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.
Showing posts with label worship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worship. Show all posts
Monday, February 9, 2015
Thursday, February 5, 2015
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Church: Part 2
If you haven't read part 1 of this series, I encourage you to do so.
I want to make a few things clear. I realize and understand that by writing this blog, I will likely encounter persecution and may even lose friends. However, as the Apostle Paul stated, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. I hear someone gasping. When you said the 'sinners prayer' to accept Jesus, did you understand that you would suffer persecution? Perhaps that is not what you thought you signed up for. Maybe you were told that accepting Jesus as your Saviour you would have a "happy ever after ending". Maybe you thought God would give you a Rolls Royce and a condo in the Florida Keys?
Let's take a look at some of the disciples of Jesus Christ. Peter, John and some of the other Apostles were beaten and jailed for spreading the Gospel. (Acts 4). Afterwards, they prayed that God would grant them even more boldness to preach the Gospel of Christ. This is a far cry from the gospel preached today that you can accept Christ today and tomorrow have a glorious life without pain.
History tells us that Peter was crucified by the Emperor Nero. Tradition says that he was crucified upside down as he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ. James was put to death by Herod Agrippa. Paul also died as a martyr.
If you think that martyrs only existed in Bible times, you should visit the Voice of the Martyrs website. http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx Christians all over the world are being martyred today.
I believe that persecution is coming to the USA. It's time to make sure you are right with God. The God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.
Forgetting: The idea that my life will always be a bowl of cherries.
Remembering: Jesus is the reason for life. I may end up a martyr for Christ. I must prepare for the day I meet my Saviour face to face.
I want to make a few things clear. I realize and understand that by writing this blog, I will likely encounter persecution and may even lose friends. However, as the Apostle Paul stated, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. I hear someone gasping. When you said the 'sinners prayer' to accept Jesus, did you understand that you would suffer persecution? Perhaps that is not what you thought you signed up for. Maybe you were told that accepting Jesus as your Saviour you would have a "happy ever after ending". Maybe you thought God would give you a Rolls Royce and a condo in the Florida Keys?
Let's take a look at some of the disciples of Jesus Christ. Peter, John and some of the other Apostles were beaten and jailed for spreading the Gospel. (Acts 4). Afterwards, they prayed that God would grant them even more boldness to preach the Gospel of Christ. This is a far cry from the gospel preached today that you can accept Christ today and tomorrow have a glorious life without pain.
History tells us that Peter was crucified by the Emperor Nero. Tradition says that he was crucified upside down as he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ. James was put to death by Herod Agrippa. Paul also died as a martyr.
If you think that martyrs only existed in Bible times, you should visit the Voice of the Martyrs website. http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx Christians all over the world are being martyred today.
I believe that persecution is coming to the USA. It's time to make sure you are right with God. The God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.
Forgetting: The idea that my life will always be a bowl of cherries.
Remembering: Jesus is the reason for life. I may end up a martyr for Christ. I must prepare for the day I meet my Saviour face to face.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
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!
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!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Day 2: Influence
Forgetting: I have no influence on anyone.
Remembering: I am called to be salt and light in this world. It is not about how it looks but about God. If I obey God the results are His responsibility.
Light dispels darkness. Darkness automatically leaves when light enters. Isaiah 60:1 says to: Arise SHINE for you light has come.
Salt is a preservative and brings out the flavor. All Christians have a responsibility to the world around them. I am no exception.
This is one of the things that should be basic Christianity. Unfortunately, it seems that even seasoned Christians are not immune to deception.
Update 11/11/17:
I feel like I'm running in place. Expending energy, but not getting anywhere. However, I'm more convinced than ever that most American Christians are very deceived. I had no idea until I stopped listening to the propaganda of the "Christian" community at large. More on that to come.
This is one of the things that should be basic Christianity. Unfortunately, it seems that even seasoned Christians are not immune to deception.
Update 11/11/17:
I feel like I'm running in place. Expending energy, but not getting anywhere. However, I'm more convinced than ever that most American Christians are very deceived. I had no idea until I stopped listening to the propaganda of the "Christian" community at large. More on that to come.
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