The most basic and most important characteristic of the Maker of the universe is His unfathomable, unconditional, unending love. Simply put, God is love. There are many aspects of our King and Father that we can't comprehend. Many attributes that He hasn't revealed to us. But we can be positive that God is love. And God's love is a great starting place from which we can explore the rest of His being.
1 John 4:16 says; "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him."
God is love, and love is God. This New Testament scripture reminds us that wherever we find love, we find God. Wherever one person demonstrates a loving act for another, we find God. Even if a man or woman doesn't believe in God, if he/she displays a brotherly love towards another person, God is in that person.
Wherever you find love, you find God. And wherever you find God, you find love.
And God's love is a special love. A powerful love. It's the greatest love of all. This isn't some romantic, I've-been-dating-some-girl-for-months kind of love, this is unchanging, unconditional love. A love so powerful that it changed the world. Christ says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends". And we know that Christ died for us. For you. For me. Willingly.
That's some great love.
And this great love is given to us unconditionally. That means there's no conditions. You'll hear my youth group students saying; "There's nothing you can do to make God love you less." God offers us this love not because of anything we did. Not because of who we are. Or what we look like. Or how we act. He showed us love "while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8).God loves us when we're broken. I recently adopted a dog, and as I looked into the cages, I noticed that many of the dogs were old, sickly, or ugly. The reason is that cute, adorable, and playful dogs are taken right away, but nobody wants these undesirable dogs. God is the person who takes the rejects. He turned Israel, a nation of slaves and outcasts, into the most powerful nation of the Middle East.
God loves the losers.
Because God is love.
And because God is love, He feels our emotions. The eleventh chapter of Hosea illustrates God's compassion for us. The Gospels give multiple accounts of Christ's emotions of sorrow, anger, weariness. God loves us, and He empathizes with us. In fact He empathizes with us SO much that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us.
John 3:16.
But the important part of that verse lies within the first 6 words.
"For God so loved the world."
Everything else God did, sending His Son, suffering through crucifixion, forgiving us time and time again, God did because He "So loved the world."
Because God is Love.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
An Understanding of Trust
Trust is a funny thing. It has the power both to bring people closer and drive people apart. Everybody wants it, but everyone struggles to give it. It's easy to lose, but hard to earn. We're all capable of utilizing trust, but few do. Like many things in life, trust is a give-and-take affair, and nobody is giving.
The problem is that God created us to be creatures of trust, but our sinful nature often prevents us from experiencing both horizontal and vertical accountability. The reason our sinful nature inhibits this crucial feature of human life is because of pride.
The downfall of trust it pride.
When you trust someone, you are giving them power over you. You are giving them control over some aspect of your life. You are sharing your life with them in such a way that they become part of it.
In a sense, trust is humility.
And this is why our prideful selves make trusting people hard. We don't want to give up that area of control. We don't want to give them power. We don't want to let them into our lives because they might discover some humbling secrets. Proverbs 3:5 says:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight."
God clearly calls us to humble ourselves so that we can trust in Him. In His infinite wisdom, He instructs us on how to both humble ourselves and trust Him at the same time. He tells us that we can't really trust in Him until we let go of ourselves or any other earthly confidence.
Because throughout scripture, God's most important commandment is to love Him, and nobody else. If there's one thing God doesn't like, it's idol worship. The interesting thing is that idolatry and trust are very related issues.
Really.
The reason for idolatry is a lack of trust. Why did the Israelites make the golden calf? They didn't know where God was or what he was doing on the mountain with Moses. They couldn't trust in what they couldn't see. They didn't believe.
It's much easier to place our trust in something tangible. Something nearby. Something we can influence.
Why do people worship money? Titles? Power? Because they have control over it. They put their trust in their money because they have some control over their financial security. Why do they trust in people? Because people are tangible and easier to communicate with.
It's hard to trust in God when He only reveals himself and his plan to us one piece at a time. It's hard to trust Him when we struggle to hear Him.
It's hard to humble ourselves enough to give Him our trust.
It's hard to trust Him enough to submit ourselves completely.
It's hard not to "lean on our own understanding."
But God didn't call us to an easy life.
He called us to faith.
The problem is that God created us to be creatures of trust, but our sinful nature often prevents us from experiencing both horizontal and vertical accountability. The reason our sinful nature inhibits this crucial feature of human life is because of pride.
The downfall of trust it pride.
When you trust someone, you are giving them power over you. You are giving them control over some aspect of your life. You are sharing your life with them in such a way that they become part of it.
In a sense, trust is humility.
And this is why our prideful selves make trusting people hard. We don't want to give up that area of control. We don't want to give them power. We don't want to let them into our lives because they might discover some humbling secrets. Proverbs 3:5 says:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight."
God clearly calls us to humble ourselves so that we can trust in Him. In His infinite wisdom, He instructs us on how to both humble ourselves and trust Him at the same time. He tells us that we can't really trust in Him until we let go of ourselves or any other earthly confidence.
Because throughout scripture, God's most important commandment is to love Him, and nobody else. If there's one thing God doesn't like, it's idol worship. The interesting thing is that idolatry and trust are very related issues.
Really.
The reason for idolatry is a lack of trust. Why did the Israelites make the golden calf? They didn't know where God was or what he was doing on the mountain with Moses. They couldn't trust in what they couldn't see. They didn't believe.
It's much easier to place our trust in something tangible. Something nearby. Something we can influence.
Why do people worship money? Titles? Power? Because they have control over it. They put their trust in their money because they have some control over their financial security. Why do they trust in people? Because people are tangible and easier to communicate with.
It's hard to trust in God when He only reveals himself and his plan to us one piece at a time. It's hard to trust Him when we struggle to hear Him.
It's hard to humble ourselves enough to give Him our trust.
It's hard to trust Him enough to submit ourselves completely.
It's hard not to "lean on our own understanding."
But God didn't call us to an easy life.
He called us to faith.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monkey Bars
Another analogy....This one comes from one of my high school students...
So go back in time and put your 1st grade shoes on....
Our faith is a lot like monkey bars. You know. Those super intimidating rungs that seemed so high and out of reach? Well it turns out they aren't that bad if you just have the guts to try it.
Sounds like faith right?
Everyone looks at the monkey bars (just like everyone looks for faith), but few try actually try it out. You get to the platform, and you put your hands on the first rung. You look across and see that it's a long way and you might not make it. But you convince yourself to step off the platform anyways. (This is the initial "leap of faith" that all Christians go through)
Now you're hanging. Good work! You start thinking it's not to bad. You're fairly comfortable. You think, "Hey, maybe I can just hang here. That's fun, right?" But you realize that there's much more to the monkey bars than just hanging on the first rung. Here's where most people fall off because they grow tired. Christians call this "burn-out." We get comfortable in our stage of faith and stop moving forward. This actually wears us out much faster.
You look up, and see that the next rung seems so far away. And the rung after that seems even further. Thankfully, you've seen others do this before (prophets, Biblical heroes, historical Christian leaders) so you have an idea what it looks like when done right. So you decide to give it a go.
This is what separates the men from the boys.
You swing one arm forward and barely clasp onto that metal bar in front of you. Some people need a bit of practice to get this motion down, but fear not! Here's the secret:
Commitment.
You have to get your whole body to swing. You have to try. You can't just half-heartily throw your hand out there. Faith works the same way. We can't just "sorta" believe in God. It's all or nothing.
Then you're in the awkward transition phase where your hands are on two different rungs at once. This is where you have to leave the comfort of that last rung behind and trust all your weight on this new rung.
Many Christians struggle with this.
We finally get out of our "comfort rung" and grab the next idea/concept, but we're still holding onto the old one. Revelation 3:15-16 warns us about being lukewarm. Often God's lessons change our lives, and we don't like that. So we grab the new lesson but forget to let go of our old ways.
Back to your monkey bar quest....You've now got both hands on the second rung. Congratulations! You're now ready to start the cycle over again. Because the most important aspect of this analogy is the fact that one doesn't go out to the third, fourth, or even fifth rung and just hang. God doesn't call us to get to a point in faith where we just "hang."
He calls us to keep moving forward. He knows that we'll fall, but He also gives us the strength to get back on. He wants us to be continuously challenged. Ever notice that right about the time you're comfortable in life, things get shaken up?
Maybe it's time to swing.
So go back in time and put your 1st grade shoes on....
Our faith is a lot like monkey bars. You know. Those super intimidating rungs that seemed so high and out of reach? Well it turns out they aren't that bad if you just have the guts to try it.
Sounds like faith right?
Everyone looks at the monkey bars (just like everyone looks for faith), but few try actually try it out. You get to the platform, and you put your hands on the first rung. You look across and see that it's a long way and you might not make it. But you convince yourself to step off the platform anyways. (This is the initial "leap of faith" that all Christians go through)
Now you're hanging. Good work! You start thinking it's not to bad. You're fairly comfortable. You think, "Hey, maybe I can just hang here. That's fun, right?" But you realize that there's much more to the monkey bars than just hanging on the first rung. Here's where most people fall off because they grow tired. Christians call this "burn-out." We get comfortable in our stage of faith and stop moving forward. This actually wears us out much faster.
You look up, and see that the next rung seems so far away. And the rung after that seems even further. Thankfully, you've seen others do this before (prophets, Biblical heroes, historical Christian leaders) so you have an idea what it looks like when done right. So you decide to give it a go.
This is what separates the men from the boys.
You swing one arm forward and barely clasp onto that metal bar in front of you. Some people need a bit of practice to get this motion down, but fear not! Here's the secret:
Commitment.
You have to get your whole body to swing. You have to try. You can't just half-heartily throw your hand out there. Faith works the same way. We can't just "sorta" believe in God. It's all or nothing.
Then you're in the awkward transition phase where your hands are on two different rungs at once. This is where you have to leave the comfort of that last rung behind and trust all your weight on this new rung.
Many Christians struggle with this.
We finally get out of our "comfort rung" and grab the next idea/concept, but we're still holding onto the old one. Revelation 3:15-16 warns us about being lukewarm. Often God's lessons change our lives, and we don't like that. So we grab the new lesson but forget to let go of our old ways.
Back to your monkey bar quest....You've now got both hands on the second rung. Congratulations! You're now ready to start the cycle over again. Because the most important aspect of this analogy is the fact that one doesn't go out to the third, fourth, or even fifth rung and just hang. God doesn't call us to get to a point in faith where we just "hang."
He calls us to keep moving forward. He knows that we'll fall, but He also gives us the strength to get back on. He wants us to be continuously challenged. Ever notice that right about the time you're comfortable in life, things get shaken up?
Maybe it's time to swing.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Living Water
After nearly 5 months of working as a youth pastor, and spending the past 2 months without a head pastor, this is one servant of God who is tired.
I love what I do. I love caring for the youth of God's family. I love preparing worship services and leading God's people on Sunday mornings. I love being a part of God's family and tending His flock. But I'm doing it wrong.
I am working out of my own strength. My own reserves.
In Christ's ministry, He got his strength, wisdom, and direction from the Father. Christ couldn't do it on His own (John 5:19). He needed strength and guidance from our Father in heaven. So if Christ needed God's help, how much more do I?
And perhaps that's why me (and so many other servants of ministry) suffer from burnout and weariness. We try to refuel on coffee. Use vacations and retreats to replenish our reserves. But these things are just well water. Christ told the lady at the well;
"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst."
(John 4:13-14)
We need to seek our strength from Christ. Not from our well. When Christ tells us to lay our burdens on Him, he means it (Matthew 11:28-30). It's important that we recognize our place in God's kingdom. We aren't caring for God's sheep out of our own compassion and love, but rather God's love. We only love our congregations because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
We aren't the source of water to give. We aren't giving ourselves to our congregation. We're giving Christ. And so we need to take the living water, because everything else is going to leave us thirsty and coming back for more.
I love what I do. I love caring for the youth of God's family. I love preparing worship services and leading God's people on Sunday mornings. I love being a part of God's family and tending His flock. But I'm doing it wrong.
I am working out of my own strength. My own reserves.
In Christ's ministry, He got his strength, wisdom, and direction from the Father. Christ couldn't do it on His own (John 5:19). He needed strength and guidance from our Father in heaven. So if Christ needed God's help, how much more do I?
And perhaps that's why me (and so many other servants of ministry) suffer from burnout and weariness. We try to refuel on coffee. Use vacations and retreats to replenish our reserves. But these things are just well water. Christ told the lady at the well;
"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst."
(John 4:13-14)
We need to seek our strength from Christ. Not from our well. When Christ tells us to lay our burdens on Him, he means it (Matthew 11:28-30). It's important that we recognize our place in God's kingdom. We aren't caring for God's sheep out of our own compassion and love, but rather God's love. We only love our congregations because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
We aren't the source of water to give. We aren't giving ourselves to our congregation. We're giving Christ. And so we need to take the living water, because everything else is going to leave us thirsty and coming back for more.
Friday, October 8, 2010
David The Stud
This is a tribute to David and how he basically defines awesome.
The Old Testament is filled with people who made God angry. Who turned from God. Who even insulted God. Even Israel, God's chosen nation, had a whole slew of kings who totally disregarded the LORD.
But not David. No. David was the ultimate leader. He set such an amazing example in so many ways that I wanted to take time to point out a few things.
Of course we have David's childhood. Defeating Goliath. Epic. Here is a guy who sees a problem, seeks strength from the LORD, then fixes it. Problem solved. I think a lot of Christians today need to take a lesson from David. Quit tip-toeing around issues and start solving them.
Then there was Saul. This dude hated David, even tried to kill him. Twice. Both times David had a chance to kill Saul. But didn't. He forgave Saul.
What a stud.
Then we get to David's kingship over Israel.
Not only does he bring the entire nation of God back together under one government, but he also brings back the Ark. Basically, David establishes God's nation of Israel into their home and makes them a stable nation. David also provides us with an example of worship as the Ark is brought into Jerusalem (this is where he sings my favorite Psalm...found in 1 Chronicles 16).
But what I really want to focus on is David's obedience. A common word used in stories of David is "inquire." David is constantly inquiring of God as to what he should do.
Literally, before he makes any major decision, he asks God what to do.
So here's a guy who's got it all. He is the most powerful man of the most powerful kingdom, and he is still asking the LORD what to do.
But it gets better!
David wants to build the temple. As per his custom, he first asks God about it, thinking that the answer is somewhat of a no-brainer (why wouldn't God want him to make a temple?). Even his obvious decisions are placed at the feet of God! Anyways, David asks God about it, and God says no.
Apparently David has shed too much blood to build the temple.
What does David do? He takes God's answer and obeys it! He starts to make preparations to build the temple, then tells his son Solomon that he will have to do it when he is King!
Of course David had his support system of friends to help him out (known as "David's Mighty Men". And of course David had his sins and sinful habbits (Bathsheba). However, David still provides us with an awesome example of what Christians should be like. Especially leaders.
And that's why David is a true Old Testament (and maybe the first) stud.
The Old Testament is filled with people who made God angry. Who turned from God. Who even insulted God. Even Israel, God's chosen nation, had a whole slew of kings who totally disregarded the LORD.
But not David. No. David was the ultimate leader. He set such an amazing example in so many ways that I wanted to take time to point out a few things.
Of course we have David's childhood. Defeating Goliath. Epic. Here is a guy who sees a problem, seeks strength from the LORD, then fixes it. Problem solved. I think a lot of Christians today need to take a lesson from David. Quit tip-toeing around issues and start solving them.
Then there was Saul. This dude hated David, even tried to kill him. Twice. Both times David had a chance to kill Saul. But didn't. He forgave Saul.
What a stud.
Then we get to David's kingship over Israel.
Not only does he bring the entire nation of God back together under one government, but he also brings back the Ark. Basically, David establishes God's nation of Israel into their home and makes them a stable nation. David also provides us with an example of worship as the Ark is brought into Jerusalem (this is where he sings my favorite Psalm...found in 1 Chronicles 16).
But what I really want to focus on is David's obedience. A common word used in stories of David is "inquire." David is constantly inquiring of God as to what he should do.
Literally, before he makes any major decision, he asks God what to do.
So here's a guy who's got it all. He is the most powerful man of the most powerful kingdom, and he is still asking the LORD what to do.
But it gets better!
David wants to build the temple. As per his custom, he first asks God about it, thinking that the answer is somewhat of a no-brainer (why wouldn't God want him to make a temple?). Even his obvious decisions are placed at the feet of God! Anyways, David asks God about it, and God says no.
Apparently David has shed too much blood to build the temple.
What does David do? He takes God's answer and obeys it! He starts to make preparations to build the temple, then tells his son Solomon that he will have to do it when he is King!
Of course David had his support system of friends to help him out (known as "David's Mighty Men". And of course David had his sins and sinful habbits (Bathsheba). However, David still provides us with an awesome example of what Christians should be like. Especially leaders.
And that's why David is a true Old Testament (and maybe the first) stud.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Love Affair
Anyone who does anything is familiar with the idea of burn-out. You know, the state of doing something so much that no matter how much you love doing it, you've grown tired and can even come to a point of discontentment.
If you are a part of a ministry (aren't we all?) then you've probably heard some horror stories from the burn victims of church volunteer groups, and probably heard even more tips and ideas on how to deal with burn-out....so here's one more metaphor that might help you with burnout....
Consider the first time that you met your spouse/significant other. At some point, you realized, "Hey, I should get to know this person, he/she's pretty cool." You then develop a relationship and start to imagine all the great things that relationship could be. It's awesome at first, and you start to spend more and more time with that person. Well, some people spend too much time together at first, and start to grow sick of each other (You see where I'm going with this). This, is burn out...
Now, picture the moment you found God. You realized that He is right there and always has been. You think to yourself "Self, this whole Jesus guy is pretty awesome and I have got to get to know him better." Soon enough, God starts to give you tremendous ideas about a ministry for you to work with or even start. You begin working on this idea so much and you invest so much time that you forget what it was that brought you there in the first place:
God's love for you.
I recently went through this situation, and I realized that I need to get back to my simple love for God. Not that ministry is bad or that it needs to be abandoned, but don't forget the honeymoon stage of your love for God.
Don't be afraid to cheat on your ministry with a few nights in the presence of the LORD.
If you are a part of a ministry (aren't we all?) then you've probably heard some horror stories from the burn victims of church volunteer groups, and probably heard even more tips and ideas on how to deal with burn-out....so here's one more metaphor that might help you with burnout....
Consider the first time that you met your spouse/significant other. At some point, you realized, "Hey, I should get to know this person, he/she's pretty cool." You then develop a relationship and start to imagine all the great things that relationship could be. It's awesome at first, and you start to spend more and more time with that person. Well, some people spend too much time together at first, and start to grow sick of each other (You see where I'm going with this). This, is burn out...
Now, picture the moment you found God. You realized that He is right there and always has been. You think to yourself "Self, this whole Jesus guy is pretty awesome and I have got to get to know him better." Soon enough, God starts to give you tremendous ideas about a ministry for you to work with or even start. You begin working on this idea so much and you invest so much time that you forget what it was that brought you there in the first place:
God's love for you.
I recently went through this situation, and I realized that I need to get back to my simple love for God. Not that ministry is bad or that it needs to be abandoned, but don't forget the honeymoon stage of your love for God.
Don't be afraid to cheat on your ministry with a few nights in the presence of the LORD.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Trial and Error
Recently, I started a new job as a youth pastor in Grand Rapids. It's been really great, and I am very blessed by the opportunity to serve. However,when I first received the good news that I would be working at my dream job, I went through two of the roughest weeks of my summer.
You see, before I got this job, I had a great need to trust that God was going to provide for me. I was facing unemployment. I was running out of funds. I was depressed. I was forced to rely on God and seek comfort in His arms.
And it was a beautiful thing.
Naturally, when I received the job offer, I wasn't worried about finances. I wasn't depressed. I essentially was cured of a need for God. So for the two weeks between the job offer and my starting date, I meandered through life, just passing time until I began my God given work.
I didn't seek God....I didn't look to Him for guidance, or help, or comfort. It's sad that I needed trials in my life to be close with God, but without them, I was lost.
It wasn't until I started my work here in Michigan that I recognized my constant need for God's sustaining power and wisdom. I also recognized that the LORD has graciously provided me with trials so that I can learn to grow close with Him. As Paul says in James and 1 Peter, we should be thankful and even rejoice in our trials because God is using them to love us.
So I would encourage and challenge you to look at your trials in a different light, and maybe even pray that God would provide trials for you so as to have an opportunity to grow.
You see, before I got this job, I had a great need to trust that God was going to provide for me. I was facing unemployment. I was running out of funds. I was depressed. I was forced to rely on God and seek comfort in His arms.
And it was a beautiful thing.
Naturally, when I received the job offer, I wasn't worried about finances. I wasn't depressed. I essentially was cured of a need for God. So for the two weeks between the job offer and my starting date, I meandered through life, just passing time until I began my God given work.
I didn't seek God....I didn't look to Him for guidance, or help, or comfort. It's sad that I needed trials in my life to be close with God, but without them, I was lost.
It wasn't until I started my work here in Michigan that I recognized my constant need for God's sustaining power and wisdom. I also recognized that the LORD has graciously provided me with trials so that I can learn to grow close with Him. As Paul says in James and 1 Peter, we should be thankful and even rejoice in our trials because God is using them to love us.
So I would encourage and challenge you to look at your trials in a different light, and maybe even pray that God would provide trials for you so as to have an opportunity to grow.
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Production Assistant
Working at church the other day, I noticed a copy machine of sorts printing off bulletin inserts at break neck speeds. I began to recognize how much the average American church invests in it's Sunday services. A majority of the church operates much like a theatre or show place. (The point of a church is not just the service, but a lot of effort does go into it)
Every week there is another service, come rain or shine. Each week is spent in preparation. Sermons are written. Songs are rehearsed. Bulletins printed. PowerPoints created. Coffee and cookies are baked.
This happens every week because God strengthens the church body, but also because He has created the church volunteer. Here's the thing about volunteers, they rarely get recognized for what they do.
Sure the church has paid staff to do much of the organizing and planning, but let's be honest....the church RUNS on volunteers (and the volunteers run the church....)In the church-body analogy so often used in Scripture, the volunteers could be considered the blood. Moving throughout the body and supporting everybody else.
But seriously, they make everything happen, and usually without us noticing. That's the mark of a great volunteer. They are sneaky and do things without being asked (or without looking for recognition) and often go unnoticed. They are like the perfect Production Assistant....
Ministry wouldn't happen without their support. They central to every evangelical effort and discipleship growth. Crucial to the work of the Kingdom.
So here's to all of the church volunteers. Thank you SO MUCH for all you do. Making Sundays happen in sanctuaries, gyms, libraries, kitchens, and hallways week after week. Overcoming all obstacles with a positive attitude screaming, "The show must go on!"
(Again, church is NOT about the Sunday service, nor should worship be viewed as a production or show...this was merely a comparison used for creatively describing the role of volunteers)
Every week there is another service, come rain or shine. Each week is spent in preparation. Sermons are written. Songs are rehearsed. Bulletins printed. PowerPoints created. Coffee and cookies are baked.
This happens every week because God strengthens the church body, but also because He has created the church volunteer. Here's the thing about volunteers, they rarely get recognized for what they do.
Sure the church has paid staff to do much of the organizing and planning, but let's be honest....the church RUNS on volunteers (and the volunteers run the church....)In the church-body analogy so often used in Scripture, the volunteers could be considered the blood. Moving throughout the body and supporting everybody else.
But seriously, they make everything happen, and usually without us noticing. That's the mark of a great volunteer. They are sneaky and do things without being asked (or without looking for recognition) and often go unnoticed. They are like the perfect Production Assistant....
Ministry wouldn't happen without their support. They central to every evangelical effort and discipleship growth. Crucial to the work of the Kingdom.
So here's to all of the church volunteers. Thank you SO MUCH for all you do. Making Sundays happen in sanctuaries, gyms, libraries, kitchens, and hallways week after week. Overcoming all obstacles with a positive attitude screaming, "The show must go on!"
(Again, church is NOT about the Sunday service, nor should worship be viewed as a production or show...this was merely a comparison used for creatively describing the role of volunteers)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Driver's Ed
It's been a while since I last blogged, so what better way to return than with an analogy. This one comparing our Christian faith to driving....
For sake of simplicity, I'm just going to list off the ideas and thoughts surrounding this comparison.
The rules of the road (the Law) are set up....but we all ignore them. Some more than others, but we are all deserving of citations regardless of the extent of our speeding.
Similar to grace, not many people receive the punishment they deserve for disobeying the rules of the road.
Everybody is a perfect driver in their own mind. Seriously. How many times have you had somebody criticize your driving? How many times do you criticize the driving of others? Remove the plank guys....remove the plank.
Driving doesn't work well when you are focused on doing other things at the same time (texting, food, makeup, etc.) Neither does Faith.
Finally, there's the police. When we do our sneaky little U-turns, rolling stops, and yellow light daredevils, we always check for the police to see if they're watching. When we do see a cop, we slow way down, use our indicators, and drive like we're back in the student car. How would you live your faith differently if you knew God was watching you at ALL times? Oh wait....He is.
So for some of you self proclaimed driving experts, seasoned drivers, or sweet sixteen-ers....maybe you should re-examine your driving habits. Maybe it's time to check into Driver's Ed....
For sake of simplicity, I'm just going to list off the ideas and thoughts surrounding this comparison.
The rules of the road (the Law) are set up....but we all ignore them. Some more than others, but we are all deserving of citations regardless of the extent of our speeding.
Similar to grace, not many people receive the punishment they deserve for disobeying the rules of the road.
Everybody is a perfect driver in their own mind. Seriously. How many times have you had somebody criticize your driving? How many times do you criticize the driving of others? Remove the plank guys....remove the plank.
Driving doesn't work well when you are focused on doing other things at the same time (texting, food, makeup, etc.) Neither does Faith.
Finally, there's the police. When we do our sneaky little U-turns, rolling stops, and yellow light daredevils, we always check for the police to see if they're watching. When we do see a cop, we slow way down, use our indicators, and drive like we're back in the student car. How would you live your faith differently if you knew God was watching you at ALL times? Oh wait....He is.
So for some of you self proclaimed driving experts, seasoned drivers, or sweet sixteen-ers....maybe you should re-examine your driving habits. Maybe it's time to check into Driver's Ed....
Friday, April 16, 2010
God's Staff....
Lately I have been really excited for what God has planned for my life, but I've also been very honored and amazed at what God has me doing already. It occurred to me yesterday that God has called me to lead His people in worship. God wants me, of all people, in His band.
What an honor!
How amazing is God's grace that despite my flaws and sinfulness, He still wants me to lead His people. It's amazing to be used by God. He also reminded me yesterday that He wants me to disciple His young adults.
Again...what an honor!
So here is a list I have recently come up with to help put some of this in focus. Picture God as a father (shouldn't be too hard to imagine) and all of us as His children (almost like this is a Biblical analogy). Try to recognize how much a parent cares for their children and they want nothing less than the best for them.
Pastors: God trusts you to mentor, grow, and provide for His children
Teachers: God trusts you with His children's education
Nurses/Doctors: God trusts you with His children's health
Politicians: God trusts you to run His household
Businessmen: God trusts you to financially care for His children
Military/Police/Firemen: God trusts you to protect His children
This list can go on and on...but the point is, that God trusts each of us with His favorite and most valued part of creation. How awesome is that?!?
HOWEVER...along with that honor comes responsibility. We are all called to be good stewards and give God nothing less than our best. Thankfully, we don't (and shouldn't) rely on ourselves because God is working in us and giving us the strength to do what He needs us to do.
What's your staff position?
What an honor!
How amazing is God's grace that despite my flaws and sinfulness, He still wants me to lead His people. It's amazing to be used by God. He also reminded me yesterday that He wants me to disciple His young adults.
Again...what an honor!
So here is a list I have recently come up with to help put some of this in focus. Picture God as a father (shouldn't be too hard to imagine) and all of us as His children (almost like this is a Biblical analogy). Try to recognize how much a parent cares for their children and they want nothing less than the best for them.
Pastors: God trusts you to mentor, grow, and provide for His children
Teachers: God trusts you with His children's education
Nurses/Doctors: God trusts you with His children's health
Politicians: God trusts you to run His household
Businessmen: God trusts you to financially care for His children
Military/Police/Firemen: God trusts you to protect His children
This list can go on and on...but the point is, that God trusts each of us with His favorite and most valued part of creation. How awesome is that?!?
HOWEVER...along with that honor comes responsibility. We are all called to be good stewards and give God nothing less than our best. Thankfully, we don't (and shouldn't) rely on ourselves because God is working in us and giving us the strength to do what He needs us to do.
What's your staff position?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
He Bled....
One of the most important aspects of Christ's life was His blood. It was through His blood that we were made clean, that we were forgiven, that we are even able to have faith. He bled on the cross so that we can live.
But that's not the blood I want to focus on here.
Christ bled before the cross. Before His torture. Even before His arrest. He sweat blood.
In Luke it says that Christ sweat drops of blood as He prayed; "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but Your will be done."
Christ always served as an example, and here He shows us how to deal with the struggle of following the Almighty. Christ knew what God wanted Him to do, but He couldn't do it. At least not on His own.
Christ prayed for God to find another way, but Christ also prayed for God to give Him strength to do His will. Essentially, Christ had to rely on God to be obedient.
Often God asks us to do things we don't want to do. It's alright to be scared. It's alright to not want to. Christ was scared. He didn't want to. So don't feel bad when God asks you to do something and you're not jumping up and down for joy.
Deal with it like Christ did. Pray for strength. Pray for obedience. If Christ needed God's help to be obedient, don't feel bad if you do too.
But that's not the blood I want to focus on here.
Christ bled before the cross. Before His torture. Even before His arrest. He sweat blood.
In Luke it says that Christ sweat drops of blood as He prayed; "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but Your will be done."
Christ always served as an example, and here He shows us how to deal with the struggle of following the Almighty. Christ knew what God wanted Him to do, but He couldn't do it. At least not on His own.
Christ prayed for God to find another way, but Christ also prayed for God to give Him strength to do His will. Essentially, Christ had to rely on God to be obedient.
Often God asks us to do things we don't want to do. It's alright to be scared. It's alright to not want to. Christ was scared. He didn't want to. So don't feel bad when God asks you to do something and you're not jumping up and down for joy.
Deal with it like Christ did. Pray for strength. Pray for obedience. If Christ needed God's help to be obedient, don't feel bad if you do too.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Some Worship Thoughts....
Over the past 36 hours or so, I have had a few ponderings regarding the practice of worship....these are my thoughts....(again, in random order)
To start, I am super thankful that God has chosen me to lead His people in worship. To make music to the King is truly an honor and I am thankful that God's grace covers my insufficiencies to the point where I can do that. I'm extremely humbled every time I remember that my feeble attempts at music are for the Almighty.
Raising of hands in worship...I think it is a really cool thing...but is it overdone? Why do we raise our hands for only certain types of worship? Shouldn't it be a consistent thing?
Tonight, I tried to worship without singing, but rather listening. It was cool to hear the Christian body and imagine what the music in heaven would sound like. It was also cool to hear the Spirit moving. What wasn't cool, however, was that I noticed I didn't get the same feeling as when I am singing. Said a different way....perhaps I enjoy the sing-along part of worship more than the praising part. Make sense? I mean, it's easy to feel the "joy" when we are singing our favorite songs...so maybe that "joy" we thought was heavenly based turns out to be karaoke based....I dunno....
Finally, the worship grading system. Yeah, I critique worship sets. The musicians. The song selection. And typically I show no mercy. It's a really good thing God is merciful in accepting my worship, because if He were as harsh a critic as me then nothing short of Hillsong or Crowderband would be good enough....
The moral of the story (or blog) is that worship is something that both puzzles and amazes me. I am so grateful to be able to praise my LORD, I'm just not sure about a lot of aspects....
Thoughts?...
To start, I am super thankful that God has chosen me to lead His people in worship. To make music to the King is truly an honor and I am thankful that God's grace covers my insufficiencies to the point where I can do that. I'm extremely humbled every time I remember that my feeble attempts at music are for the Almighty.
Raising of hands in worship...I think it is a really cool thing...but is it overdone? Why do we raise our hands for only certain types of worship? Shouldn't it be a consistent thing?
Tonight, I tried to worship without singing, but rather listening. It was cool to hear the Christian body and imagine what the music in heaven would sound like. It was also cool to hear the Spirit moving. What wasn't cool, however, was that I noticed I didn't get the same feeling as when I am singing. Said a different way....perhaps I enjoy the sing-along part of worship more than the praising part. Make sense? I mean, it's easy to feel the "joy" when we are singing our favorite songs...so maybe that "joy" we thought was heavenly based turns out to be karaoke based....I dunno....
Finally, the worship grading system. Yeah, I critique worship sets. The musicians. The song selection. And typically I show no mercy. It's a really good thing God is merciful in accepting my worship, because if He were as harsh a critic as me then nothing short of Hillsong or Crowderband would be good enough....
The moral of the story (or blog) is that worship is something that both puzzles and amazes me. I am so grateful to be able to praise my LORD, I'm just not sure about a lot of aspects....
Thoughts?...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Some Thoughts....
The following is a list of random thoughts I had throughout the day that I thought I'd share with the blogging world (or at least those who read this). My head has been quite full recently, so I decided to let a bit out.
If the LORD came down and gave you the answers to any three questions, what would they be? What do your questions reveal about yourself?
Remember breakfast? Eggs, bacon, sausage. Yeah, we should bring that back.
Writing music...it's a love hate relationship.
Ever ask God how His day went? Ever get a response?
Infatuation vs. Love...which is stronger?
Shoe tying = pain in the butt....Let's make velcro acceptable again
Taco Bell...it's a love hate relationship
Being a fish would be the pits, you're stuck with one facial expression your entire life.
If the LORD came down and gave you the answers to any three questions, what would they be? What do your questions reveal about yourself?
Remember breakfast? Eggs, bacon, sausage. Yeah, we should bring that back.
Writing music...it's a love hate relationship.
Ever ask God how His day went? Ever get a response?
Infatuation vs. Love...which is stronger?
Shoe tying = pain in the butt....Let's make velcro acceptable again
Taco Bell...it's a love hate relationship
Being a fish would be the pits, you're stuck with one facial expression your entire life.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Hair
This be the result of my shaving endeavors this morning. I decided to compare faith to hair while not-so-neatly trimming up. This isn't really a useful analogy, rather just a set of my random ponderings.
Everybody has hair of sort (some more than others). What's more, everybody's hair is different. The reason for this difference is because (like faith) there are two contributing factors to hair styles.
You are born with certain hair characteristics (much like people are born into certain traditions). People then choose what to do with the hair they are given (much like some people leave or embrace those traditions)
Nobody keeps the same hairstyle for their entire life. They go through a trial and error process until they find one that they like best. Those hairstyles are form of expression, and they say a lot about person. Your hairstyle is a lifelong process that really never stops. We care enough about it to constantly make it work. How many of us are satisfied with our faith and have stopped adjusting?
Here are the two parts that I really do like:
1) Hair requires maintenance....It's not something you can just leave alone, you have to continuously pour into it. Our faith requires constant attention as well. How many times a day do you look at your hair in the mirror or adjust it. How many times do you examine your faith?
2) Hair is constantly growing. Economic recession, stress at work, relationships, and successfulness can't help or hinder that growth. Hair grows consistently through all things. Does your faith?
Sorry to any hair sensitive readers...Especially bald ones. I promise your ticket to heaven doesn't depend on your hair cut....
Other thoughts on the hair-faith analogy?
Everybody has hair of sort (some more than others). What's more, everybody's hair is different. The reason for this difference is because (like faith) there are two contributing factors to hair styles.
You are born with certain hair characteristics (much like people are born into certain traditions). People then choose what to do with the hair they are given (much like some people leave or embrace those traditions)
Nobody keeps the same hairstyle for their entire life. They go through a trial and error process until they find one that they like best. Those hairstyles are form of expression, and they say a lot about person. Your hairstyle is a lifelong process that really never stops. We care enough about it to constantly make it work. How many of us are satisfied with our faith and have stopped adjusting?
Here are the two parts that I really do like:
1) Hair requires maintenance....It's not something you can just leave alone, you have to continuously pour into it. Our faith requires constant attention as well. How many times a day do you look at your hair in the mirror or adjust it. How many times do you examine your faith?
2) Hair is constantly growing. Economic recession, stress at work, relationships, and successfulness can't help or hinder that growth. Hair grows consistently through all things. Does your faith?
Sorry to any hair sensitive readers...Especially bald ones. I promise your ticket to heaven doesn't depend on your hair cut....
Other thoughts on the hair-faith analogy?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Waiting....
Ever heard the phrase "I can't wait until...."? It's really a silly phrase when you think about it, because if you can't wait, then what else are you going to do? How do you "not wait" for a future event?
Webster defines "waiting" as "remaining inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens"
How many of us are in a state of waiting? Waiting for that special someone. Waiting for that awesome career. Waiting for graduation. Waiting for summer.
Whatever it is that we're waiting for, we seem to do so in a passive state. We wait until that special happening to start living our lives. We live them as though they haven't really started and everything until that ultimate event is just the warm up.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see cases of people who could have lived their lives in a state of waiting, but didn't. Women such as Sarai, Rebekah, Rachel, and Hannah were all considered barren, which was a big deal in those days. A woman's role in society was basically to raise a family, so these women faced a huge struggle. But they didn't just sit and cry about it, rather they prayed about it. They worked towards their goal. In the end, God blessed them with children. You may have heard of them, they were Isaac, Jacob, Joseph & Benjamin, and Samuel. God had work for those women to do before they had children. He had a plan for them.
So I would encourage you to use that silly little phrase and "not wait." Don't spend your life waiting for that special someone to walk into your life. Don't just sit by and hope that job falls into your lap. Enjoy school while it lasts. And make the best of winter while it's here (or at least try).
Or maybe you are waiting for the wrong thing. Maybe that special someone is already in your life and you are ignoring it. Or maybe you are supposed to do a different job than you thought.
Whatever the case, pray about your time of waiting, and ask God what it is that you are supposed to be doing instead of sitting on your hands and marking days off the calender.
Live your life now. Don't wait.
Webster defines "waiting" as "remaining inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens"
How many of us are in a state of waiting? Waiting for that special someone. Waiting for that awesome career. Waiting for graduation. Waiting for summer.
Whatever it is that we're waiting for, we seem to do so in a passive state. We wait until that special happening to start living our lives. We live them as though they haven't really started and everything until that ultimate event is just the warm up.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see cases of people who could have lived their lives in a state of waiting, but didn't. Women such as Sarai, Rebekah, Rachel, and Hannah were all considered barren, which was a big deal in those days. A woman's role in society was basically to raise a family, so these women faced a huge struggle. But they didn't just sit and cry about it, rather they prayed about it. They worked towards their goal. In the end, God blessed them with children. You may have heard of them, they were Isaac, Jacob, Joseph & Benjamin, and Samuel. God had work for those women to do before they had children. He had a plan for them.
So I would encourage you to use that silly little phrase and "not wait." Don't spend your life waiting for that special someone to walk into your life. Don't just sit by and hope that job falls into your lap. Enjoy school while it lasts. And make the best of winter while it's here (or at least try).
Or maybe you are waiting for the wrong thing. Maybe that special someone is already in your life and you are ignoring it. Or maybe you are supposed to do a different job than you thought.
Whatever the case, pray about your time of waiting, and ask God what it is that you are supposed to be doing instead of sitting on your hands and marking days off the calender.
Live your life now. Don't wait.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
God's Hands
Here's a simple lesson I was reminded of tonight....
The past week or two I have been getting really frustrated with one of the ministries I am involved in, mostly because I have been getting a lot of grief from various people and I don't know how to handle it.
The problem is that everybody wants something different and I can't satisfy them all, so what do I do?
The lesson to be learned here is that all ministry is powered by God. The LORD provides everything for a ministry, and as a result we need to rely on Him.
That was my problem, I wasn't relying on Him. I was taking all of this grief from people personally. I was personally trying to solve all of the problems.
This doesn't work.
I snapped at a friend of mine today for something that wasn't her fault because I was getting so worn down trying to do it all myself. Throughout this evening, at a worship event, I was pretty crabby and not very useful.
So this was not only hurting me, but other people, and probably affecting my ministry.
So do yourself and everybody else a favor....put it in God's hands.
The past week or two I have been getting really frustrated with one of the ministries I am involved in, mostly because I have been getting a lot of grief from various people and I don't know how to handle it.
The problem is that everybody wants something different and I can't satisfy them all, so what do I do?
The lesson to be learned here is that all ministry is powered by God. The LORD provides everything for a ministry, and as a result we need to rely on Him.
That was my problem, I wasn't relying on Him. I was taking all of this grief from people personally. I was personally trying to solve all of the problems.
This doesn't work.
I snapped at a friend of mine today for something that wasn't her fault because I was getting so worn down trying to do it all myself. Throughout this evening, at a worship event, I was pretty crabby and not very useful.
So this was not only hurting me, but other people, and probably affecting my ministry.
So do yourself and everybody else a favor....put it in God's hands.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Survival Faith
Here's a scenario that got me thinking a bit....
Let's say you somehow get stranded on a deserted island (inspired from LOST) and you will be on that island for the rest of your life. The worst part is that you are completely alone (According to Jack you're gonna die then).
So you are facing a lifetime of solitude with no contact to the outside world.
What does this mean for your faith?
No more church. No more evangelism (unless you want to convert the native crustaceans). No more good works (Faith without works is dead)
Seriously, what happens to your faith then? I reckon you get a lot of prayer time, but would your faith increase or decrease? If faith wouldn't survive this ordeal, does that then mean that our faith is dependent on the presence of others?
How can a Christian live out their faith in such circumstances?
I suppose what the question really comes down to is this. Can you continue in your faith if it is just you and the LORD? You may be able to physically survive on the island, but will your faith make it?
Let's say you somehow get stranded on a deserted island (inspired from LOST) and you will be on that island for the rest of your life. The worst part is that you are completely alone (According to Jack you're gonna die then).
So you are facing a lifetime of solitude with no contact to the outside world.
What does this mean for your faith?
No more church. No more evangelism (unless you want to convert the native crustaceans). No more good works (Faith without works is dead)
Seriously, what happens to your faith then? I reckon you get a lot of prayer time, but would your faith increase or decrease? If faith wouldn't survive this ordeal, does that then mean that our faith is dependent on the presence of others?
How can a Christian live out their faith in such circumstances?
I suppose what the question really comes down to is this. Can you continue in your faith if it is just you and the LORD? You may be able to physically survive on the island, but will your faith make it?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
True Love
Well friends, tis Valentines day, and I thought I might share my ponderings on the subject.....Don't worry, I'm not about to whine or complain....
One of my friends, Kieth Kosmal, highlighted the fact that a day devoted to love has become one of the most depressing days of the year for most people. Often called "Singles Awareness Day", many reflect on their own life and feel sorry for themselves for not being in a relationship with that perfect other....
And so this day should be depressing to us single folk....right?
We shouldn't have any reason to be happy on this day (or any other day for that matter) because being single is a terrible thing. A person can only be happy if they are dating....
False.
The positive alternative (Sounds like a cheesy radio station name), is that we could celebrate the love we do have....
You know, from the Father?
Yeah...He loves us....pretty cool right?
So the question that I've been pondering is this: Is there anything wrong with the single life?
Man's purpose on this planet is to glorify God, one might even say that's what we were made for (Colossians 1:16). One could claim that the only way for us to be happy is to do what we were made to do, glorify God.
People live their entire lives happy and fulfilled without a spouse. Look at the apostles. If you do find that special someone, great, they are there to help you glorify God. But they aren't the ultimate goal, and especially not the key to happiness. Don't believe me? Ask Paul (1 Corinthians 7).
Don't get me wrong, romantic relationships are a gift from God, and should be celebrated accordingly. But like all of God's gifts, they shouldn't become idols. They can't fill the whole in your heart like God can.
So instead of whining and complaining about V-day, go buy yourself some candy hearts (although they taste so bad, why would you give them to someone you care about?), and remember that you're here to glorify God...not to find "true love."
The real True Love has already found you...
One of my friends, Kieth Kosmal, highlighted the fact that a day devoted to love has become one of the most depressing days of the year for most people. Often called "Singles Awareness Day", many reflect on their own life and feel sorry for themselves for not being in a relationship with that perfect other....
And so this day should be depressing to us single folk....right?
We shouldn't have any reason to be happy on this day (or any other day for that matter) because being single is a terrible thing. A person can only be happy if they are dating....
False.
The positive alternative (Sounds like a cheesy radio station name), is that we could celebrate the love we do have....
You know, from the Father?
Yeah...He loves us....pretty cool right?
So the question that I've been pondering is this: Is there anything wrong with the single life?
Man's purpose on this planet is to glorify God, one might even say that's what we were made for (Colossians 1:16). One could claim that the only way for us to be happy is to do what we were made to do, glorify God.
People live their entire lives happy and fulfilled without a spouse. Look at the apostles. If you do find that special someone, great, they are there to help you glorify God. But they aren't the ultimate goal, and especially not the key to happiness. Don't believe me? Ask Paul (1 Corinthians 7).
Don't get me wrong, romantic relationships are a gift from God, and should be celebrated accordingly. But like all of God's gifts, they shouldn't become idols. They can't fill the whole in your heart like God can.
So instead of whining and complaining about V-day, go buy yourself some candy hearts (although they taste so bad, why would you give them to someone you care about?), and remember that you're here to glorify God...not to find "true love."
The real True Love has already found you...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Kids These Days
Close your eyes....think back to your childhood. Amidst pleasant memories of bikes, sandboxes, cartoons, and cereal, you probably remember lots of worries and concerns.
Wait....you don't?
That's right....you don't.
The reason is because, generally speaking, your parents provided everything for you. Who worried about finances? Who was concerned with nutrition? Who obsessed over the next day, week, or month?
Nobody.
We all trusted our parents.
God the FATHER takes care of us. He provides for us. He loves us. So why are we still worrying?
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Now go back to your cartoons and cereal.
Wait....you don't?
That's right....you don't.
The reason is because, generally speaking, your parents provided everything for you. Who worried about finances? Who was concerned with nutrition? Who obsessed over the next day, week, or month?
Nobody.
We all trusted our parents.
God the FATHER takes care of us. He provides for us. He loves us. So why are we still worrying?
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Now go back to your cartoons and cereal.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Human Church
Disclaimer *This blog rags on the church. Lots of people rag on the church. And like everyone else, I don't really know how to solve this...so please help*
One of the few things that the church of Acts and the church today had in common were a plethora of problems. However, back then they solved them differently. Today, if someone has a problem with the church, they leave. Not even for a good reason (the music is too loud, the sermon is boring, the food's not good). In Acts 15, the church faces a huge issue (circumcision)and resolves it...
and nobody leaves.
Why?
Why do churches split over petty arguments?
Why do churches compete against each other?
What if the church is in worse shape than we thought....What if the church is missing the point....what if the Holy Spirit has left the church?
Seriously....what if the problem with the church is that in addition to driving away people, we have driven away the Spirit? What if God is so disgusted with the church that He has left it?
Isaiah 29:13 says; "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men."
What if all of our rules and regulations have pushed the Spirit out? What if other idols (the music, form of worship, the people) in the church don't leave room for God to be praised? Perhaps the church has become too focused on community and doctrines to be focused on God....
The church of Acts is the finest example of a church that we have, and it seems that we've ignored that example. Sure they fought and argued, but they ultimately stayed together ("and the LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved"-Acts 2:47). This church was focused on spreading the glory of God and worshiping Him. Our church is focused on church.
Why is it so difficult to get back to the only example of church we have?
One of the few things that the church of Acts and the church today had in common were a plethora of problems. However, back then they solved them differently. Today, if someone has a problem with the church, they leave. Not even for a good reason (the music is too loud, the sermon is boring, the food's not good). In Acts 15, the church faces a huge issue (circumcision)and resolves it...
and nobody leaves.
Why?
Why do churches split over petty arguments?
Why do churches compete against each other?
What if the church is in worse shape than we thought....What if the church is missing the point....what if the Holy Spirit has left the church?
Seriously....what if the problem with the church is that in addition to driving away people, we have driven away the Spirit? What if God is so disgusted with the church that He has left it?
Isaiah 29:13 says; "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men."
What if all of our rules and regulations have pushed the Spirit out? What if other idols (the music, form of worship, the people) in the church don't leave room for God to be praised? Perhaps the church has become too focused on community and doctrines to be focused on God....
The church of Acts is the finest example of a church that we have, and it seems that we've ignored that example. Sure they fought and argued, but they ultimately stayed together ("and the LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved"-Acts 2:47). This church was focused on spreading the glory of God and worshiping Him. Our church is focused on church.
Why is it so difficult to get back to the only example of church we have?
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