I found this picture online and had to laugh. Honestly, it's probably more for me than you. I get asked to complete surveys all the time (denominational life, pastoral, spiritual inventory, etc.). It seems to be the way our nation works from the political arena to church life.
The most recent survey that I responded to was used to gauge the role of a pastor in the local church, how the pastor viewed things such as discipleship and spiritual maturity, and our view on the role of the local church. I believe the survey was to help generate materials that would be helpful in equipping pastors but I have to wonder if it is gauging where the church lines up with a traditional view of church life.
***Living with Realistic Expectations***
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone about areas where you are trusting God and they try to convince you not to have unrealistic expectations? Here's what I'm discovering: As long as you are believing God for something that only He can do, then you are not living with unrealistic expectations. According to God's Word, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for...evidence of things unseen..." Jesus said, "With God all things are possible." We live with unrealistic expectations when we are expecting God to do what He has told us to do or believing God for something that He has ALREADY provided.
***Is you Faith Comfortable?***
I had a conversation with a friend today where we discussed the willingness to allow God to change our beliefs. It seems that far too many people are only willing to remain comfortable in what they believe rather than allow God to share His view and opinion. A comfortable faith says "I will tow the line", "I will stay within my denominational/traditional beliefs", or "I absolutely refuse to consider what other Christian groups believe." In fact, I have seen many people take a militant approach to ensure that nothing allow them to be swayed by other groups. I think it's time to allow the Holy Spirit to be our teacher once again.
***If it is broke - FIX IT!!!***
My grandfather (and probably yours) had an old saying, "If it ain't broke then don't fix it." But what if it is broke? Much of the data I have seen over the last few years indicate that churches are not growing in most major denominations. While you think this would cause denominational leaders to scramble for answers and seeks solutions, most of them simply repackage what they are already doing. The results of our inability to see outside our denominational boxes means that we continue to see the same thing. As Albert Einstein once said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again expecting different results."
***Are we the children of Adam?***
Yes...but the question that you have to answer is "which Adam?" According to Romans 5 everyone under the 1st Adam were brought under condemnation. Jesus became the 2nd Adam and He brings life!!! Jesus (2nd Adam) became the 1st of a new species of humanity. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Anyone in Christ is a NEW creation..." (an unheard of, uncommon, and unprecedented creation). God created in Christ a whole new race of people that He has been reconciled unto. Hear the words of Paul: "And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but we have the free gift of being accepted by God, even though we are guilty of many sins." What an exchange!!!
***Final Thoughts***
If spiritual gifts were to cease then why does Paul instruct the Corinthian Church (and all who would read his letter) "not to despise prophecy and do not forbid speaking in tongues"?
Why is that people will give an incredible amount of grace to a lost person who fails miserably but heap judgement and condemnation upon a saved person who fails?
When did Christianity become the religious wing of the Republican party? And when did Jesus become the figure head for liberalism? According to Ephesians 3:10, "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms". It seems to me that God wants to change the world through the church and NOT a political party.
Thanks for letting me ramble. Have a blessed day!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment