So, it dawned on me, right in the middle of a phone conversation with my older son, forgiveness is not a choice. People make statements like "If he comes to me and apologizes, then I am willing to forgive him" and then follow that with "I can forgive him but I can't forget what he did to me" when the Bible tells us that this is not the right attitude to have. I would submit that if you can't forget, then you can't forgive. And, by forget I mean not to bring it up or hold it against the person.
1 Corinthians 13:1 "If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Love forgives and keeps no tally of wrongs, therefore if I forgive someone and they wrong me again, then I cannot say to them "this is the same thing you did last time", because there is no record of last time.
David Platt, in his sermon "God hates and loves sinners", tells a story about a man who purchased a Rolls Royce automobile. The car was billed as "The car that never breaks down", but while driving in France, the cars broke down. The man called Rolls Royce and told them that the car broke down. They flew a mechanic to France, he fixed the car and flew back, the man went on his way. The man waited for the repair bill that never arrived. Being a welthy man and wishing to settle account, he called Rolls Royce and requested that they send him his bill in order that he might put it behind him. They informed the man that they had no record of any repair to his car.
Let's look at some facts. The Bible states in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This shows that God's forgiveness is conditional. He tells us that if we do certain things, then he will do certain things. Too many preachers are standing in pulpits claiming that god has already forgiven the sins you have not commited yet. Therefore, there is no need to worry about it. You are forgiven before you are guilty. Not according to John. You may want to check out 2 Chronicles 6:24 while you are at it. You will find another "IF/THEN" statement.
So, what obligation do I have to forgive someone who has done me wrong? Many people will tell you that forgiving people makes us feel better. I have not found that to be completely true. While holding on to a past hurt certainly causes us to retain the hurt, forgiving does not always reduce the pain. So, what heals the pain associated with the hurt that comes from the actions of others? I am learning the power of healing through the power of praying for that person. I am finding that if I begin to pray for the person who wronged me, and I don't mean praying that God would drop kick them, but if I begin to pray for God to use them in a mighty way, and pray that God would bless them, and pray that God would teach them , and guide them, and annoint them...in short, if I pray for them as though they were precious to me, then I begin to heal a little bit at a time.
You have to understand, I don't have to forgive them so that I can live without hating them, I have to forgive them in order to release God's forgiveness towards me. I can not afford to withhold forgiveness for fear that God might do the same with me.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Thursday, September 13, 2012
My Latest Epiphany
Aug 13...I have heard people talk about longing for heaven. OK, it was always old people. I have even heard and sung the songs that speak of that longing. As a Christian, I have always viewed that longing as a distant longing. As I pray last night, I had the same emotions that I felt when I left home for basic military training. There was a time, during those days, that I ached for home. I was so homesick that I even cried with the despair of knowing that I was in a place far removed from home. Everything within me cried out to go home. Last night, for the first time in over 27 years, I felt the same feelings; the same emotions. They were so strong that, as I stood in my kitchen, I cried to God, "I want to come home!" It surprised me, somewhat to even feel this way, much less voice it. The thought of seeing my family drift further and further from God is heart-breaking. To know that out of all of the family that I grew up with I am the only one that even attends church, is difficult to accept (to those that would hear this with the wrong voice, I am not saying that I am better than them, just that they have left the path that they once traveled, for alternate paths). To know that my own sons may have less of a relationship with Christ than their parents and that statistically their children will have less and theirs even less is hard to watch. Now, I guess I should say, at this point that this doesn't mean that I would ever take my own life. Never! I still maintain that suicide is self-murder and sends us to Hell. What I think that I am saying is this: I am not afraid to die. I can enjoy life without fear. With anticipation and hope, even. Looking forward to the day that I am called home. I don't have to say "I can't do that because it's too dangerous." or "I can't get a motorcycle because I might get killed." When God calls me home, I am ready. Whether I want to go or not is irrelevant. Nothing I could do can change a thing, when he says that it is my time to board that train to glory. So why fear? If I find out that I have cancer, I will ask to be prayed for by the prayer warriors of my church, but I will request that they not pray for healing. Instead, I will ask that they pray for God's will in my life. Think about it...if that is my ticket home, then why pray to miss that chance? If God wants me to live on and work for him some more, then he will heal me in order for that to happen. I have relinquished my rights to him when I "gave my life to him." (wow! That cliche makes sense now). I am actually looking forward to him saying "Alright Michael, time's up. Let's go." I just remembered a scripture near the end of the book of Revelation. John says that Jesus states that he will return quickly and John responds with an invitation, "Come, Lord, quickly." I finally get it!
I will live my life in an attempt to please God, my father, more and more. I will serve him while I am waiting. I will not be slack concerning the mission he has given me. But all the while, I will be longing for my home-going. I will not be completely satisfied with where I am until I am home. As a servant (slave), I cannot decide the date or the time. I have to be faithful with the job the master has given me until he returns and rewards is servants, whom he loves.
Sept 13 update
My teaching has changed. I see a bigger picture. I am uninhibited by fear of offending and I have found a more fervant passion. It is not enough to be a follower of Christ, and to ensure my path is right, I must include others.
I have stated this before, but it bears repeating...I am convienced that many "christians" either don't believe that hell is a real possibility or they simply don't care. How many of us fail to rescue the perishing? How many are reactive christians instead of proactive followers of Christ? How many follow the creed of "easybelievism" that says that grace covers all our unrepented sins and we don't have to change? Oh how Satan must get a good ol' belly laugh when he sees his plans working. When people repeat, even from the pulpit, the heretical teaching that says we need not repent (turn from our sins) as long as we are sorry for our sins, we set up a system that has failed us even before we get started.
I will live my life in an attempt to please God, my father, more and more. I will serve him while I am waiting. I will not be slack concerning the mission he has given me. But all the while, I will be longing for my home-going. I will not be completely satisfied with where I am until I am home. As a servant (slave), I cannot decide the date or the time. I have to be faithful with the job the master has given me until he returns and rewards is servants, whom he loves.
Sept 13 update
My teaching has changed. I see a bigger picture. I am uninhibited by fear of offending and I have found a more fervant passion. It is not enough to be a follower of Christ, and to ensure my path is right, I must include others.
I have stated this before, but it bears repeating...I am convienced that many "christians" either don't believe that hell is a real possibility or they simply don't care. How many of us fail to rescue the perishing? How many are reactive christians instead of proactive followers of Christ? How many follow the creed of "easybelievism" that says that grace covers all our unrepented sins and we don't have to change? Oh how Satan must get a good ol' belly laugh when he sees his plans working. When people repeat, even from the pulpit, the heretical teaching that says we need not repent (turn from our sins) as long as we are sorry for our sins, we set up a system that has failed us even before we get started.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
A Study in Forgiveness: 1 of ?
You may want to read this entry first (http://whatsupwithchristianity.blogspot.com/2011/01/understanding-nature-prelude-to-study.html)
I want to understand the concept of forgiveness. I see many ideas that are passed off as forgiveness, but I think that many people are not fully aware of what forgiveness really means or what it costs us. If I believe that God has a plan for my future and that the plan which he has is contingent on the choices I make, can I forego forgiving someone when I perceive that they have wronged me? Do I expect that non-believers will act contrary to their nature? Do I expect believers to be more spiritually mature than I myself am?
So I opened my Bible and flipped to the dictionary/concordance and looked up forgive(n)(ness)(s). It defined it thusly: "to pardon or aquit of sins; acquittal;new lease on life". That was followed by about 24 references to the word 'forgive', in scripture.
What follows are those references and short synopsis of each:
So...questions arise about forgiving others and Christ's forgiveness of us. Do we recieve forgiveness if we don't ask for it? Do we recieve forgiveness if we don't repent? According to the scripture references that we read earlier in this post I would have to answer NO! & NO! Do you read it differently. Now, notice that I did not ask if you feel that it should be otherwise, or if you wish it was otherwise, or even if you believe it is otherwise. I asked if you read that it was otherwise. I believe in faith, but I also believe in evidence. Zechariah 3 shows Satan as an accuser before the throne of God. He presents evidence against mankind and God sits in judgement. Christ stands as our "defense attorney". Many things become more clear when we look at the evidence for or against a given argument. The scriptures we read are each pieces of evidence. People often state "...But, I believe blah, blah, blah". Who cares? (shame on me. That wasn't nice). But really...who cares what I believe if it is obviously contrary to what the word of God states. For instance, scripture says that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. I can believe all day that Jesus was from Egypt, and thus African (as one coworker once told me) but my strong belief does not change the facts.
So, you may ask, "what if a Christian were to rob a bank and get shot in the process and dies before they are able to make things right? Are you telling me that this person will not go to heaven?" Quit laughing, for just a moment and realize this was asked of me. Take any scenario where a supposed Christ-follower turns to a lifestyle of sin and goes to meet his maker in a state of unconfessed non-repentance. What does the evidence of scripture say? Does it provide "loopholes"?
Please leave your arguments, suggestions, and other comments. I relish your input.
This post will be continued...
I want to understand the concept of forgiveness. I see many ideas that are passed off as forgiveness, but I think that many people are not fully aware of what forgiveness really means or what it costs us. If I believe that God has a plan for my future and that the plan which he has is contingent on the choices I make, can I forego forgiving someone when I perceive that they have wronged me? Do I expect that non-believers will act contrary to their nature? Do I expect believers to be more spiritually mature than I myself am?
So I opened my Bible and flipped to the dictionary/concordance and looked up forgive(n)(ness)(s). It defined it thusly: "to pardon or aquit of sins; acquittal;new lease on life". That was followed by about 24 references to the word 'forgive', in scripture.
What follows are those references and short synopsis of each:
- Numbers 5, 8, & 12....if a woman makes a vow and her husband or father don't allow it, then God will not hold her to it.
- 2 Chronicles 6:25, 27...if there is repentance, there is forgiveness
- Job 10:14...................Job laments
- Psalm 25:7.................a plea for forgiveness
- Psalm 32:1-5..............confessed sin and repentance brings forgiveness
- Psalm 86:5 ................forgiveness for those who ask
- Matthew 6:12 ............the "Lord's Prayer" teaches that we are to ask for forgiveness
- Matthew 18:21...........never withhold forgivess
- Matthew 26:28...........the blood of Christ is poured out for forgiveness
- Mark 2:7...................Jesus accused of blasphamy
- Mark 11:25................in prayer, forgive others before asking for forgiveness
- John 20:23................."If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
- Acts 10:49................."through his name"
- Acts 26:18.................repentance before forgiveness
- Romans 5:15..............gift of forgiveness
- 2 Corinthians 2:10.......Paul's forgiveness of a wrongdoer
- Hebrews 9:22............."...without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness."
- 1 John 1:9..................confession before forgiveness
So...questions arise about forgiving others and Christ's forgiveness of us. Do we recieve forgiveness if we don't ask for it? Do we recieve forgiveness if we don't repent? According to the scripture references that we read earlier in this post I would have to answer NO! & NO! Do you read it differently. Now, notice that I did not ask if you feel that it should be otherwise, or if you wish it was otherwise, or even if you believe it is otherwise. I asked if you read that it was otherwise. I believe in faith, but I also believe in evidence. Zechariah 3 shows Satan as an accuser before the throne of God. He presents evidence against mankind and God sits in judgement. Christ stands as our "defense attorney". Many things become more clear when we look at the evidence for or against a given argument. The scriptures we read are each pieces of evidence. People often state "...But, I believe blah, blah, blah". Who cares? (shame on me. That wasn't nice). But really...who cares what I believe if it is obviously contrary to what the word of God states. For instance, scripture says that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. I can believe all day that Jesus was from Egypt, and thus African (as one coworker once told me) but my strong belief does not change the facts.
So, you may ask, "what if a Christian were to rob a bank and get shot in the process and dies before they are able to make things right? Are you telling me that this person will not go to heaven?" Quit laughing, for just a moment and realize this was asked of me. Take any scenario where a supposed Christ-follower turns to a lifestyle of sin and goes to meet his maker in a state of unconfessed non-repentance. What does the evidence of scripture say? Does it provide "loopholes"?
Please leave your arguments, suggestions, and other comments. I relish your input.
This post will be continued...
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Wow! How things have changed!
Last year, I was blogging about our inability to tie into a church family. My! How things have changed! We visited a church that we had driven by on several occasions and really liked it. The Pastor was not scared to preach the truth. He was adament about avoiding a watered-down version of the truth. We have joined the church and after 6 months I find myself as the volunteer Youth Pastor. So much has happened...
We wanted to find a church that would love us and allow us to serve. We have found that church. When my father-in-law passed away, they loved on us. We have become part of a church that needs people who want to serve God and God's people.
Check out our youth website @ 180 Student Ministries website or, for you mobile surfers, mobile site
We wanted to find a church that would love us and allow us to serve. We have found that church. When my father-in-law passed away, they loved on us. We have become part of a church that needs people who want to serve God and God's people.
Check out our youth website @ 180 Student Ministries website or, for you mobile surfers, mobile site
Monday, August 8, 2011
Revival? Really?
I searched google.com and it lead to a dictionary that defined Revival as "a reawakening of religious fervor, esp. by means of a series of evangelistic meetings." Evangelistic is basically translated from words that mean "to proclaim the good news."
How could anyone think that an evangelist can "preach a revival?" Shouldn't we say that "the Evangelist preach a series of evangelistic services?" I know that it is merely a matter of semantics, but as a teacher, I try to cut through all the clutter and teach truth at the heart of the matter. Less confusion equals greater understanding. For decades, preachers have been brought into churches for days, weeks, and even months to hold revival services. When did we, as the body of believers, start to believe that having "a revival" would bring actual revival. After all, if I am sick and dying and you bring in a great doctor, can he help me if I haven't become proactive towards my own personal healing first? In other words, how can I be part of revival unless I seek revival for myself first. Sure, an evangelist can visit and preach great, fiery sermons, that stir the soul and stoke the fires of my emotions, but does he have the strength to carry revival into the church?
Check out 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) ...if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Our pastor has been preaching, for the past few weeks, about what revival is and isn't. He has hit the nail on the head. Does this mean that evangelism should be abolished? No way, Jose! Does this mean that evangelists should stop trying? Perish the thought! Does this mean that Christians should get up of their collective backsides and stop treat the church as a religious welfare system? You betcha! Our revival as a church will stem from our revival as an individual. Remember Deuteronomy 6: it basically says that we should read, write it, put it where we can see it, learn it, remember it, do it.
What are we waiting for?
How could anyone think that an evangelist can "preach a revival?" Shouldn't we say that "the Evangelist preach a series of evangelistic services?" I know that it is merely a matter of semantics, but as a teacher, I try to cut through all the clutter and teach truth at the heart of the matter. Less confusion equals greater understanding. For decades, preachers have been brought into churches for days, weeks, and even months to hold revival services. When did we, as the body of believers, start to believe that having "a revival" would bring actual revival. After all, if I am sick and dying and you bring in a great doctor, can he help me if I haven't become proactive towards my own personal healing first? In other words, how can I be part of revival unless I seek revival for myself first. Sure, an evangelist can visit and preach great, fiery sermons, that stir the soul and stoke the fires of my emotions, but does he have the strength to carry revival into the church?
Check out 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) ...if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
- If Christians
- pray
- know him so well that you know his will without words, instead of seeking his hands and his handouts
- turn from sin, instead of trying to find loopholes and justifications for them. "Being a Christan is less about cautiously avoiding sin but much more about courageously & actively doing God's will."
- He will listen
- Our lives are transformed
Our pastor has been preaching, for the past few weeks, about what revival is and isn't. He has hit the nail on the head. Does this mean that evangelism should be abolished? No way, Jose! Does this mean that evangelists should stop trying? Perish the thought! Does this mean that Christians should get up of their collective backsides and stop treat the church as a religious welfare system? You betcha! Our revival as a church will stem from our revival as an individual. Remember Deuteronomy 6: it basically says that we should read, write it, put it where we can see it, learn it, remember it, do it.
What are we waiting for?
Thursday, June 30, 2011
What should I look for in a church?
I have often blogged on the subject of disappointment in what I find to be nominal churches. What I would like to know is "What should I look for in a church?"
So often people don't seem to comprehend why I have such heartburn and dissatisfaction with what I find in churches. When we discuss the subject, they look at me with this far away, glazed-over look that says "I don't get it. Aren't we supposed to just go to church, have church, and leave church?" So what am I looking for? What should I be looking for? Am I striving to find the "perfect, but non-existant" church? Are there other searchers looking for the same thing? Have most people become so entreched in the status quo of church life that they don't even think to look for more?
I recently re-read The Time Machine - by H.G. Wells. For those who have not read it, the time traveler travels very far (about 100,000 years) into the future and finds two groups of people; the Eloi and the Morlocks. The Eloi are are simple people. They live in a world that is very much a paradise. Their every need is taken care of. They have lost the ability to think complicated thoughts or do much for themselves. They have evolved into "cattle". (metaphorically and litterally speaking). Their one negative in life is that ever-so-often one of them is snatched by the Morlock, who drags them down into the Morlock caves and eats them.
I have a friend who thinks his church is wonderful (I am glad for him), but if you read my post http://whatsupwithchristianity.blogspot.com/2011/06/check-out-email-i-received.html , it is his church that I refered to.
So I am putting this question out there, and I want your input, please. What should a church be? How do I know when I have found the right one. What should I expect from it's pastor, it's congregation, etc?
We will be visiting a local church, for the second time, this Sunday Morning. Read http://whatsupwithchristianity.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-were-they-thinking.html to find out about our first visit to this church.
So often people don't seem to comprehend why I have such heartburn and dissatisfaction with what I find in churches. When we discuss the subject, they look at me with this far away, glazed-over look that says "I don't get it. Aren't we supposed to just go to church, have church, and leave church?" So what am I looking for? What should I be looking for? Am I striving to find the "perfect, but non-existant" church? Are there other searchers looking for the same thing? Have most people become so entreched in the status quo of church life that they don't even think to look for more?
I recently re-read The Time Machine - by H.G. Wells. For those who have not read it, the time traveler travels very far (about 100,000 years) into the future and finds two groups of people; the Eloi and the Morlocks. The Eloi are are simple people. They live in a world that is very much a paradise. Their every need is taken care of. They have lost the ability to think complicated thoughts or do much for themselves. They have evolved into "cattle". (metaphorically and litterally speaking). Their one negative in life is that ever-so-often one of them is snatched by the Morlock, who drags them down into the Morlock caves and eats them.
I have a friend who thinks his church is wonderful (I am glad for him), but if you read my post http://whatsupwithchristianity.blogspot.com/2011/06/check-out-email-i-received.html , it is his church that I refered to.
So I am putting this question out there, and I want your input, please. What should a church be? How do I know when I have found the right one. What should I expect from it's pastor, it's congregation, etc?
We will be visiting a local church, for the second time, this Sunday Morning. Read http://whatsupwithchristianity.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-were-they-thinking.html to find out about our first visit to this church.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Check out the email I received...
So...we visited this one church some years ago, in our county, 2 or 3 times. It had been some years since we were there. I am sure that we filled out a visitor card because they had my email address. They had not emailed me in at least 2-3 years, at all. No interest in trying to reach out to us, to encourage us...nothing, right? So, in May of this year, I get an email from them. What follows is their email (copied and pasted, with their name omitted and replaced with question marks. Notes in italics were added by me):
From: matt@??????????????.com [matt@??????????????.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 10:49 AM
To: Michael Kennedy (that's me)
Subject: Now you can give generously online!!!!
Dear Michael,
Important Information:
Now you can give generously online!!!!
Whether you'd like to give a single gift, schedule ongoing donations, or view your giving history, you can do it all online. It's quick, easy, and secure. Here you can give your tithe as well as your gifts. With our new, enhanced service you can give by using your checking account, debit or credit card (understand-- The team at ??????(shortened church name) would rather you NOT give with a credit card if there is a chance that it will not be paid off at the end of the month), whichever is most convenient. This safe and flexible option is one of the easiest ways to give to ??????(shortened church name).
Please browse the options, and get acquainted with the new online giving option
Thank you for your support!
If you have any questions concerning this service feel free to contact our finance team at ???-???-????
Please join us by donating online at:
https://products.connectionpower.com/powergiving/donor/?church_id=251
You may log in using the username ???????? and the password ???????.(someone took time to develop a user name and password for me)
Sincerely,
?????? ???????? ?? ???(name of church)
Making Jesus Famous!!!
This really struck me and maybe I was wrong for doing it, but, if you know me then you know that I have a very low threshhold for what I refer to as nominal churches. The following is my response (because someone needed to stand up and say "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"
Really? So this is the first email (or any contact) that I have received from ?? (church initials) in I can't remember how long, but instead of being concerned for my spiritual wellbeing (which you obviously are not due to lack of contact, duh) you want money? You need to pass on this concern...close your doors and quit pretending to be a real church. So typical of nominal churces. "Give us your money and we will agree to leave you alone. We don't REALLY care if you go to hell as long as we are in your will." Please delete me from your mail list and get a clue. I am so tired of churches that hurt the name of Christ by being nominal. You are doing more damage than you will ever know or could imagine with your half attempts. If you could throw out all the crap and concentrate on the meat, then your church could experience true revival and not be just another superficially nominal social club under the guise of a religious congregation. I just thought that it was about time that someone said what needed to be spoken.
So, how many blog subscribers did I just lose? Don't you ever see something wrong and something snaps and you have to try to make it right, even if you know that your words will probably fall on deaf ears? Or are you the one that would see a man slapping a woman around in Wal-mart and just say that its not any of your business? Well I received a reply that stated: "I am sorry that you received that email. You were not supposed to..." Still no concern for me? Really? Even after I told you that you overlooked your responsibility to reach out to people and love them "as Christ loves the church"? Is that kinda like me telling a man, who is beating his wife in public, to stop hitting his wife and he responds with "I'm sorry. I didn't know you could see me doing that"? Didn't he kinda miss the point?
Am I the only one who thinks it is OK to shine a light on wrong in order to limit its future occurances? Are we so self-centered that we let churches abuse with no checks or balances? Will anyone else stand up and say "That's enough! You have got to be kidding! We can do better than this!" Or maybe we should just be punks, who say "well what good would it do for me to say anything? Who am I to judge?"
Final thought: If you went to a resturant and it was really bad (bad food, bad service, overpriced or and combination of bad things) would you say nothing and let me go there or would you tell everyone to avoid the place? Why do we think that churches get a pass? There are movie critics, fasion critics and food critics...why not church critics?
________________________________________
From: matt@??????????????.com [matt@??????????????.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 10:49 AM
To: Michael Kennedy (that's me)
Subject: Now you can give generously online!!!!
Dear Michael,
Important Information:
Now you can give generously online!!!!
Whether you'd like to give a single gift, schedule ongoing donations, or view your giving history, you can do it all online. It's quick, easy, and secure. Here you can give your tithe as well as your gifts. With our new, enhanced service you can give by using your checking account, debit or credit card (understand-- The team at ??????(shortened church name) would rather you NOT give with a credit card if there is a chance that it will not be paid off at the end of the month), whichever is most convenient. This safe and flexible option is one of the easiest ways to give to ??????(shortened church name).
Please browse the options, and get acquainted with the new online giving option
Thank you for your support!
If you have any questions concerning this service feel free to contact our finance team at ???-???-????
Please join us by donating online at:
https://products.connectionpower.com/powergiving/donor/?church_id=251
You may log in using the username ???????? and the password ???????.(someone took time to develop a user name and password for me)
Sincerely,
?????? ???????? ?? ???(name of church)
Making Jesus Famous!!!
This really struck me and maybe I was wrong for doing it, but, if you know me then you know that I have a very low threshhold for what I refer to as nominal churches. The following is my response (because someone needed to stand up and say "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"
Really? So this is the first email (or any contact) that I have received from ?? (church initials) in I can't remember how long, but instead of being concerned for my spiritual wellbeing (which you obviously are not due to lack of contact, duh) you want money? You need to pass on this concern...close your doors and quit pretending to be a real church. So typical of nominal churces. "Give us your money and we will agree to leave you alone. We don't REALLY care if you go to hell as long as we are in your will." Please delete me from your mail list and get a clue. I am so tired of churches that hurt the name of Christ by being nominal. You are doing more damage than you will ever know or could imagine with your half attempts. If you could throw out all the crap and concentrate on the meat, then your church could experience true revival and not be just another superficially nominal social club under the guise of a religious congregation. I just thought that it was about time that someone said what needed to be spoken.
So, how many blog subscribers did I just lose? Don't you ever see something wrong and something snaps and you have to try to make it right, even if you know that your words will probably fall on deaf ears? Or are you the one that would see a man slapping a woman around in Wal-mart and just say that its not any of your business? Well I received a reply that stated: "I am sorry that you received that email. You were not supposed to..." Still no concern for me? Really? Even after I told you that you overlooked your responsibility to reach out to people and love them "as Christ loves the church"? Is that kinda like me telling a man, who is beating his wife in public, to stop hitting his wife and he responds with "I'm sorry. I didn't know you could see me doing that"? Didn't he kinda miss the point?
Am I the only one who thinks it is OK to shine a light on wrong in order to limit its future occurances? Are we so self-centered that we let churches abuse with no checks or balances? Will anyone else stand up and say "That's enough! You have got to be kidding! We can do better than this!" Or maybe we should just be punks, who say "well what good would it do for me to say anything? Who am I to judge?"
Final thought: If you went to a resturant and it was really bad (bad food, bad service, overpriced or and combination of bad things) would you say nothing and let me go there or would you tell everyone to avoid the place? Why do we think that churches get a pass? There are movie critics, fasion critics and food critics...why not church critics?
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Saturday, June 18, 2011
Why are we taught to be satisfied?
I recently moved to a small town. I really like it and the friendliness of the people there. This quaint little town has 7 or 8 places to grab a bite. Two of them are national chains. Although all of them have their good points, none are what I would call wonderful. Although I like a good burger, I prefer a fine steak. I am not one who eats at the same place all the time. I don't even like to go to the same place, each time, for vacation. I know folks who go to Myrtle Beach or Panama City Beach every time they go on vacation. That would drive me bonkers. "Been there...seen it!" Right? Or how about people who frequent the same restaurant time after time and oppose trying anything new.
I wonder if these people are the same folks who sit in the same spot every Sunday and become agitated if someone sits in "their" spot. (ADD moment...want to test someones Christian attitude? Sit in their spot next Sunday and see what happens.)
I have wondered if people are so accustomed to what they have, they become satisfied and deny themselves the pleasure of better. I see this in restaurants as well as church. I know that some people will say that I should be happy with what God has given me, and I am, but I am never satisfied. It is not greed that drives me. I don't say "God has given me a car, but I want a better one." I am happy with what he supplies for me. And My! He has blessed me! But, when it comes to church...that's a different kettle of fish. I can't find where scripture ever tells us to be satisfied with the number in our congregation, or the quality of our service. I do realize that when we read scripture, God shows us what we need at a particular time in our lives. But I never seem to see scripture saying that we should stagnate.
As a teacher, I try to move my students forward. As a lifelong learner, I try to constantly move forward in my education. So why would I not try to move forward in my knowledge of God and his word. Why do we settle for the milk toast sermons of so many pastors instead of desiring an educational/enlightening experience?
What do I want? What am I looking for? I want a pastor who is educated enough to challenge me. Who is secure enough not to be intimidated by fellow laborers who he sees as a threat to his power or authority. I want a worship leader who tries to give his best to God each time he steps into leadership. Who establishes a high degree of excellence. (Why not get the band and singers together for a practice each week? Is God not worth our giving him more than a thrown together Hodge-podge mess?) I desire a teacher who studies and presents more than a recitation of another person's teaching. (Don't read a lesson to me. I could have stayed home and done that. Study that thing and let God speak to you through it. Then come and share that with us as we do the same with you. Be a facilitator instead of merely reading a lesson from a booklet.) I am seeking a congregation desirous of true praise, worship, service, and spiritual growth. (It is not the worship leader's job to get you into praise and worship...come to service ready. It is not the preacher's job to revive you...get yourself revived and bring revival to the church. An evangelist does not bring revival, the church does...or at least should.) I wish to find a church that is not only friendly to newcomers, but to those who have been around a while. (If I attend your church for over a year and play in the band for over a year and you don't care what happens to me, when I leave, enough to contact me...)
Here's another rant for you to chew on. Near my home there is a church. This church has no sign, no visible name, no visible phone number, no visible service times...nothing. How do they expect to reach people other than the merely nosey?
Side note: I am so, so very bad...After visiting one particular church three times in two months (that's 3 out of 8 Sunday morning services) I saw the pastor in Wal-mart. I walked over and this is the conversation:
Me: Aren't you the pastor of ________church?
Pastor: Yes I am (noticable pleasure at peing recognized)
Me: Do you know who I am?
Pastor: No, I'm sorry, I don't.
Me: Well, that's a shame, because I visited your church 3 times in the last few weeks. I was never asked my name or even handed a visitor's card.
I walked away as he stood there with a stunned look on his face. You will probably say that I was wrong, or rude, or mean but maybe he will realize that people matter, next time he enters the church and wonders why it exists in the first place.
I wonder if these people are the same folks who sit in the same spot every Sunday and become agitated if someone sits in "their" spot. (ADD moment...want to test someones Christian attitude? Sit in their spot next Sunday and see what happens.)
I have wondered if people are so accustomed to what they have, they become satisfied and deny themselves the pleasure of better. I see this in restaurants as well as church. I know that some people will say that I should be happy with what God has given me, and I am, but I am never satisfied. It is not greed that drives me. I don't say "God has given me a car, but I want a better one." I am happy with what he supplies for me. And My! He has blessed me! But, when it comes to church...that's a different kettle of fish. I can't find where scripture ever tells us to be satisfied with the number in our congregation, or the quality of our service. I do realize that when we read scripture, God shows us what we need at a particular time in our lives. But I never seem to see scripture saying that we should stagnate.
As a teacher, I try to move my students forward. As a lifelong learner, I try to constantly move forward in my education. So why would I not try to move forward in my knowledge of God and his word. Why do we settle for the milk toast sermons of so many pastors instead of desiring an educational/enlightening experience?
What do I want? What am I looking for? I want a pastor who is educated enough to challenge me. Who is secure enough not to be intimidated by fellow laborers who he sees as a threat to his power or authority. I want a worship leader who tries to give his best to God each time he steps into leadership. Who establishes a high degree of excellence. (Why not get the band and singers together for a practice each week? Is God not worth our giving him more than a thrown together Hodge-podge mess?) I desire a teacher who studies and presents more than a recitation of another person's teaching. (Don't read a lesson to me. I could have stayed home and done that. Study that thing and let God speak to you through it. Then come and share that with us as we do the same with you. Be a facilitator instead of merely reading a lesson from a booklet.) I am seeking a congregation desirous of true praise, worship, service, and spiritual growth. (It is not the worship leader's job to get you into praise and worship...come to service ready. It is not the preacher's job to revive you...get yourself revived and bring revival to the church. An evangelist does not bring revival, the church does...or at least should.) I wish to find a church that is not only friendly to newcomers, but to those who have been around a while. (If I attend your church for over a year and play in the band for over a year and you don't care what happens to me, when I leave, enough to contact me...)
Here's another rant for you to chew on. Near my home there is a church. This church has no sign, no visible name, no visible phone number, no visible service times...nothing. How do they expect to reach people other than the merely nosey?
Side note: I am so, so very bad...After visiting one particular church three times in two months (that's 3 out of 8 Sunday morning services) I saw the pastor in Wal-mart. I walked over and this is the conversation:
Me: Aren't you the pastor of ________church?
Pastor: Yes I am (noticable pleasure at peing recognized)
Me: Do you know who I am?
Pastor: No, I'm sorry, I don't.
Me: Well, that's a shame, because I visited your church 3 times in the last few weeks. I was never asked my name or even handed a visitor's card.
I walked away as he stood there with a stunned look on his face. You will probably say that I was wrong, or rude, or mean but maybe he will realize that people matter, next time he enters the church and wonders why it exists in the first place.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
What were they thinking
So...we visited a new church, Easter weekend. Well, it wasn't a new church, but it was new for us. I went expecting more, but left with less. I didn't want to see the negative but it just seemed to scream at me. Does no one ever take a step back and look at what is going on. I mean, when I get dressed up to go out, I take at least one glance into the mirror to see that everything is in place and make sure I have not spilled something on myself or forgotten something. Why would I put energy into putting myself together and not ensure that the outcome matches the effort? Why take the time to have Church and then settle for a mediocre experience? Maybe it's just me, but are we getting so desensitized that we don't see what's going on?
So, let me share what has me so worked up. We visited this church for their Easter Sunday Morning service. The fellow that opened the service (not the pastor) was virtually ignored by the congregants in the back forth of the auditorium. They continued to talk while he tried to welcome everyone and go through the preliminaries of their service. The pastor participated in a duet while a "drama" took place. I mean a practiced drama. Not like the 8th grade drama I usually deal with. Anyway..."Jesus" comes walking up the middle isle followed by two roman soldiers. Jesus was wearing blue jeans and white t-shirt with red magic marker blood. The roman soldiers were wearing Roman soldier tunics with blue jeans and cowboy boots. I could imagine them saying "Git up 'ere Jew boy so we can whup ya." I hanestly wanted to stand up, look around, and say "Really?......REALLY? Is this the best you can do to remember the most important event in all of Christendom?" Don't even get me started on people singing solos who can't carry a tune in a bucket. Use your gifts, people, and not someone else's gifts. Stop coveting the gifts of the singer when God chose other gifts for you. And while we're at it...stop lieing to people by telling them they can sing when we all can tell they can't. Isn't lieing still a sin? I don't mean that you should be rude and tell people that they stink. That would be mean. I'm just saying that if you don't start a lie then you don't have to continue telling that lie. Teach people that their gifts and talents are at least as important as the showy ones. Is it all that hard to be honest? After all, we are Christians and we are supposed to lvoe folks. Is it really love if it is based on a lie? If I wanted to be a fasion model, someone would tell me that I don't have what it takes...wouldn't you?
It is kinda like saying "That was the best canned SPAM that I have ever tasted!" Regardless...It was SPAM. It was not steak. How good could it have been?
So, let me share what has me so worked up. We visited this church for their Easter Sunday Morning service. The fellow that opened the service (not the pastor) was virtually ignored by the congregants in the back forth of the auditorium. They continued to talk while he tried to welcome everyone and go through the preliminaries of their service. The pastor participated in a duet while a "drama" took place. I mean a practiced drama. Not like the 8th grade drama I usually deal with. Anyway..."Jesus" comes walking up the middle isle followed by two roman soldiers. Jesus was wearing blue jeans and white t-shirt with red magic marker blood. The roman soldiers were wearing Roman soldier tunics with blue jeans and cowboy boots. I could imagine them saying "Git up 'ere Jew boy so we can whup ya." I hanestly wanted to stand up, look around, and say "Really?......REALLY? Is this the best you can do to remember the most important event in all of Christendom?" Don't even get me started on people singing solos who can't carry a tune in a bucket. Use your gifts, people, and not someone else's gifts. Stop coveting the gifts of the singer when God chose other gifts for you. And while we're at it...stop lieing to people by telling them they can sing when we all can tell they can't. Isn't lieing still a sin? I don't mean that you should be rude and tell people that they stink. That would be mean. I'm just saying that if you don't start a lie then you don't have to continue telling that lie. Teach people that their gifts and talents are at least as important as the showy ones. Is it all that hard to be honest? After all, we are Christians and we are supposed to lvoe folks. Is it really love if it is based on a lie? If I wanted to be a fasion model, someone would tell me that I don't have what it takes...wouldn't you?
It is kinda like saying "That was the best canned SPAM that I have ever tasted!" Regardless...It was SPAM. It was not steak. How good could it have been?
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