Let me wrap up this blog with a quote I have written,
God's Word provides the truth we need to remain hopeful, God's Grace provides the strength we need to remain faithful, God's Spirit provides the help me need to remain peaceful, and God's people provide the encouragement we need to remain stable.
Blogger friends, lets trust in the heart of God today!
After all, James commands believers to view trials and troubles with an attitude of joy!
Are you kidding me, I hate trials don't you?
Well, readers, James wants us to know that trials are designed to grow us not destroy us. Therefore we must process them with a positive attitude. James line of thinking goes this way; God is the Father of lights who blesses us with only good things not bad. Therefore, when what appears to be a bad thing shows up on our plate we must know that God is not the source of the mess. (Although most likely He is the solution).
Friends, most of the time we dish up our own messes in life and our plates are full of hardship we have brought upon ourselves. However, I believe that many of the biggest trials in our lives are sourced in evil. Satan is working his plan to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Whatever the source of our trial though, James would have us be warned that on the heels of a trial will be a temptation to see God as the problem and not the solution. After all, God could stop our trials if he really wanted to, could he not?
You see, once we blame God for our test and trials we begin to doubt his love for us and stop relying on Him for deliverance.
If you're in a trial right now let me remind you of a biblical truth, yes God can and will intervene on your behalf. After all the Bible teaches us that both Jesus and the Holy Spirit will be praying us through our trials(Romans8:26-34). So be certain that your Father in heaven is hearing their prayers and will come to your aid in due time and in accordance with His plan for your life!
At this point, I am reminded of Jesus and his discussion with Peter about Satan's request to sift him like wheat. Jesus did allow Peter to be sifted (tried)but not without a promise of divine prayer to help him through his ordeal(Luke 22:31).
Brothers and sister, when being tested, refuse to allow yourself to be deceived into thinking that God can't be trusted, He can. Yes, trials are painful and they test our faith at the deepest levels but only to makes us stronger and grow us up in our faith.
Let me tell you what James recommends. Grab hold of the promises of God that have been implanted in you. It was God's Word that produced saving faith at the beginning of your spiritual journey(Romans 10:17) and it's this same word that will save you now in your present need for rescue. This is what Theologians call, present tense salvation. My friends, God's promises are essential to navigating our trials and we must accept them and work them out in our daily lives. One such promise that comes to mind now is:What do we do when strong trials strike our lives?
And we know that in All things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purposes (Romans 8:28).
Right Now, read the above stated promise out loud and claim it as God's word to you!
Let me wrap up this blog with a quote I have written,
God's Word provides the truth we need to remain hopeful, God's Grace provides the strength we need to remain faithful, God's Spirit provides the help me need to remain peaceful, and God's people provide the encouragement we need to remain stable.
Blogger friends, lets trust in the heart of God today!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Church for ME or the Church to BE
The Church for ME or the Church to BE
Reflections from a Church Planter
“I have done Church all over the world.” This is an expression that a friend of mine has used with me on several occasions when speaking about his Church experiences over the course of his life. To be quite honest, his expression checks my spirit every time I hear it. I suppose this is because it seems to connote something negative about the Church and I love the Church and understand it to be the precious bride of Christ. And further more, I understand our calling, as believers, to be the Church not merely do the Church.
Church Shopping and Commitment to Community
It would appear to me that many people today do Church like they do their grocery shopping. Their thinking goes something like this, “this week I think we should eat a little healthier so we’ll shop at the Trader Joes Church.” This is the Church that promotes strong Bible theology.
Well, with Bibles in hand, they go do Church and amen the pastor loud enough to be heard by all and then, off they go to do their life, enough knowledge to keep sin at bay and the devil away.
The following week this same family may decide to go to the Super Walmart Church. This is the big Church which has something for everyone, groceries and more! Many people enjoy these type of Churches because they are so large they can do Church without having to be the Church. In other words, worship without sacrifice or service.
On the third Sunday of the month, if the family decides to crawl out of bed at all, the head of the household (whoever that might be) may decide to drive across town and visit the Church best known for its great “praise and worship.” His or her thinking might be something like this; “I feel deep need to experience God through praise and worship.” So, with hands raised high and voices lifted to the sky these folks go to feel Church, I mean God.
And finally, on week four, if the head of the house feels that there are groceries enough in the frig he/she may decide to make it a Me day. You know what I mean, a, free day or to be hyper spiritual they may call it a family day.
All right my blog friends, I’m sorry if my sarcasms are a little over the top or if it appears that I am being a little legalistic. Please understand that I am merely flushing out my reflections on this Church planting experience as it relates to some of the people I have observed along the way.
Four questions to consider related to the local church:
(scripture references should help in answering these questions)
1. Does God expect me to be committed to a local Church?
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
2. Does God expect me to rank myself under a Pastors authority?
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17
3. Does God excuse me from the responsibility of serving in the Church?
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
4. Am I really needed in the local Church?
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 1 Corinthians 12:21
Benefits of belonging to a local church.
1. Human Touch: In this age of Facebook and social media we are afforded many opportunities to connect with people in real time via the internet. But human touch is absent, an essential aspect to healthy spirituality. And the Bible is clear that Church is a place where “people touch” is championed. A Scripture that comes to mind is 1Thes.5:16 which states, greet one another with a holy kiss. This same command is found four other times in the New Testament, which reflects the heart of a God who desires that His people show affection one to another.
Alright, maybe this holy kiss thing is a little much for some who would argue that these commands were cultural expectations of the day. Well, at least Church ought to be a place were holy hugs are the norm. You see, we all need a hug don’t we?
2. Support: The local Church is called to be, the support group of all support groups. The Bible says that we Christians are to suffer with one another, praying for one another, encouraging one another, love one another, instruct one another, worship with one another, etc……
Healthy Christians understand that God calls people to belong not just believe
3. Opportunities to express our giftedness: You see, the Bible is clear that all believers have been gifted with certain talents by God which are to be expressed within the community of believers for the building up of the body of Christ. Belonging to a local Church allows us to serve one another through our giftedness.
4. Community: In a society that is becoming more an more isolated from one another the Church is still and always will be God’s expression for community. In the book of Acts the Church is described in terms of community,
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47
I have actually had people tell me that they won’t belong to any Church because they only need to be apart of God’s Universal Church. What such people are really saying is, I won’t commit to any one group of people or leadership team. Its about Me remember!
5. Opportunities to grow in the knowledge of Christ:
Pastors are equipped to study the Bible and preach to God’s local family each week and God has not intended believers to merely get their feeding via sermon downloads over the web or radio broadcast.
Reasons people don’t commit to a local Church
I suppose there are many reasons why people just "do Church" rather than commitment to a Church. Through the years I have heard it all; the pastor is not in tune with needs of the people, the worship service is lacking, the people aren’t friendly, people in the Church have hurt me, the kids program isn’t up to par, the kids don’t connect, the Church is all about money, the Church is to big, to small, to legalistic, to gracious, to young, to old, full of hypocritics, etc……….
Friends, the church is made up of people just like you and me, flawed to the core, screwed up and dysfunctional yet, none of the excuses above will suffice and excuse us from being committed to God's chosen community.
No perfect Church
I can still recall my old pastor telling new members joining his Church that they would not be joing a perfect Church but with people serving a Perfect God. Yes, there are all kinds of imperfect people in the family of God just like you and me. However, this should not be an excuse for only "doing Church" and not committing to a Church. God has called all believers love his Church and be committed.
Reflections from a Church Planter
“I have done Church all over the world.” This is an expression that a friend of mine has used with me on several occasions when speaking about his Church experiences over the course of his life. To be quite honest, his expression checks my spirit every time I hear it. I suppose this is because it seems to connote something negative about the Church and I love the Church and understand it to be the precious bride of Christ. And further more, I understand our calling, as believers, to be the Church not merely do the Church.
Church Shopping and Commitment to Community
It would appear to me that many people today do Church like they do their grocery shopping. Their thinking goes something like this, “this week I think we should eat a little healthier so we’ll shop at the Trader Joes Church.” This is the Church that promotes strong Bible theology.
Well, with Bibles in hand, they go do Church and amen the pastor loud enough to be heard by all and then, off they go to do their life, enough knowledge to keep sin at bay and the devil away.
The following week this same family may decide to go to the Super Walmart Church. This is the big Church which has something for everyone, groceries and more! Many people enjoy these type of Churches because they are so large they can do Church without having to be the Church. In other words, worship without sacrifice or service.
On the third Sunday of the month, if the family decides to crawl out of bed at all, the head of the household (whoever that might be) may decide to drive across town and visit the Church best known for its great “praise and worship.” His or her thinking might be something like this; “I feel deep need to experience God through praise and worship.” So, with hands raised high and voices lifted to the sky these folks go to feel Church, I mean God.
And finally, on week four, if the head of the house feels that there are groceries enough in the frig he/she may decide to make it a Me day. You know what I mean, a, free day or to be hyper spiritual they may call it a family day.
All right my blog friends, I’m sorry if my sarcasms are a little over the top or if it appears that I am being a little legalistic. Please understand that I am merely flushing out my reflections on this Church planting experience as it relates to some of the people I have observed along the way.
Four questions to consider related to the local church:
(scripture references should help in answering these questions)
1. Does God expect me to be committed to a local Church?
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
2. Does God expect me to rank myself under a Pastors authority?
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17
3. Does God excuse me from the responsibility of serving in the Church?
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
4. Am I really needed in the local Church?
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 1 Corinthians 12:21
Benefits of belonging to a local church.
1. Human Touch: In this age of Facebook and social media we are afforded many opportunities to connect with people in real time via the internet. But human touch is absent, an essential aspect to healthy spirituality. And the Bible is clear that Church is a place where “people touch” is championed. A Scripture that comes to mind is 1Thes.5:16 which states, greet one another with a holy kiss. This same command is found four other times in the New Testament, which reflects the heart of a God who desires that His people show affection one to another.
DVD players and on demand TV are replacing the need to go to the community Theater . God forbid that we might have to sit next to our neighbor while watching a movie!
Alright, maybe this holy kiss thing is a little much for some who would argue that these commands were cultural expectations of the day. Well, at least Church ought to be a place were holy hugs are the norm. You see, we all need a hug don’t we?
2. Support: The local Church is called to be, the support group of all support groups. The Bible says that we Christians are to suffer with one another, praying for one another, encouraging one another, love one another, instruct one another, worship with one another, etc……
Healthy Christians understand that God calls people to belong not just believe
3. Opportunities to express our giftedness: You see, the Bible is clear that all believers have been gifted with certain talents by God which are to be expressed within the community of believers for the building up of the body of Christ. Belonging to a local Church allows us to serve one another through our giftedness.
4. Community: In a society that is becoming more an more isolated from one another the Church is still and always will be God’s expression for community. In the book of Acts the Church is described in terms of community,
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47
I have actually had people tell me that they won’t belong to any Church because they only need to be apart of God’s Universal Church. What such people are really saying is, I won’t commit to any one group of people or leadership team. Its about Me remember!
5. Opportunities to grow in the knowledge of Christ:
Pastors are equipped to study the Bible and preach to God’s local family each week and God has not intended believers to merely get their feeding via sermon downloads over the web or radio broadcast.
Reasons people don’t commit to a local Church
I suppose there are many reasons why people just "do Church" rather than commitment to a Church. Through the years I have heard it all; the pastor is not in tune with needs of the people, the worship service is lacking, the people aren’t friendly, people in the Church have hurt me, the kids program isn’t up to par, the kids don’t connect, the Church is all about money, the Church is to big, to small, to legalistic, to gracious, to young, to old, full of hypocritics, etc……….
Friends, the church is made up of people just like you and me, flawed to the core, screwed up and dysfunctional yet, none of the excuses above will suffice and excuse us from being committed to God's chosen community.
No perfect Church
I can still recall my old pastor telling new members joining his Church that they would not be joing a perfect Church but with people serving a Perfect God. Yes, there are all kinds of imperfect people in the family of God just like you and me. However, this should not be an excuse for only "doing Church" and not committing to a Church. God has called all believers love his Church and be committed.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Pastor Ted Montoya
I have been thinking a bit about the Baptism in Spirit lately and would like to flush out my thoughts, primarily motivated by a desire to clarify my own thinking rather than trying to be a persuasive theologian.
There seems to be more confusion about the Holy Spirit and his role in the Church than any other doctrine in the Bible, with the exception of Eschatology (The study of future events in the Bible).
While I hope to clarify some issues surrounding the Baptism of the Spirit, I have no grand illusions that I have a corner on the truth here. I do think however that confusion is not of the Lord, so I will do my part to clarify things related to the Spirit’s Baptism in as believers life.
First, let me summarize the two primary views about Spirit-Filling and the Baptism of the Spirit in the Church as I understand them.
The Non Charismatic View: The first view worth a brief examination is the view that all Christians are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at their conversion (Baptism-Immersion by the Spirit) yet can be filled over and over again through a life of trust and obedience (Eph 5:18). However, such Refillings are not accompanied by the addition of Spiritual gifts.
Those who hold to this view believe that all Christians receive all that the Spirit intended for them when they first trusted Christ.
What they believe to have received at the time of their conversion is the promised Spirit’s presence to help them gain victory over sin (John 14; Romans 8; 1Cor.6:19), and a spiritual gift or two (1Cor.12) to equip them for a life of impact in and out of the Church. Those in this camp see spiritual gifts as talents to be discovered over time and cultivated in order to become effective tools in God’s hands.
Most who hold to this view refuse to believe that the gifts of prophecy, tongues, healing, words of knowledge, etc.. (1Cor.12-14, Eph 4) exist in our contemporary culture today because we now have a written and completed Bible in hand. Although such people would claim that God speaks to them in their thoughts, they will not accept revelation from others as inspired messages from God.
Those who hold to this conservative view of the Spirit’s Baptism tend to place more emphasis on the fruit of the Spirit than the gifts of the Spirit.
To their way of thinking, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23) are qualities that will bear fruit for the Kingdom.
The Charismatic View
The second view concerning the Baptism of the Spirit is often referred to as the Second Blessing. Those who hold this view believe that while everyone receives the Holy Spirit at conversion, not everyone receives all that there is to experience in God at Salvation and that spiritual gifts are the most obvious manifestation of the second blessing.
While the intention of my writing is not to challenge the rich experiences connected with unique encounters with God, I do hope the reader will be motivated to clear thinking as it relates to spiritual gifts and such encounters.
Those who hold to the Charismatic view of the gifts believe that some Christians are given gifts for service at the time of their conversion while others are gifted at a later time, or both. These Christians also refuse to accept the notion that the sign gifts have ceased and that God no longer distributes them among his people. These Charismatic types believe that all the gifts are for the here and now and should be sought after. And those that seek after these gifts do so most often in a corporate setting. Some among this group even go so far as to suggest that people who do not manifest the sign gifts are somehow less spiritual in nature and are missing out on the power.
So, where is the balance?
In this context of polarized views of the Baptism of the Spirit, is one view wrong while the other right or is there room for both views? Well, let me give you my two cents on the issue in hopes of making room for balanced and a sensible middle.
Two Stage Spiritually
First of all, because I recognize that many Christians have had encounters with God that they understand to be Second Blessing type experiences, I dare not try to dissuade such people from the beauty of their special times with God. However, as it relates to Spiritual Gifts and the Second Blessing, I would like to offer some questions for consideration because I think the confusion concerning the Second Blessings is related more to the gift issues than the special encounters of God.
Questions and Considerations:
I don’t think that a two stage approach to spiritual gifts makes good sense. After all, it would seem rather inconsistent and contrary to the purposes of the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20). Why would an all wise God give some people gifts at salvation and others be left waiting even after they have been saved? Was not the Spirit given to the Church for the purpose of expanding the kingdom? Would not withholding spiritual gifts until some future day in a believer’s life hinder the spreading of the good news? And, can we find people being coached in the Bible to loose their tongues in order to receive the particular gift of speaking in tongues. And one last question for consideration, why is it that the only gifts that seem to be assigned to believers at a Second Blessing are the sign and wonder type gifts? Have you ever heard of someone being baptized in the Spirit and receiving the gift of administration, the gift of helps, or the gift of giving?
I’m not trying to be sarcastic, but I must admit that this gifting idea seems a bit inconsistent to me.
The Apostle Paul made it clear to the believers at Corinth that every Christian has been given a gift by means of the Spirit (1Cor12:7) as he determined at the time of their inclusion into the body of Christ. In this context Paul also asks a rhetorical question that demanded a NO answer,
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret 1Cor. 12:29-30
What is the point I am trying to make here? Simply that connecting the Baptism in the Spirit with Spiritual gifts, especially sign gifts seems to be a bit of a stretch.
Concerning Superior Spirituality and the Gifts
Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities that God gives to his people to fulfill their individual divine assignments in life. These assignments include edifying the Church and expanding the Kingdom of God. By definition, all gifts are spiritual in nature and none more spiritual than others.
With this in mind, one believer is not more spiritual or close to God because he manifests a gift that others do not. In this context, I think we can appreciate the Apostle’s words to the Corinthians, the eye can’t say to the hand I don’t need you….1Cor.12:21.
At the heart of Paul’s message to the Church at Corinth was that people who are gift focused could become dangerous to the unity of the Church because they may even unintentionally communicate a attitude of superiority among those manifesting speaking gifts.
God’s Timing and the Manifestation of our Gifts
I believe that all people are gifted with spiritual gifts at the time of their conversion but most people are not mature enough to understand or appreciate their gifting at the time of their salvation. Think about the nine year old who trust Christ in Sunday school. Does he begin to speak in tongues, pastor, lead, administrate, heal the sick, give words of knowledge? Of course not! Well, could it be that the manifestation of our gifts is some how connected to God’s sovereign timing? Maybe believers who receive the Second Blessing are merely becoming attuned to God’s initial blessing in their life.
I find it rather interesting that most people that I’ve known who have experienced the Second Blessing also begin to recognize that Christ wants to dwell within them without compromise. In other words, Second Blessing type experiences seem to be more related to Lordship than gifting. Yet, their new experience does appear to open up new expressions of ministry in their lives.
Could it be that many Christians have yet to experience the power of the Spirit because they have not yielded to the call of the Spirit to exalt Christ in their bodies? Maybe Second Blessing encounters are really about the Lord of the Harvest cutting away the chaff in a barren life so that his gifts have room to grow.
Maturity and Spirituality
Many people mistakenly believe that a Christian is Spirit-filled only if they speak in tongues or preach boldly, or get words from the Lord, etc…
However, this notion too needs to be balanced. Gifts, while important to the expansion of the Kingdom are not the best way to measure a person’s spirituality. I believe the best way to measure spirituality is to look at ones disposition and character. When the Spirit of God is filling a believers life it will be oblivious; love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, etc…. will be the best ways to spot a Spirit filled Christian.
I have known many people through the years who spoke in unknown tongues whose lives were characterized by immaturity or worse yet, a lack in character. You see, maturity takes time to develop which flies in the face of our microwave society. We want power without having to exercise the disciplines demanded for personal growth. But God’s power is dangerous in the hands of a person lacking character.
Many people mistakenly believe that Spirituality is based upon some one-time spiritual experience. But true spirituality is better understood as mature faith which is developed over time and under pressure. Listen to what James writes:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
See also Romans 5:1-5. Suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces character (maturity). In other words, exercising our gifts doesn’t make a person a spiritual giant or a model in the faith, trials accomplish this.
Worth Noting: It is rather interesting that the qualities spelled out for a spiritual leader in the Church are void of Second Blessings type sign gifts (1Tim3, Titus 1). Would this not assume that spirituality is not to be based upon outward manifestations of Spiritual gifts or equating spirituality with the Baptism of the Spirit?
Conclusions:
My blog friends, what then does the writer think about this Baptism of the Spirit and the Christian Life? Well, what I can tell you is that I am becoming more and more comfortable with what some people call the Baptism of the Spirit or Second Blessing. However, I understand it to be really nothing more than a deeper understanding or experience of their first blessing. From my point of view, believers who seek after a Second Blessing are only demonstrating a thirst for more of the spirit and how can such people be faulted for this. In fact, I think that the Spirit is poured out in fresh ways on those who seek out His filling ministry regardless of their understanding of it.
Concerning the manifestation of the sign gifts, I am comfortable being uncomfortable with the signs and wonders produced by the Spirit. While I would not claim to speak in tongues or be a prophet, I do believe that God works his mysterious ways through people walking in the Spirit and gifted in ways that accomplish super natural effects for God’s glory. However, I would caution Christians not to throw out their brains every time some says thus says the Lord! Remember that discernment is King; and be governed by what Jesus said, you will know a disciple by his fruit not his gifts! (My paraphrase)
Pastor Ted Montoya
I have been thinking a bit about the Baptism in Spirit lately and would like to flush out my thoughts, primarily motivated by a desire to clarify my own thinking rather than trying to be a persuasive theologian.
There seems to be more confusion about the Holy Spirit and his role in the Church than any other doctrine in the Bible, with the exception of Eschatology (The study of future events in the Bible).
While I hope to clarify some issues surrounding the Baptism of the Spirit, I have no grand illusions that I have a corner on the truth here. I do think however that confusion is not of the Lord, so I will do my part to clarify things related to the Spirit’s Baptism in as believers life.
First, let me summarize the two primary views about Spirit-Filling and the Baptism of the Spirit in the Church as I understand them.
The Non Charismatic View: The first view worth a brief examination is the view that all Christians are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at their conversion (Baptism-Immersion by the Spirit) yet can be filled over and over again through a life of trust and obedience (Eph 5:18). However, such Refillings are not accompanied by the addition of Spiritual gifts.
Those who hold to this view believe that all Christians receive all that the Spirit intended for them when they first trusted Christ.
What they believe to have received at the time of their conversion is the promised Spirit’s presence to help them gain victory over sin (John 14; Romans 8; 1Cor.6:19), and a spiritual gift or two (1Cor.12) to equip them for a life of impact in and out of the Church. Those in this camp see spiritual gifts as talents to be discovered over time and cultivated in order to become effective tools in God’s hands.
Most who hold to this view refuse to believe that the gifts of prophecy, tongues, healing, words of knowledge, etc.. (1Cor.12-14, Eph 4) exist in our contemporary culture today because we now have a written and completed Bible in hand. Although such people would claim that God speaks to them in their thoughts, they will not accept revelation from others as inspired messages from God.
Those who hold to this conservative view of the Spirit’s Baptism tend to place more emphasis on the fruit of the Spirit than the gifts of the Spirit.
To their way of thinking, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23) are qualities that will bear fruit for the Kingdom.
The Charismatic View
The second view concerning the Baptism of the Spirit is often referred to as the Second Blessing. Those who hold this view believe that while everyone receives the Holy Spirit at conversion, not everyone receives all that there is to experience in God at Salvation and that spiritual gifts are the most obvious manifestation of the second blessing.
While the intention of my writing is not to challenge the rich experiences connected with unique encounters with God, I do hope the reader will be motivated to clear thinking as it relates to spiritual gifts and such encounters.
Those who hold to the Charismatic view of the gifts believe that some Christians are given gifts for service at the time of their conversion while others are gifted at a later time, or both. These Christians also refuse to accept the notion that the sign gifts have ceased and that God no longer distributes them among his people. These Charismatic types believe that all the gifts are for the here and now and should be sought after. And those that seek after these gifts do so most often in a corporate setting. Some among this group even go so far as to suggest that people who do not manifest the sign gifts are somehow less spiritual in nature and are missing out on the power.
So, where is the balance?
In this context of polarized views of the Baptism of the Spirit, is one view wrong while the other right or is there room for both views? Well, let me give you my two cents on the issue in hopes of making room for balanced and a sensible middle.
Two Stage Spiritually
First of all, because I recognize that many Christians have had encounters with God that they understand to be Second Blessing type experiences, I dare not try to dissuade such people from the beauty of their special times with God. However, as it relates to Spiritual Gifts and the Second Blessing, I would like to offer some questions for consideration because I think the confusion concerning the Second Blessings is related more to the gift issues than the special encounters of God.
Questions and Considerations:
I don’t think that a two stage approach to spiritual gifts makes good sense. After all, it would seem rather inconsistent and contrary to the purposes of the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20). Why would an all wise God give some people gifts at salvation and others be left waiting even after they have been saved? Was not the Spirit given to the Church for the purpose of expanding the kingdom? Would not withholding spiritual gifts until some future day in a believer’s life hinder the spreading of the good news? And, can we find people being coached in the Bible to loose their tongues in order to receive the particular gift of speaking in tongues. And one last question for consideration, why is it that the only gifts that seem to be assigned to believers at a Second Blessing are the sign and wonder type gifts? Have you ever heard of someone being baptized in the Spirit and receiving the gift of administration, the gift of helps, or the gift of giving?
I’m not trying to be sarcastic, but I must admit that this gifting idea seems a bit inconsistent to me.
The Apostle Paul made it clear to the believers at Corinth that every Christian has been given a gift by means of the Spirit (1Cor12:7) as he determined at the time of their inclusion into the body of Christ. In this context Paul also asks a rhetorical question that demanded a NO answer,
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret 1Cor. 12:29-30
What is the point I am trying to make here? Simply that connecting the Baptism in the Spirit with Spiritual gifts, especially sign gifts seems to be a bit of a stretch.
Concerning Superior Spirituality and the Gifts
Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities that God gives to his people to fulfill their individual divine assignments in life. These assignments include edifying the Church and expanding the Kingdom of God. By definition, all gifts are spiritual in nature and none more spiritual than others.
With this in mind, one believer is not more spiritual or close to God because he manifests a gift that others do not. In this context, I think we can appreciate the Apostle’s words to the Corinthians, the eye can’t say to the hand I don’t need you….1Cor.12:21.
At the heart of Paul’s message to the Church at Corinth was that people who are gift focused could become dangerous to the unity of the Church because they may even unintentionally communicate a attitude of superiority among those manifesting speaking gifts.
God’s Timing and the Manifestation of our Gifts
I believe that all people are gifted with spiritual gifts at the time of their conversion but most people are not mature enough to understand or appreciate their gifting at the time of their salvation. Think about the nine year old who trust Christ in Sunday school. Does he begin to speak in tongues, pastor, lead, administrate, heal the sick, give words of knowledge? Of course not! Well, could it be that the manifestation of our gifts is some how connected to God’s sovereign timing? Maybe believers who receive the Second Blessing are merely becoming attuned to God’s initial blessing in their life.
I find it rather interesting that most people that I’ve known who have experienced the Second Blessing also begin to recognize that Christ wants to dwell within them without compromise. In other words, Second Blessing type experiences seem to be more related to Lordship than gifting. Yet, their new experience does appear to open up new expressions of ministry in their lives.
Could it be that many Christians have yet to experience the power of the Spirit because they have not yielded to the call of the Spirit to exalt Christ in their bodies? Maybe Second Blessing encounters are really about the Lord of the Harvest cutting away the chaff in a barren life so that his gifts have room to grow.
Maturity and Spirituality
Many people mistakenly believe that a Christian is Spirit-filled only if they speak in tongues or preach boldly, or get words from the Lord, etc…
However, this notion too needs to be balanced. Gifts, while important to the expansion of the Kingdom are not the best way to measure a person’s spirituality. I believe the best way to measure spirituality is to look at ones disposition and character. When the Spirit of God is filling a believers life it will be oblivious; love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, etc…. will be the best ways to spot a Spirit filled Christian.
I have known many people through the years who spoke in unknown tongues whose lives were characterized by immaturity or worse yet, a lack in character. You see, maturity takes time to develop which flies in the face of our microwave society. We want power without having to exercise the disciplines demanded for personal growth. But God’s power is dangerous in the hands of a person lacking character.
Many people mistakenly believe that Spirituality is based upon some one-time spiritual experience. But true spirituality is better understood as mature faith which is developed over time and under pressure. Listen to what James writes:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
See also Romans 5:1-5. Suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces character (maturity). In other words, exercising our gifts doesn’t make a person a spiritual giant or a model in the faith, trials accomplish this.
Worth Noting: It is rather interesting that the qualities spelled out for a spiritual leader in the Church are void of Second Blessings type sign gifts (1Tim3, Titus 1). Would this not assume that spirituality is not to be based upon outward manifestations of Spiritual gifts or equating spirituality with the Baptism of the Spirit?
Conclusions:
My blog friends, what then does the writer think about this Baptism of the Spirit and the Christian Life? Well, what I can tell you is that I am becoming more and more comfortable with what some people call the Baptism of the Spirit or Second Blessing. However, I understand it to be really nothing more than a deeper understanding or experience of their first blessing. From my point of view, believers who seek after a Second Blessing are only demonstrating a thirst for more of the spirit and how can such people be faulted for this. In fact, I think that the Spirit is poured out in fresh ways on those who seek out His filling ministry regardless of their understanding of it.
Concerning the manifestation of the sign gifts, I am comfortable being uncomfortable with the signs and wonders produced by the Spirit. While I would not claim to speak in tongues or be a prophet, I do believe that God works his mysterious ways through people walking in the Spirit and gifted in ways that accomplish super natural effects for God’s glory. However, I would caution Christians not to throw out their brains every time some says thus says the Lord! Remember that discernment is King; and be governed by what Jesus said, you will know a disciple by his fruit not his gifts! (My paraphrase)
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