How many comparisons could we make between how things were in 1611 vs. how they are today- 2006? In 1611, there were no cars, no planes, and no computers. Only the privileged could read. Copernicus had passed on startling information about our universe to Galileo Galilei, and Isaac Newton was yet to be born. We were just beginning to come into some deep understandings about how the universe worked. And before much of what we knew today had been discovered, King James was telling 54 men that they needed to get a Bible put together that printing presses could make thousands of copies. Continue reading ‘1611 Or 2006?’
Monthly Archive for November, 2006
The Bible, in all translations that I have read, says that God is love. Jesus, as His only begotten Son, tells us about a Father who is love, full of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. And at all the end zones of football games, the TV can pick up that famous John 3:16 sign. For God so loved the WORLD that He gave His Son….”. And how I love God’s reminder in Romans 8:38 that NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING, can separate me (and you) from the LOVE of God! Yeah! Go God! Continue reading ‘“God Is Love”, But……….?’
People get really excited when God shows up. Maybe they get too excited and its really not God at all? Anyway when God’s omni presence turns into manifested presence, stuff can truly happen. It’s amazing though how quickly any semblence of a move of God can be made into a formula, the building of a monument as a remembrance, or the establishment of a sacred cow. Continue reading ‘Mad Cow Disease’
Most are not aware that the first general council of the church was early in the fourth century in a city located in Asia Minor. Most have heard of the Nicean Creed, especially if you’re Catholic. It was to be followed by the Apostles Creed and many others. Groups are still meeting today to hammer our creeds, statements of believe, doctrinal theses, and other such facts that do nothing to help us live! Continue reading ‘Tell Me What’s Really Important!’
You can hear a pin drop in many places where Christians go looking for prey; otherwise known as converts. Those same places are usually clean as well, nothing like the Biblical mention of “messes being where the action is”. Too much of the church has still not understood that “in but not of” principle found in the gospel of John. I’m not saying the job is easy; however, it is the calling. So, like it or not, we have to mix with the world and pray for God to keep our hearts pure in the process. Continue reading ‘Empty Ivory Towers’
What do you think happens when 140,000 give their life to Jesus and then a year later, none claim Him as their svaior and there isn’t a church in the country? I wonder if that story is true? I’ve heard of the nation where it was to have happened (in Africa). But then, when Billy Graham believes the majority of the people that make a public confession of faith at his evangelism happenings, it could probably happen. Of course there’s always this question. What is salvation anyway? Is it just repeating a few words before a minister, pastor, or church official? Unfortunately that’s what it’s become in most churches in America. Continue reading ‘Saved But Not Discipled?’
I wished I knew how God wanted us to do “church” these days. I’m open to anything God wants to do and I am experimenting as fast as I think those who are following will allow. I simply do not think the 45 minute lecture every Sunday is what God wants- at least not as a steady diet. We’ve been doing it that way far too long with far less results than we should see. It’s the old lab vs. lecture concept. It can’t be just one, but finding the balance isn’t easy. And it’s probably impossible for a church of 500+. Continue reading ‘Is God In The House?’
The 39 hour Rite Of Calling , fast, sharing, teaching, and time of solitude was more than interesting and revealing. I’ve seen quick-fixes. I’ve lived quick repentances, and seen them leave just as quickly. As one man testified before the church today, “I’ve been touched by God, but this time I was transformed by the truth”. The true always set us free. The problem is that we don’t know what that truth really is. I am afraid we have drifted too much into decades of tradition, man-made doctrines, and practices that blind us to the truth. Isn’t it time for another Martin Luther to come forward and get us “jump-started” again? Continue reading ‘Luther Time?’
Sunday, November 19, 2006 — How we respond to the world is a result of who we have become in our heart. There is a healing power in love that we’ve not yet fully realized. Jesus overcame the world and overcame death because of His love. Can you see that? Love is the ultimate power of the universe because love is God: God is love! Ponder it.
We Are Doing It!
There is absolutely no arrogance in what I am about to write; however, there is much pride (the good kind) and humility in what many of the people at LRC are allowing and doing. Many have agreed to join in a journey that is much like the ancient story, “The Quest For The Grail“. I don’t know how far down the road we can go, but I want to personally go as far as I can so that I might be an example: a good thing for any leader to do you know.
What began almost exactly two years ago, that was not know at that time, is now quite evident to me. To say that I am grateful that God has allowed and protected many in this journey is an understatement. Too often we look for God to come and “zap” us; an epiphany or an experience that propels us into greatness. And too often we forget the role we play in setting the table for an opportunity for God to work. Continue reading ‘We Are Doing It!’