Misplaced Loyalties:
Getting more upset about abuse, lies and cover-up being exposed in your beloved “church” and its leaders …
Than about the impact of that abuse on the victims.
God will not hold you blameless.
I’ve seen more fleshly rubbish under the claim of being “in the Spirit” than I care to remember.
Simple humility and simple obedience, I find …
Are more often the real deal.
Don’t be bashful:
We need to publicly ask those who publicly tell everyone how to do or be the church (whether organic, missional, traditional or whatever) …
If they themselves are part of one – in their own lives and hometowns – like they keep promoting to others.
You may be shocked at how often they aren’t.
But hey, that shouldn’t stop them from peddling their ear-tickling ideas, books, blogs and conferences to unsuspecting audiences.
Right?
🤔
Unless you’re willing to fail …
You will never succeed.
However, never let risk exceed …
Your ability to survive possible failure.
By learning to successfully fail …
You can turn obstacles into opportunities.
If you’re not a disciple …
You’re not a Christian.
Because without God’s rule …
There is no “Christ” in “Christian”.
Until you admit that “church” as you know it, is not how the Bible actually shows it …
You will remain stuck in your rut.
If we’re not about redemption, then what hope does anyone have?
This is my passion.
This is my cause.
But it ain’t neat and it ain’t tidy.
It’s raw and sometimes ugly.
Because if Jesus doesn’t work for the worse of us …
Then He works for none of us.
God’s presence without His sovereignty …
Is an impossibility.
Which is why I’m convinced that what we call “worship” and “His presence” at many “churches” these days …
Is so bogus.
On Sunday, many go hear their pastor as part of his congregation.
In contrast, I am part of a participatory congregation that ministers – pastorally and otherwise – one to another …
Without the distraction of those solo and monologue “pastor” things others do.
Interestingly, churches in the New Testament did fine without them also.
There’s nothing entertaining …
About authentic worship as the New Testament actually defines it.
Because worship in the New Testament means serving God with lives of humble obeisance and steadfast obedience.
Which is why authentic worship among many “churches” and “believers” …
Is so rare today.
So last Sunday morning:
Was it the Jesus Show (“church” on a stage) …
Or the Body of Christ (ministry one to another)?
Revivals come, revivals go …
But true repentance is forever.
Guys in jail often ask me how to find a good church when they get out.
I tell them that if they visit a couple of times on Sunday and no one ever invites them home to share friendship and a meal together, move on …
It’s just a meeting, not a church.
When people say “worship” today …
They mean reverent singing.
When the New Testament says “worship” …
It means reverent obedience.
It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the former.
It has its place, when done as the New Testament actually says …
But not as a substitute or new definition for the latter.
That was never God’s intent.
Everyone seems to want to do what the Bible says …
Except when it comes to how they do church.
Are YOU the church?
Really???
So here’s the test:
Who controls the mic and the money?
They actually are the “church”.
Not you.
You’re just their supportive audience.
“Worship” has been reduced from its dual Biblical meanings of obeisance and obedience …
To music that makes us feel good.
Somewhere along the way, I think we lost our focus.
God speaks …
Therefore, I am.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion …
But not to a Christ of their own perception.
He created and defines us …
And not us Him.
Many “churches” today have abandoned New Testament norms …
For scripted events that thrill and entertain.
Not for the ultimate benefit of their members …
But their “leaders”.
Jesus never told people they were saved by asking him into their heart …
But through faith to submit to his Kingdom rule by doing his Father’s will.
That’s called repenting.
Those who proclaim anything less …
Are preaching a lie.
How we measure “church” success:
Ministry by one gifted man who attracts fifty others to his “service” each Sunday morning …
That’s nice.
Ministry by one gifted man who attracts hundreds …
Now you’re talkin’!
Ministry by one gifted man who attracts thousands …
Mega success!!
How the New Testament measures church success:
Believers who gather together as a community, with each using their gifts …
For ministry one to another.
The me-centered, contrived intensity that many call “worship” these days …
Is an affront to God’s holiness.
True worship is living lives of obeisance and obedience to Him on His terms …
Rather than pursuing our own concepts of Him to feed our own insecurities.
Prophetic voices speak truth to those who don’t want to listen …
And don’t want to know.
Not to convince them …
But to convict them before a just and holy God.
Authentic citizens of God’s Kingdom …
Are the greatest force for reform of earthly nations.
History proves this time and again …
And God is not yet done with history.
