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.
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.
Sounds like such an awesome idea. How wonderful it owuld be to be able to worship together with fellow Christians in out community and be able to put all divisive issues aside. Mike, you have a heart for God and are such an inspiration to me! May God truly bless you, Linda, Lauren and Lindsey throughout this holiday season. Many blessings in the years to come.
ReplyDeleteKathryn
Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you so much and will keep you in the loop as the planning for this event takes place. I can only imagine God will show us something as great as Elijah when he felt all alone and God told him of all those who had not bowed to Baal. I look forward to seeing a myriad of Christians join for communion in 2010 and the name we meet behind on Sunday morning will not matter when we come together to remember the greatest sacrifice of all time. May you be blessed by God in 2010!