Should We Look Like The First Century Church?

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22 NIV

I have just a few comments before Christmas and the end of the year. We finished a great series of lessons on the seven churches described in Revelation last night and as we were coming to a close, I realized how far off the path we have probably taken ourselves with a desire to replicate the church of the first century. In fact, I have come to the conclusion that if anyone from the first century was to recognize and feel "right at home" in our gatherings, we have most likely been a failure to God.

It is a simple question to ask but what have we become so that the message will be heard about our savior? In the year 2010 should we really be 33 A.D. Christians or should we be current with all of the 2010 scenario to be effective.

As I came into the holidays, I played in several performances that glorified the Lord of Lords and yet my fellowship was only casually involved as audience members to the work of others. I was pleased to see many of my congregation active at the Refuge along side the Baptist church in providing some Christmas joy but I am still saddened to see a few people desiring for no change within our congregation. It is as if some are simply saying, "I don't care about the lost" if it means I have to do anything different from what I have been doing my whole life.

Yes, it is sad , but the tradition of the Church of Christ in most places is still more important than the will of Christ in our lives. I am encouraged by those I see beginning to push the edge of their comfort zone and make advances for becoming anything needed so that we might bring the message of salvation to some. In 2010 I look forward to our congregation making a complete break from the bondage of tradition and moving forward in a manner glorifying Christ.

One thing planned for 2010 is already in the primitive planning stages as I contact other religious leaders in the Deer Park community. The plan is for us to have a Great Communion for Deer Park. I have already visited with another leader from another church in our community and we will be inviting other to plan this event for 2010. The idea will be to invite everyone calling themselves Christian to join together and partake of the wine and bread together as we remember and glorify God as brother and sister. For this one day, we will be united as one only behind our savior and not any of the denominational names declaring the "division" of God's church today. When visiting on this topic I have already been told of some who will not participate and my answer was that all will be invited and those who don't want to participate will not stop us.

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hopefully we will all glorify God more in the year He has planned for us.

Missing Out On God

During the past couple of weeks, I have been considering how many opportunities to connect spiritually with God have been missed. Over the years, I have played many pageants and Christmas programs for various churches and been part of an offering to those who sat in the audience. Most of the time, I was focused on trying to perfect my part in the whole orchestration and I never really considered every aspect of what was taking place during the offering (specifically of a spiritual nature).

This past Friday and Saturday I was playing with the Clear Lake Symphony and while I always enjoy the music, I looked up on the screen and took in the words of the selections we were playing. The setting of words to so many of the songs really spoke to me and when talking to those in the audience, I discovered how edified they were from the musical performance offered. I also realized those in the churches of Christ have never edified or lifted those who have souls called to life through music.

The rules and regulations fabricated by men in my heritage held all of those things important to my spritual health as sinful and deviant to honest Christianity. The saddest aspect of this realization comes from having played so much music written to glorify and honor God and those people not capable of seeing the value of the selections written. These musicans spend their lives with a single purpose of reaching the core of our spiritual needs with music to honor God and lift us to a position in our lives where we can be used to the glory of God.

I would guess I find myself in a position of needing prayers because my heart wants to respond in hate to those who do not have the ability to recognize the working of God in these musicians and allow them to meet the needs of so many brothers and sisters needing edification. Effectively, those who have taken the leadership away from Christ have made decisions for Christ and negatively impacted the health of our Lord's body.

I am glad to have passed the point of condemnation for those glorifying God with their gift of music and look forward to every opportunity I have to share the opportunities I know of in my life with others. Those looking for an opportunity only have to look to those churches in your area this week who are offering every sort of Christmas celebration to the community. I will be playing at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston this weekend but I notice signs on nearly every church I pass acknowledging special plans to help those in the community celebrate the gift of salvation given so many years ago in the form of a baby.

I mentioned one thing causing saddness but I think the greatest spear thrown at our Christianity almost daily by those claiming to have everything right and do everything right, is the spear telling others that Satan is responsible all of the music bringing Glory to God and obviously taking us all to hell.

Enjoy your Christmas season because I have missed too many!