Social Issues and the Church

I listen to a lot of podcasts.   Some of the podcasts that I listen to are in no particular order:  Sheila Zilinsky, TruNews (Rick Wiles), Hagmann & Hagmann, and the Power Hour.  I especially like when Ted Broer is hosting the Power Hour.   I am mentioning this because one of the podcasts I listened to yesterday had a portion about another Barna Study.   This was the study that I had been looking for when I wrote yesterday's blog.  Some of my favorite guests on the above podcasts are Steve Quayle, Timothy Alberino, Ted Broer, Nathan Leal, Jonathan Cahn, Pastor Lankford, Augusto Perez, LA Marzulli, and Russ Dizdar.  Of course, I don't agree completely with any of them, but these are people who make me think.  That helps me research and delve into deeper studies of what the Bible says.
The study that I heard about was about why Pastors don't touch the social issues of our day.  You can read the study at:  Barna Study Regarding Controversy
I have often wondered why pastors in America don't talk about the issues of the day.   I know some do and to those I say Kudos!  I had somewhat come to the conclusion that they just weren't aware of what was going on.  I know that sounds very simplistic.   I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt.
According to this study 90% of them state that "the Bible speaks to every one of the issues."  Less than 10% will speak to the issues.  "When researchers ask those pastors what else they are willing to do to get their people active in the political process, Barna said 'it's almost nothing.' "
Why?  Why would this be?  "
"Why the disconnect? According to Barna, the answer is simple. He suggests asking pastors how someone would know if their church is "successful" – which he did.
'There are five factors that the vast majority of pastors turn to [when asked that question]," he explained. "Attendance, giving, number of programs, number of staff, and square footage.' "
What?  Huh?  Are you kidding me?   I do not believe that you can find backing for any of this in the Bible.  Somehow, I think that God's idea of a successful church is far different.   Here are some things that the Bible says about what the church is to do:  the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, laying down our lives for another,  known by our love for one another,  knowing the Word of God (Bible), having mature Christians, going into the world and making disciples of all nations, the gospel preached to every tribe and tongue (every people group), having the fruit of the Spirit, having gifts of the Spirit, knowing what Christ did for us, not being afraid to die for the gospel.   Of course this list could go on and on, but you get the idea.

Mercies of God

What an honor it is to serve God!  Each day is a new day.   Anne of Greene Gables said something like each day is a clean slate with no mistakes.  Lamentations 3:22, 23 says:  "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness."  There is a sweetness to beginning every day with God.  
I confess that I need the mercy of God.  I do not believe that this is a failure.  I am of the race called humans.  I make mistakes.  God knows and understands how we are made.  After all,  God took the dust of the earth, formed man and breathed into him the breath of life.  (See Genesis 2:7)  Psalm 139 reaffirms that God loves me.  He loved me before I was even in my mother's womb.
What is even more exciting is that God loves you.  He has thoughts about you.  In Jeremiah 29:11, God tells Jeremiah, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  God is concerned about you and about your future.  God is not just concerned about your beginning and what you are doing now, He is concerned about your entire life.  He gave you the Bible to learn about His ways.  When we learn about God's ways, we begin to make better decisions.  This affects our tomorrows.
Another great thought is to read a chapter of Proverbs every day.   If you are a brand new Christian, you may want to read just a few verses each day and as God to show you what they mean and how you can incorporate them into your life.   It is great to read the Bible cover to cover, but in the beginning you may want to start with the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  
Just as a baby starts with milk, new Christians benefit the most by reading the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs.   After a while, you will want more solid food, so to speak, and then you can move on to other books like Galatians and Ephesians.
The most important thing is to ask the Holy Spirit to help you to understand what you are reading.  You may need someone to help you understand.   If you have questions, please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to answer.   
Don't get upset if you don't understand everything.   We likely never will while living down here on Earth.  However, as time goes by you will understand more and more.   Don't get down on yourself if you make mistakes.  God knew you (and I) would make mistakes and He still formed us and cares about us.  His thoughts toward us cannot be me counted.  That is so amazing.

Forgetting:  All the mistakes of yesterday and today, all the mistakes before this moment.
Remember:  I (and you) are created by the Creator of the Universe.  When we ask forgiveness He forgives us.  He takes our sins and never remembers it again.   Forgive youself!

2 Corinthians 6:14

"Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?"  2 Corinthians 6:14 New Living Translation
I'm deeply disturbed by something that is happening in the church today.   It's the idea of using wicked things to draw people into church to preach the gospel to said people.  I am hopeful that this idea has not permeated the church, but I do see it in quite a few churches.  
Here is an example:  A church is doing a sermon series entitled "50 Shades of Grey".   Now in the church's defense, the pastor told the people from the "stage" that he does NOT recommend anyone go to see the movie or read the book.   He then proceeded to preach a very good message on sex and boundaries.  I want to be clear that I believe the church should talk about sex.  We should stand up for the Biblical viewpoint on sex and marriage.  The pastor did do that.   I think that sermon series can be used to help Christians delve deeper into the Bible principles.
My problem comes into place because the church is using a title of a book/movie that is totally unbiblical.  One might say that it is wicked.   So how can a church say it is ok to draw people into the church using something that is totally against what the Bible teaches about sexuality and marriage.   Do the ends justify the means?   I don't think so.
Does the church not know that friendship with the world is enmity against God?  We are at war with the darkness that is growing in our world.   We are to be a light to the world.  How can we have light in one hand and darkness in the other and say:  "God is on board with this."
What happened and when did it happen that God said it is okay to use the things of the world to bring people to Him?  Then they can preach the gospel.  It is justified by saying that our church is growing and prospering.  I wonder what would happen if they had nothing to do with unrighteousness, and preached the gospel?  What then?  Perhaps, God would have added twice or three times as many people to the church?   What if they are settling for good when they could have had what is best?
Is it possible that "God will bless places He will not dwell?"  (Rick Joyner).   I believe that is a key truth for pastors everywhere.   I want to be a dwelling place for God.  I want to go to a church where God dwells.    If God is dwelling in a people, it is hard to imagine how much they could do for God.  If God said of the people at the tower of Babel, "
^"6 And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do."  Genesis 11:6
What could be accomplished through a group of believers who refused to have anything to do with wicked things and came together to see God's will established in the earth?
For any pastor reading this that thinks that the above way is the way to bring in people to their church, I ask you to do research.  Here is one to start on:  Dr. David Berman of  New Hampshire.  His church's website is http://clfchurch.com/

How I Know My Heart is Cold

Before I continue with my story, I want to tell you another story.  I am putting in an excerpt of a story of a young man's life.   I first heard of this story on a conference I was streaming.   By that I mean I was watching it online.   A young teenager was telling this story.  She told it with conviction.  It was easy to see that she was very moved regarding the content.  She had been deeply affected for days.  The man in the story was a Welsh revivalist born in 1878.  His name was Evan Roberts.  Here was a man who loved God with more passion than most of us can even imagine.
After his conversion, the leaders of his church wanted Evan to go to school to learn to be a minister.  He did not want to go because he was afraid that he would lose the "communion"  In other words, he was afraid that he would "backslide" or lose the closeness he had with God.   Here is the excerpt:  "“I got up Sunday. The Rev. Seth Joshua was there. Tuesday evening there was a prayer meeting, and Sydney Evans and others came to see me, and asked if I would go to the meeting. At that moment I felt the Spirit coming upon me, and so irresistible did He come that I rushed to the chapel without my topcoat. The influence began. I was ready to pray - to pray for power to the young women who were there from New Quay, lest the people should wait upon them. I had prayed for them in the house on Monday night. I was not allowed to pray publicly on Tuesday evening. That day I had asked where the devil was. I was hard. I could look at the Cross without feeling. I wept for the hardness of my heart, but could not weep for Christ. I loved the Father and the Spirit, but I did not love the Son."
How amazing is this.  How many people enter churches every day, look at the cross and have no feeling.  Perhaps they do not even notice it is there.  This is something to ponder.  It is time to search our hearts.   How much of our day do we devote to God?
Here is how I know my heart has grown cold.
#1)  The above.   I do not weep when I see the cross.  To some the very idea may seem repugnant.  But I believe my heart and the hearts of my fellow Americans have grown cold.
#2)  When I hear of Christians being martyred, I pause, but go on with my life.  I don't cry out for God to protect them.  I don't pray for those doing the killing.
#3)  Regarding #2 - do I believe that God answers prayer?  That He hears me and cares when I pray?  If so, why don't I pray more?  Why don't I pray more for my friends, family, co-workers, and people I pass by.
#4)  I don't care enough about people to tell them the truth about God.  I'm not talking about what we called "Bible Thumpers" in the 80s.   I'm talking about sharing with people how God has changed my life.
#5)  Excusing myself for sin, instead of dealing with it.  For me, eating healthy and exercising are areas that I know I must heed the Lord.
#6)  Hardening my heart against people that I interact with.  This would include brushing someone off that wants to talk with me, or monopolizing a conversation instead of listening to what the other person has to say.
#7)  Harboring unforgiveness.  This isn't as much of a problem as it has been in the past.  However, I felt it is a way that does show if my heart is cold.
#8)  Denying that my heart has gone cold.

These are just a few ways that I have found upon self-examination.  Other people may have a completely different list.  I daresay that #8 is a problem for most Christians.  I understand as I was there for many years.  It is easier to think everything is ok with me and God than to face the areas that need change.   I hope you and I will let God into our hearts and obey what He says.

Church: Sunday is Coming

It's Thursday evening and the thought of Sunday makes me tense.  I can't keep making excuses for missing a lot of church services.  I have a good friend to whom I am accountable.   I know that she is beginning to wonder about my commitment to the church we both attend.  Before I joined this church, I prayed a lot.  I wanted to be completely certain that I was doing the right thing.   I truly believed I was doing the right thing.  Even now, I believe that I was acting in faith.  I was trying to do what I believed God wanted me to do.
Some time later, I wondered if I misheard God.  I felt like God told me that I was not sent there for myself, but sent for the people.
It would be some time before I began to understand what this meant.  I began to forge friendships with new people.  I had an exchange of ideas with other church goers.  After some time I was an assistant connect group leader.  I felt like I was a good influence. 
The main place I believe I was useful to God was through prayer.  I began to pray for a friend and the ministry she is involved in.   I found such a joy through prayer.   Prayer is rewarding in many ways; but at times the results of prayer are not known in this life.  There were many answers to prayer as well during this time.
Where I differ from the 'average' churchgoer is that I have been a student of the Bible for years.  A shallow sermon makes little impact on my life.  For a time I thought that it was okay that I was not being challenged at my church.   I thought that I could listen to pod casts to forage for what I was not being fed at my own church.   For time I also thought that it was enough that others seemed to listen to what I had to say.  However, those closer to me, kept telling me that I had something to say, and that it was my time.  But opportunities were few.
Still, I remained.
I have written all the above to show that going to church is not enough.  It is about a relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.   I wasn't trying to live my life without a relationship with God.  But going to church is not what God requires of you.  God is concerned with every day of your life, not just Sunday.  Hebrews 10:25 is often quoted by church leaders to keep people going to church.  It says, "do not forget the assembling of believers as is the manner of some."  However, in the early church, the believers went to synagogue, but mostly met in each others homes.  There reason for gathering together was to study and listen to the apostle's doctrine.  They did not gather for entertainment.  They met to hear the meat of the word of God.  At most churches today, the congregation is lucky to get milk.   It is impossible to grow spiritually with only milk.
Please note I said most churches.  There are some wonderful churches out there.  Places where the pastors are shepherds.  I am not anti-church.

To be continued ....

Forgetting:  The rules and regulations of the religious.  Leaving behind the things that try to keep me down.

Remembering:  I live to please God.  I attempt to do all that He asks of me.  This may mean saying no to good so that I can do the best.

Church: Part 1-Background

As I have stated a few times already, when I started this journey, I had no idea where it would lead.  I was born by and raised by Christians.  I went to church 3 times a week most of my growing up years.  Although I never heard it said then, it was like if the church doors were open, you went.   I never resented my parents for taking me to church.  I actually thrived on it and loved church.   Looking back, I was a Vacation Bible School addict.  I went to every one I was allowed to go to.  For those unfamiliar with Vacation Bible School, it is usually a week in the summer where for 2 hours a day , young ones go to church and learn about God.
I am stating all this because most of my life, I would never have believed a day would come when I would not want to go to church.   Sure I'm old enough to know better, but I do not look forward to Sunday anymore.   Last Sunday, I just could not make myself go to church.   This has caused me to look inside, and find out why.
One of the main reasons that I have "church phobia" is that I have become "cold" by going to church.  This scares me because in the book of Revelation, it is written "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth! (Revelation 3:16).   Ugh!!  I do not want to be vomited out of God's mouth.  No way can that be good.   But even more is the fact that I love God!  I want to be pleasing.  But to be pleasing, I must get past lukewarm and get hot!
I know you are wondering how I can connect my 'coldness' with the church.  It isn't from a lack of reading or listening.  I read a lot.  I also listen to many podcasts during the week.   Many times on Sunday, I watch several churches as they stream over the internet.  I try to incorporate what I hear into my life.  I do not want to be deceived as it says in the book of James.  James talks of those who hear the word but do not do it.

I see the same thing in the "church" all over the USA.  We are becoming cookie cutter Christians.   If we can be called Christians.  Christian means "Christ-like".  If we are lukewarm or cold are we "Christ-like"?

Here is what I see as "cookie cutter" churches:
Clockdown before the service begins
Dimmed lighting during worship and possibly the message.
A message from the pastor that is cute, maybe themed, but one that does not encourage maturity in Christ
People get "saved" by saying a prayer  (usually the prayer is pretty much the same each Sunday)
Church goers are encouraged to go to a connect group (also called small group or cell groups)
No mention is made about "social causes", such as Christians being killed by Isis or their villages burnt in Niger, etc
Church goers bombarded with statistics to prove how good and wonderful the 'church' is
Those who have ideas outside of the 'box' get attacked
No negativism - never is anything said of things that could be construed as negative
Church leaders have titles like Lead Pastor, Senior Pastor, Worship Leader etc
Having a stage (used to be called a platform)
Those on stage look like the world
Focus on entertainment
Focus on bringing people into the 'church' as opposed to going out of the church to bring God to people.
 

I want to reiterate that I am not against churches.   This is not about one church, it is about a trend I see in churches.  I hear from people in various parts of the USA and the stories I hear have the similarities mentioned above.

Forgetting:  The spirit of religion that creeps into the church and into my heart if I do not guard my heart.

Remembering:  It is all about God.  He didn't ask me to do all these things.  He called me to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul and mind!

Day 10: Expectations of myself

Forgetting:  The rigid, hard-liner ideas that I must do this or that.

Remembering:  Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit.   It is important to remember this is a marathon and not a sprint.   In a conversation with someone recently, the following thought was expressed.  It is totally possible that while I am kicking myself from thither to yon, God is in Heaven rejoicing over the progress He sees in my life.   It is important to learn to look at myself through His eyes.

Update 11/11/17:
The above is true.  God looks at me through the blood of Christ.  And He knows my weaknesses, but loves me anyhow.

Day 8: It may look the same, but it's new

Forgetting: Sameness.   Thinking that every day is the same, one after another.  That life resembles a line of zombies monotonously plodding one behind another.

Remembering:   Each morning brings new mercies from God the Father.   Each day He releases the thing that I need to get through that day.   Every day can be an adventure with God.  My part is invite Him, and to follow where He leads, and do what I see Him do.

Update 11/11/17
In June of 2017, there were people painting rocks and leaving them places.  A co-worker gave me a rock that said "And so the adventure begins" or something like that.  Well, the adventure needs to end.  Sameness is looking really good now.  Everyday with God is an adventure to some degree.  The joy is there if we choose to tap into it.

Day 6: Pleasing God First

Forgetting:  the ideas that come to my brain that people don't like me.

Remembering:  people can only like me to the extent I love myself.  I was not put on earth to please people, but to please God.

Update:  11/11/17:
This one is almost funny.  The Bible teaches us that we can capture our thoughts and bring them into submission to the truth of scripture.  I am learning it does not really matter if people like me or not.  I'm here to do my job, regardless of what I am doing.  

The Beginning

I was reading Kris Valloten's book Spirit Wars this morning.  This one sentence jumped out at me:  "What I did not realize until that night was that I had been educated right out of my solution."  That hit me hard.  This thought came to me, "what if I could forget what I thought I knew about God and start fresh and learn again"  It sounds crazy.  That is the purpose of this blog, a reset, a new beginning.  Starting without preconceived ideas about God.  Doing what new Christians do.
My plan:  to write what I am forgetting and what I am learning.

Afterward:  Coincidentally?  Tonight I watched "God's Not Dead".  It is about a student who chooses to accept a challenge to try to prove that God is not dead.

Update:  2/16/15
This has been a much different journey than I had expected.  But just as a plant is pruned to help it grow and produce more, so have I been pruned.  This winter has been long and cold.  In many ways it has been hard but joyful.  It won't be long until I hear the words, "Lo, the winter is past....."

Update 11/11/17
How far this journey has taken me.  I believe that if I had not left the Standard American "Church", I would be a dead and cold Christian.  I am shocked to see where I am now.  But there is the "life" of God stirring in my heart and I believe that I am closer to being like Christ.  Is that not what we are meant to be?  Formed in the image of Christ.  I am planning to update my blogs first and there continue on, by relating how I have gotten from where I was to where God has brought me.  I have a glimpse of my future.  I believe that many Christians all over the world are escaping "church" in order to become the body of Christ, His church, also called the "remnant".