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Are We”Doing Church”All Wrong?

A lot has been said about what “Church” should look like.
Thousands of books have been written about it.
There are many, many workshops and educated teachers whose primary purpose is to instruct the Church how to be…how to exist.

But…

What if we are doing Church all wrong?
church2
Many denominations have glommed onto specific acts of worship – Baptism, Communion, Flag waving, Altar calls, Speaking in tongues, Music Styles, Multi-media blitzes…etc.  -And these are all good things -sometimes important elements of worship, BUT what happens when these “good things” become the main focal point?  Could they become over emphasized?  Could these mere elements of worship become worship itself – completely devoid of its original purpose?

In the process of becoming “Church”…are there times when we lose sight of why we’re a Church in the first place?   I don’t mean to deconstruct the Body of Christ today, but I feel very strongly about this subject.  I believe our belonging to Christ is enough…we do not need rituals to maintain or get closer to God.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  I am not saying that these elements of worship are all rituals, but when we do them week after week, month after month, year after year – and we just go through the motions of them…are we in danger of making these outward expressions of the inward change a ritual?

I am not saying that we throw the baby out with the bath water here, but perhaps we need to be more conscious of what we do in worship.

churchAnother question that I often ponder is this –
Is the Body of Christ really supposed to look like the Churches that we see in our communities today?  Are we really supposed to be separated and divided?  
Again, this is not a bash upon any church or denomination, but rather an intern perspective here.  I believe that man made edifices have, at times, taken the holiness out of our holy of holies.

When we try to organize everything, and building our kingdoms, when we try and grow our congregations and sometimes compete against the church down the street…have we lost sight of why we’re a church in the first place?

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ACTS 2 Church 
The Acts 2 church looks vastly different that any church that I know of today.
These men and women lived in community together…kind of like a commune, but more like a family…not a cult, but a body of Christ built together out of love.  They shared EVERY Resource that they had.  They ate together, they prayed together, they added to their numbers daily.  People saw their love of Christ and it was infectious!

We live in a very individualistic society today…we don’t really understand the Hebrew culture of the Acts 2 church.  We don’t get to be that close any more in our churches.  Sure, we invite one another out to eat after church, or we go to one another’s homes…but our worship services today are so structured and methodical…there’s an order to it.  I am not saying that this is wrong, but sometimes “Community” only becomes achieved on Sundays for an hour or two, and maybe a during another hour at midweek.  We don’t look like that early church anymore.

I wish I had an answer in how we can recapture some of that fellowship…wait there is – Discipleship.  Fellowship.  Family.

We must be more intentional in our church families to be disciples as well as disciplers.
We don’t always operated as individuals  in the Body of Christ – we are joined together, and we need that fellowship – just as God desires that kind of fellowship with us!
What if true Church was more about that fellowship than the number of scripturally accurate hymns or contemporary songs we sing on Sundays?  What if God desires more than just a water baptism or a morsel of bread and wine on our lips?  What if it’s not about flag waving but heart changing?  What if Church is more about what we do outside of the walls of a million dollar structure than what we do on the inside?

I think we get so blindsided by our elements of worship that we forget to look outside.
Sure, we need to be fed, but if all we do is gorge ourselves in our buildings while the world around us is starving, are we “Doing Church” right?

holyI think that before we can “Do Church” we have to “BE Imitators of Christ“…We have to experience the inward change of our hearts before any of these outward things can be evident and real.  After all, wasn’t it God’s instruction to “Be Holy”…not “Do Holy” (Lev 20:26)  We get these backwards many, many times.

I pray that within our walls of “Church” we first focus on being reflections of Him, then we take that reflection into the world so that others might see Him and believe as well!

Something more to ponder today!
You might disagree with me…so be it.

To God be the glory!

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Dear Salvationist, Why Do You Want To Be A Soldier?

Dear Salvationist,

I ask you this question within this pondering today because it truly matters how you answer the question.  There are good reasons to be a soldier, and there are not-so-good reasons to be a soldier.

The ‘Not-So’ List: Photo Feb 24, 1 29 59 PM
1) I want to be a soldier because my whole family is a soldier…
this may be the most common of answers.  The answer itself isn’t necessarily bad or wrong, but if this becomes the sole reason you are a soldier, then you have missed the point of soldiership.  In the same way that no one will get into heaven on the merits of others, so it is with soldiership.  A good soldier is one who understands the mission and is prepared to be holy and then to live out holiness everyday.  Familiar bonds are wonderful, yet they are not a sufficient motive for soldiership.

2) I want to be a soldier because I look good in dark blue…(comforts)
Probably not a common excuse, but none-the-less it still address the physical aspects of soldiership.  If we choose to become a soldier because of the opportunities and comforts it affords us – we will have joined for the wrong purposes and motivations.  I am not saying that one can’t change, but if this motive remains constant throughout soldiership, then it will always be about dependancy on the organization and movement than it will ever about being a useful part of movement in the first place.    We don’t wish to become soldiers because of the comforts it affords.

trimMarching On…
Why do you want to be a soldier?
If the answer is that you long to be used by God for His holy purpose, and that you care about suffering humanity – then you are in the right place!  Our hearts and purpose for being soldiers has to line up with the mission of this army.

what is that mission you ask?
“The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

What vision should we, as Salvationists share?
I think this still applies – don’t you?

ONE ARMY: We see a God-raised, Spirit-filled Army for the 21st century – convinced of our calling, moving forward together

We will… one

  • deepen our spiritual life
  • unite in prayer
  • identify and develop leaders
  • increase self-support and self-denial

ONE MISSION: Into the world of the hurting, broken, lonely, dispossessed and lost, reaching them in love by all means

We will…

  • emphasise our integrated ministry
  • reach and involve youth and children
  • stand for and serve the marginalised
  • encourage innovation in mission

ONE MESSAGE: With the transforming message of Jesus, bringing freedom, hope and life

We will…

  • communicate Christ unashamedly
  • reaffirm our belief in transformation
  • evangelise and disciple effectively
  • provide quality teaching resources

Dear Soldier, 
bandif you join these ranks as soldiers for any other purpose than to be servants of God and servants of man, then we have joined for all the wrong reasons.  The uniform, and all it represents, is a symbolic representation of a sacrificial life.  We are taking a stand against sin and death in this world.  We are standing with the marginalized.  We are pushing to end human slavery in our world.  We are striving to end the blight of human trafficking.  We are fighting for the homeless, the destitute the helpless, the hurting, the lost.  When we put on our uniforms and say we are soldiers, we are saying that our identities are no longer individual, but we are united with Christ to bring His love into some very loveless places of our world.  When we say we are soldiers, it means we are saved to serve, and we are saved to save.

soldiersIt’s more than just a uniform.
It’s more than just a covenant or a soldiership enrollment paper that we sign.
This mission, this movement – we become the very hands of feet of Christ if we do it properly.  Improperly, we join the throngs of clanging noise of the world that leave little impact and change on humanity.  The choice – this choice to be a soldier of Christ is ours to make.

So…what will it be?
Something more for our Army world to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

Disclaimer:  “The opinions and thoughts expressed here on Pastorsponderings do not necessarily always reflect the opinions and thoughts of The Salvation Army.  Reader discretion is advised.“

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Sermon Podcast -“He Has A Photograph of You!”

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Sermon Podcast –

Scripture Reading -Luke 19:1-10
1-4 Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by.  5-7 When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?”

8 Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.”

9-10 Jesus said, “Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.”

Sermon Notes: “He Has A Photograph Of You!”
Key Verses for today – Luke 19:1-10, Isaiah 49:16-18

3 Lessons From Zacchaeus:

1) It Doesn’t Matter Who We Are or Where You’ve Been/What you’ve done!

2) Jesus Sought Him Out – He Seeks Us Out Too!

3) An Encounter With Jesus Changes Everything!

Need Additional Convincing?

Read –

Isaiah 49:16
“Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I’d never forget you—never. Look, I’ve written your names on the backs of my hands.”

-Does it help to know that God has your name written on his hand?
-No matter where you are or where you’ve been, He seeks you out and STILL loves you!
-You are on God’s heart – He Keeps A Photograph of you!

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Death Wish Coffee Review

I drink  a lot of coffee…I enjoy my coffee too!!
I love the coffee, it’s my wake up juice…my sweet nectar, elixir of life…mmm
…okay, I digress.

I just returned from a pastor’s conference (which was a wonderful time!)…When I got back to my office, I discovered an amazon box smiling on my seat.  The contents?  A black box containing a bag of Death Wish Coffee, which  also included a nice DWC sticker (which now is prominently placed on my computer…next to the apple sticker…covering up an HP logo).
I was so surprised and excited to try this coffee!
I’ve thought about ordering it before…it’s been on my amazon wish list for a while now, so receiving it in the mail from an anonymous friend seemed too good to be true.   A few of my friends commented that maybe it was sent to me maliciously (haha – I don’t think so). Again – a big thank you to whoever you are that sent me this coffee…and so I felt compelled to do this review, so here goes!!

Death Wish Coffee can be purchased through Amazon (hyperlinked here), or directly from Death Wish Coffee (hyperlinked here)
Death Wish Coffee is advertised as “the world’s strongest coffee”, I’m always curious about these type of claims, so I read up on them.  Here’s a good, comprehensive test of DWC by HuffingtonPost’s Crime and Weird News Editor Andy Campbell – Death Wish Coffee: ‘World’s Strongest’ Cup Claim Put To The Test

My experience was similar to Andy’s – The coffee is smoother than most dark roasts (or, in my opinion, ALL of them!!)  that I’ve tasted.  It didn’t have a bitter taste either – which is truly amazing, and something that I was surprised by!  I enjoyed my cups, which were French-pressed.  Supposedly DWC beans have 200% more caffeine than normal Arabica coffee…and I did notice more of a caffeine buzz afterwards.  Would I recommend this coffee?  YES.  But, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, please don’t buy this bean.   Although I didn’t get “the shakes” from this coffee, I did notice the caffeine affects on my body…and, are my pupils dilated right now?

Long story short – good coffee, no skunky after-taste, more caffeine with these beans.
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Preaching:  What If We’re Doing It Wrong?

I don’t mean to pry.  This is more for my benefit.  This is a pondering of my own heart.  

What if I’ve been going about preaching all wrong?  

What if it should look more like a Ted Talk and less like a full-on Fire and Brimestone message?  

What if I spoke those words not to convince and manipulate, but instead attempted to tell stories about life…like Jesus did with parables?  Maybe I’ve been going about it all wrong.  Maybe I can change.  Maybe it’s not too late.  Maybe…

Perhaps, instead of over-complicating the text of the Bible, I made it pure…and simple.  It isn’t complicated.  It isn’t convoluted, or an opportunity to attack “those people”…

Maybe, just maybe – WE can come back to the simple message of Christ, of grace, and of our need for salvation.  

Note to self…Keep It Simple Stupid!  

Something more to ponder. 

 

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Pondering – “Does God Need Us?”

I recently read a blog article from one of my friends that was entitled “Does God Need Us?” Timothy McPherson’s blog site is – http://latitudinarismus.blogspot.com/

Does God Need Us?
That question reverberated in my heart.
It sent me wandering down unknown corridors of my life…places I’ve been afraid to go, or afraid to ask such questions.   It caught me off guard, and yet it has been a question that has been rolling around in my head for sometime now.

A follow-up question that I’ve wondered too is “Have I inflated my opinion of myself?” work
I often ponder this.
I am curious if you’re at all like me…if this comes to the surface of your life as well.
I wonder if we see the ourselves in a much different light than God sees us?
Do we think too highly of ourselves?
How big are our egos? – an honest/gut-checking question that seems to knock the wind out of us every time.

Micah 6:8 sets us straight – “…and to walk humbly with Thy God…”

Ego Kicked To The Curb…
curbI am not a biblical scholar by any means, but I know that within my heart  God certainly doesn’t need us.  My control over circumstances and situations give ME power.  My job, my ministry, the words I am writing right now…in the grand scheme of things, carries very little weight in comparison to a mighty Creator who SPOKE the Universe into being.

 

So…Does God need me (You)?  
Did He need me (You) when he loosed a flood upon the wicked and saved a small family in an ark with a whole lot of livestock? -No.
Did He need me (You) when He guided a ruddy youth to slay a giant Philistine?  -No.
Did He need me (You) when He sent His only Son into the world? -No.
Did He need me (You) when the day of  Pentecost came? -No.
Does He need us now?  No.
If that doesn’t deflate our egos, I don’t know what will.

BUT, perhaps an appropriate follow-up question is –
Does God long to commune and fellowship with His Creation?
And the answer is ABSOLUTELY!  -YES!!!

God doesn’t need us –
To advertise His goodness.
To convince sinners of their sinfulness and of God’s grace.
To do “Church” work for Him.
To win souls…
To play the best music we can possibly play…
To write the best prose we can about Him…

God doesn’t need us to do all of these things.
He doesn’t have to use our pitiful offerings or our “best foot forward”..(sorry)
All of these things can become arbitrary, routine, and pointless if we forget why we are “doing” these things in the first place.

God’s first request is for us is to “Be Holy as He is holy” (Lev 11:44)
Perhaps it’s not so much about God needing us as it is about us BEING like Him.
He could do without us…

God longs for our fellowship.
God wants our hearts, our lives, our moment by moment experiences, our joys AND our deepest darkest cliff-hanger moments…He wants to journey along with us.  After all “Emmanuel” means “God with us”.  Proverbs 18:24 says, “…but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Does God need us?  No.
But does God long for our fellowship and our constant connection with Him? -Yes.
This is where grace starts.
This is where God comes to OUR pitiful level…all because of love.
Were it not for His grace – none of this would matter.
None of our flowery speeches, or our eloquent rituals…nothing places us in His presence…nothing we can do is ever good enough.  Thus grace entered.  Thus Christ took our shame.  Thus life instead of death.  Thus hope instead of utter despair.

No God doesn’t need us…but we need Him.
O how we need Him!

Thank you for the reminder!
Something more to ponder today!

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Dear Salvationist, A Prayer For The Weary

drumDear Soldier,

allow me to pray for you today.
Prayer is a powerful weapon of spiritual warfare – that can become underutilized and sometimes disregarded except for moments of greatest need.  We need you, dear soldier!  You are important to this mission – if this mission is written upon your heart and you have given yourself solely to God for His service/and the service of others!

Please allow me to pray for you and your small corner right now:

Lord, you know the soldier’s heart.
You know the war that wages within our communities, both seen and unseen.
We ask that you be with our corps around the world.
We also pray for our leaders both near and far away.
We know that without you we can do nothing!
But with you all things are possible!
Help us when we are tired, weary, worn and discouraged.
Grant to us your strength to carry on.
Illuminate your word and make it shine within our hearts.
Break us, mold us, renew us, Dear Lord.
Strengthen us for the tasks which seem insurmountable.
Lift our heads when we are brought low by circumstances around us.
Remind us that we are your people, sons and daughters of the Most High!
Father, we wish to honor you, continue to teach us your ways.
We long to reflect you, Dear Lord,  both in word and deed.
May we practice what we preach daily – minute by minute.
Lord make us holy – help us to reflect Christ in joy and suffering.
May we continue to be kingdom people – not building our kingdoms
but yours and yours alone.
As soldiers gather throughout the world – help us in our efforts as we feed the hungry, clothe and shelter the homeless, the orphaned and the impoverished.
May this fight for social justice in our world (both near and far) not be about what this mighty Army can do, but what You can do through faithful people.
Lord, lift our heads
We will give you glory in all things!
So be it.
Amen.

**Please continue to pray for me, and if you would like to be prayed for specifically, feel free to leave a message here on private message me and you will be prayed for!**

Dear Soldier,
Fight on…the war is far from over!

Something more for our army to ponder and pray about today.
To God be the glory!

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Sermon Podcast – “Stories of Healing”

Healed

Luke 8:43-48New International Version (NIV)

43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years,[a] but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” 47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed.48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

Story Notes – “Stories of healing”

1.  Jesus understands our hurts

2.  Faith can bring clarity, healing and hope!

3.  With God ALL things are possible!

4.  What are the wounds in your life that require God’s touch today?

Further Questions
1) Have I truly laid these wounds at Jesus’ feet?

2) Do I believe God can heal me through and through?

3)  Who are those that are burdened in my life that need hope today?

4) How can I be Christ to them?

Homework:
Message me a photo or bring in a photo next week that tells a special story to you!  We need your help to share in a very special way next Sunday!!

 

 

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