Some Things Gotta Change

There are a lot of things that make a church tick. The more I listen - especially to those that have complaints, the more I see things have got to change. As we transition from the old religious way of doing things, to a spirit led body that is able to respond to the the commands of Jesus and the needs of a region, the church has some adjusting to do - a new wine skin if you will.

I also hear talk of revival, but even passionate believers with charismatic magnetism need to have a plan; a method of working that accomplishes the deeds of Heaven. It cannot be a legalistic framework, but must be a living breathing organism that can adapt to the changing needs of the church, and the surrounding community.

I talk a lot about what the church must do to jettison religious paradigms. Today I thought I would spell it out with opposites in no particular order.

Knowing about God	Knowing God
Services	Spirit Led Meetings
Programs	Spirit Led Teaching
Pastor-centric Cells	5-Fold Equipped Elders
Efforts of Man	Works of God
Believe-ism	Faith
Clergy Dominated	Participating Communities
Leader/CEO	Team Led
Religious Meeting Oriented	Highly Relational
Attending Church	Being the Church
Member Focused	Community Focused
Cloning	Staffing for Weaknesses
Controlling	Release
Talent	Gifting
Congregations	City Church
Corporate Structure	Biblical Structure
Back Room Meetings	Full Financial Disclosure
Talk	Walk
Spectatorship	Participation (Believers Ministry)
Sloppy Agape	Accountability
Leading	Mentoring
Decisions	Disciples
Natural	Supernatural

I'd be interested in what you think - but if you don't comment, at least vote.

Are You Listening? - How About Those Saints!

Sarah Palin was the main speaker at TEA Party convention in Nashville over the weekend. No matter what you think of Sarah Palin or the TEA Party movement (personally I am mixed over both), here are the messages you don't want to overlook.

Many are familiar with the saying: Neither a borrower nor a lender be, and some attribute it to the Bible, but it is a quote from Shakespeare. The Bible is clearer on the issue. "...the borrower is a slave to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7).

If the Bible is true, we have become slaves to China and other foreign investors. If you don't believe that, just look at the manufacturing labels next time you are in Wal*Mart. Unbridled consumerism in the US has forced manufacturers to secure the cheapest labor they can find. The past prosperity and easy credit only fueled the competition. Had we had tariffs in place to level the economic playing field, the bubble of economic happiness would have been much smaller.

Our country is trillions of dollars in debt and the message to states and the Feds is: STOP spending what we don't have!

Even after the State of the Union speech, that message doesn't appear to be something that resonates with Washington. In November, Americans will vote to extend terms or replace many in the US Congress. The economy and out-of-control spending will most likely have a referendum. As a Christian, I hope to vote for those that will cut the deficit, just like my wife and I have to in our personal finances.

Part two of the message was National Security. After hearing this: "An attempted attack, the priority is certain, I would say." Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair. (MORE) Apparently more needs to be done to secure America. Beyond the politics, the spin and rhetoric, doesn't it seem reasonable that we get our act together in terms of the State Department, CIA, FBI and NHS? As a Christian-American and human being, I prefer security over insecurity and war.

The current administration (that is the one that can do something - and the blame Bush credits are all used up MORE) needs to rethink their noble peace initiative. It appears to me, that Washington does not believe that we have a problem with domestic terrorism. I am sure that would have changed if the Underwear Bomber had succeeded in doing more than burning his crotch. (I am so tempted to make an off color comment.)

Part three of the message was accountability, responsibility, and policy over politics. As Christians, and now, finally, it seems as Americans, we need to vote for people that will do what they say regardless of their party affiliations. We should be praying, and looking for godly wisdom, not having "Christian sounding opinions."

And finally, Palin said "If there is hope for Massachusetts (voting for Republican/Independent Scott Brown) then there is hope for the Nation.

In November we have a chance to put things back on track. Regardless of the promises of man, we have the promises of Heaven. As Christians we can work for biblical principals without choosing parties, titles, labels, and wings. We can be strategic about who we support, and we can say NO when needed. Our views, and our votes, are not to benefit us personally, but to promote the Kingdom of God.

Won't it be a great day in the US when an election turns the course of this nation to a more biblically influenced society, and we can say, "how about those Saints?"

Even if you don't comment, please vote below.

OK, So You Really Hate Organized Church - Then What?

Some folks are really sick of church and don't even want to go any longer. For many, it is irrelevant and life-draining. Engaging with God and his people no longer seems worth the effort.

If you are not attending church regularly, how would you answer the following question?

Church is _____________ and that is why I don't go.
A. Boring (I'd rather watch Good Morning America or Yo MTV Raps.)
B. Unfriendly and Hurtful (To hard to make meaningful friends and feel significant to leadership.)
C. Too Intellectual (All Word and no Spirit)
D. Doesn't Believe What I Believe (Not biblical, or too literal.)
E. All of the Above

Let's say you are one who has refrained from doing the Top 10 Stupidest Things Christians Do, you are pretty serious about Jesus with a strong foundation, but just can't stomach another church service for one or more of the above reasons. What do you do then? Good question.

Possibly you have weathered a desert experience and you still love Jesus, do some praying, listen to worship music, read the Word and give when you can. On the outside you say, isn't that enough? On the inside, you KNOW there's more.

Are you are looking for something refreshing and invigorating? Do you believe God for a drink of living water?


I have written a lot about what's wrong in the church, but today I am going to look forward, and try to provide a framework for what I believe God can use to dig a well - hopefully where you live.

To have a significant church that expresses the fullness of Christ, YOU need vision, perseverance, an apostolic plan (good blog outlining what that is) and some passion to reform your thinking too (I wrote about the HERE).

Let's get started with some bullet points.
- Tag, you're it! You are the church. Some churches are just 2 people and Jesus, others are big and have buildings. Your local church expression depends on you.
- If you can't find a church that God wants you at, then start a new one.
- You need to have vision. What's going to make your new church different from all the rest? (The answer has to be, by following Jesus.)
- The best foundation for a church is the one laid out in Ephesians 4. To get going you'll need prophetic revelation and some sort of apostolic plan - but without good pastoring, teaching and evangelism, you church will not grow to be healthy.
- No one needs titles and it is not necessary to select elders and deacons etc. These roles will fill themselves with prayerful consideration, right-sized egos and godly timing.
- You need to identify your role. You CANNOT be a do-it-all pastor. You will need to surround yourself with at least a few others (eventual elders) to have a balanced team. Staff for your weaknesses, don't try to clone yourself!

Remember, personal burden + previous and current revelation + God's timing = New Church Plant.

Check list for gifting - how do YOU fit in:
- If you have a heart for people's spiritual and physical needs, that's pastoral
- If you have a heart for the lost, that's evangelistic.
- If you just seem to know what God is doing, and have a proven track record, that's prophetic.
- If you have a heart for the church to be functioning on all cylinders and making disciples, that's apostolic.
- If you have a heart for the Word of God, that's teaching.

So what are the elements of the plan?
-1 Vision: A vision that comes from God, and is practical - outside the box is always good if it is God. It is best to write it down, pray over it, and look for a few individuals that feel that God is in it. If you need clearer vision, find the person that you know who always has good ideas about church, and see if they can get some folks to come together. The vision must end up relieving the personal burden, be doable, and most of all has to be God. (Apostolic)

-2 Direction: You need to identify steps that will get you moving towards the fulfillment of the vision. Some will be very practical, but others will need to be by revelation. How will you choose one location over another? How will the vision be accomplished when obstacles arise? You need supernatural wisdom and revelation. (Prophetic)

-3 Meeting Community Needs: The most important reason for a local church is so that folks in your local can experience Jesus, his love, and become His disciples; hopefully replicating the vision over and over. (Pastoral)

The church must begin to meet the personal and spiritual needs of the community - not the religious fascinations of a few.

Here is the point in which a church is established - when 2 or more come together in His name. There are lots of practical things to be done: Format for the services; 1 Corinthians is a good place to start, meeting places, buildings, tax issues, worship team etc. I am a big fan of leadership getting paid, but never by salary. Love offerings are the way to go. (Pastoral)

-4 Reaching the Lost: A new church will probably attract other Christians at first, but beware, the purpose of church is ultimately to preach the Gospel message and reach the lost. There are lots of opinions on how the first year should go in a church plant, but all the members need to be looking for opportunities to share the gospel. (Evangelism) No church is going to survive without reaching the lost. God is not looking to create another Christian Ghetto for unsatisfied believers from other churches to hop to - He wants to reap the harvest.

-5 Teaching: All disciples will need to be taught. There are some folks that are excellent teachers, and they are not always pastors. The 5-Fold ministers are mandated to equip the others, while the teachers will bring insightful teaching to many aspects of the Christian life from relationship to marriage, addiction, victory and supporting doctrine.

The 5-fold roles will initially be the elders of the church. Eventually, the prophet and apostle will be moved on to another work in another location. The maturing church will probably replace them with additional teachers, evangelists or pastors. The apostle and prophet will hopefully have built a meaningful rapport with the pastor, and his resident elder-ship of evangelist(s) and teachers(s). In the same way that Paul the apostle wrote letters, they will keep in touch, be prayerful and supportive as the Lord sees fit.

The apostolic process is exciting - well, for the apostolic types. For everyone else it is a real adventure in faith.

Are you with me? Tell me what you think! And if you don't comment, at least vote!

There is much more about this HERE.

Til' Death Do Us Part - The Living Sacrifice

In the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake, if you are like me, you had some strong feelings. On one hand there are folks suffering - many have died and not all them quickly - that's torture. All this, while the US plays out Katrina, the Sequel, as its bloated bureaucratic engine inches forward.

The media spends time a lot of time finding the "worst" and the "best" of stories, but on the ground, things stink for Haitians - really stink.

Another story that caught my attention in the midst of the turmoil, was this one: US Baptists charged with Haiti child abduction face 15 years in jail. Wow! A group of nicey-nice church folks go down to do some good, and end up in prison - and even if not convicted, they could spend three months in jail while the Haitian judge makes up his mind regarding their fate.

Let me take a minute to describe what I think is going on here. As previously stated, things on the ground are unbelievably difficult, the media is making money reporting pain and suffering and an occasional "miracle" rescue, while the Christians are going in to help in practical and humanitarian ways; along with a host of others. Hopefully the Christians were there to pray as well as serve. I don't know anything about them.

How are they going to get out of there, back to their families, jobs and American life? I can tell you the media isn't cutting them any slack.

"I believe that religious beliefs have no privileged status in a democratic society." Jonathan Sacks

I have traveled quite a bit on short-term missions, some even after 9/11. Other countries are not the US, that I am sure of. There are a lot of bashers out there who don't like it here in the US. I am not a fan of the present regime, but this is home. I feel safe in many ways.

So will the Haitian government get these folks who were probably not doing anything wrong - stupid - but not with any ill intent - home? I don't know. It's hard to tell in the media because they bash Christians enough where we might not ever see the back story.

Here is what I do know, and Christians of everywhere should be aware of it.

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Let me be cliche - there is no testimony without a test.

It seems rather romantic to head off to another country and do the work of God. As Americans, many of us have those kind of resources. Missions, or any work we do for God, is not just some nicey-nice religious activity. It is an assault on the Kingdom of Darkness. (Matthew 11:12) The people of God are meant to be light in a dark place - and dark places are sometimes dangerous. Missions are not vacations - yet, we may enjoy many things about them. God has a plan.

Satan? He plays for keeps. You should remind yourself of that fact.

Prison, although not a normal part of life for American Christians, is certainly part of the deal.

Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.

Will you pray for those in prison for the sake for the Gospel? Or maybe you'll join me on a trip.

What do you think, would you be cool with God if you ended up in prison as a living sacrifice - well, long enough for you to lose your job, possibly your home and end up in ruin?

What Do Teenagers and the Church Have In Common?

Urban Dictionary defines "teenager" - 1. Someone who has everything but appreciates nothing. 2. People who get no respect and are looked down upon because some of them are idiots. 3. Social animals that rebel and dress exactly like their peers. 4. Children between the ages of 13 and 19 who's brains are not fully developed, and who are prone to hormonal mood swings and disrespectful behavior. 5. Kids that speak something as foreign as Chinese which can only be translated by other kids.

I think about the church a lot while I am wasting an hour of my life each day to eat a lunch that I can gulp down in 45 seconds - leaving me 59:15 seconds left to blog if I don't wash my hands. (I have hand sanitizer and the bathroom is 3 city blocks away.)

Urban Dictionary defines "church" - 1. A place that brainwashes people. 2. A cure for insomnia. 3. A group of people that gossip about each other behind their backs. 4. That thing with the stuff where they tell all those lies. 5. Somewhere you are forced to go on Sunday mornings. See also torture and suicide. 6. A place people go up to several times a week so they can feel good about themselves for being brainwashed into giving a percentage of their hard-earned paycheck to an invisible man that pays no taxes, yet never has enough money. 7. A building people gather in once a week to compare clothes.

I suppose that most of the definitions are not true everywhere - but for sure, they are true some where. Isn't that what makes stereotypes funny (and damaging); people being grouped together by a common feature, action or characteristic?

Church is, of course, the body of believers. Wherever two or three come together, Jesus said, that's church. I also think that because the church is Spirit, that you are the church. When you go out today to do whatever you do, you are an ambassador for Christ - that is the church.

We need to get past the concept of going to church and start being the church.

I recently read an excerpt from a book by a Chinese believer. He spoke of missionaries that came to preach the gospel in China, some giving their lives for the sake of Christ. After he left China, he first went to Germany and then the US, expecting western churches to have the same passion as those that came to minister in his homeland. He was shocked that "free" nations did not enjoy the deep presence of God as he had experienced back home.

He made a few observations - see if it fits.

SLEEPING CHURCH, AWAKE!
by Brother Yun

"From the start I understood that part of the reason God had allowed me to leave China was to help the sleeping Western church wake up!

Excerpts from chapter 17 of "Living Water."

Sleeping Church, Awake!

Before I left China in 1997, I had a very positive impression of Western Christianity. The missionaries who had come to China were very godly men and women. They put up with much opposition, and hundreds spilled their blood on Chinese soil for the sake of the gospel.

After I arrived in Germany, I was placed in a refuge facility while the government processed my application to stay. Every Sunday during those months, I walked to a Lutheran church in the neighborhood. I couldn't understand a word of German, and nobody in the church knew who I was, but I faithfully sat there each Sunday and observed the strange goings-on.

The pastor climbed up into his elevated pulpit, while the congregation of four or five old women watched. He seemed to be carrying heavy burdens, and there was no joy or life in his face. He would read a prayer from a book and then preach for a while. I took the opportunity to try to mimic his words so that I might get used to this strange new language.

As soon as the service ended, the pastor rushed to the door so that he could shake the hands of the five or six of us who attended. I was very grieved by this whole strange process. It was clear that the pastor and his small flock all came to the meetings carrying the burdens of the world on their backs, and they all went home in exactly the same condition. I had grown up in the midst of revival in China, so it was a severe shock to me.

Later I realized that not all churches in Germany or the West were quite as bad as this initial experience, but the true presence of Jesus is missing in most of them. Some churches might play louder music or appear energetic and joyful on the outside, but this does not necessarily mean they have the presence of Jesus in their hearts any more than the old Lutheran church. Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20-21).

After being granted refuge status by the German authorities in 1998, the Lord started to open doors for me to minister around Europe and then in different parts of the world. From the start I understood that part of the reason God had allowed me to leave China was to help the sleeping Western church wake up! The message the Christians need to hear is the same that Jesus told the church in Sardis: "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent" (Rev. 3:1-3).

A sleeping church can never reach a lost world ... The time is short, and it will not do for Christians to continue to play games while millions of people around us are perishing and going to hell. ... A spiritually dull church or believer is a poor witness for the living, resurrected Jesus. A church is meant to be a training center and command hub for war, not a social club for pleasantries and hypocrisy, where people give lip service to Christ, while refusing to obey His commands. Not only does God want you to wake up, but He has work for you to do.

It's time to wake up! "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Eph. 5:14).

There are more than 2,000,000,000 professing Christians in the world today. Think about that: two thousand million people who say they follow Jesus Christ! That is a staggering number.

So why then are there still so many needy countries and areas of spiritual darkness in the world today?The problem lies in the kind of Christianity practiced by the majority of believers today. For countless millions of people, following Jesus is little more than a cultural experience. Joining a church means little more than joining a social club where they can meet new people and exchange pleasantries about inconsequential matters. If the Bible is read at all, it is from a sense of duty rather than as a part of relationship with its real, vibrant and life-changing Author.

Jesus is often portrayed as a historical figure who died on the cross and as a future figure who will one day come again, but few Christians really, genuinely walk with Jesus today, sharing their dreams, fears and concerns with Him as a lover and friend. Millions of believers around the world are bound by legalism. Obeying man-made rules has become more important than taking the hand of God and walking with Him in the cool of the evening. The Christian life has become an endurance test, and all traces of life and joy have long since evaporated!

Brothers and sisters, don't be deceived; such a bound church will never be able to save any souls for the kingdom of God. They will only respond when they are confronted with the truth and grace of God's Word as revealed in the lives of true disciples of Jesus who have given up all they have to follow Him.

There are more than enough "believers" in the world today. God wants more disciples! Only disciples of Jesus can ever hope to impact the nations for God.

Prior to the 1950's, most Christians in China were also mere "believers" in Christ, and when the heat of affliction came on, many fell away from the faith. Others, however, became serious about God and decided to follow Him regardless of the cost. They were gradually transformed into disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Today most Christians in China's house churches are disciples.

True disciples are often misunderstood. They are viewed as unstable fanatics. Often the same governments that tolerate the existence of mere believers will stop at no end to completely eradicate any disciples from within their borders.

"Believers" try to follow God, but their prayers and commitment are clouded with indecisiveness. ... "Believers" always seek assurance that nothing will go wrong if they step out for Jesus. Only when they are convinced that the coast is clear and no harm will befall them are they willing to take their first step! If they ever hear the King's call to go somewhere and do something for the sake of the kingdom, they feel they need extra encouragement before they can safely step out: "First let me check with my wife, my pastor, my boss and my mother-in-law to see if it's all right with them."

Disciples have a different attitude. They beg God to give them just a little of His dynamite power. They pray, "Oh God, if you will lend me just a little spiritual dynamite, I promise I will take it to the darkest area I can find, place it there and pray You will send Your fire from heaven to explode it." God always does. This is why the gospel is spreading so quickly in China and in other parts of the world.

Since coming to the West, I have found it doesn't really matter how much you preach in most churches, because the majority of believers have become "sermon proof". They have listened to thousands of sermons and have become experts at tuning out. Their bodies are physically in front of you, but their minds and hearts are far away. They have been conditioned to listen to speeches rather than to respond to the power of the gospel and be changed. Often there is a huge difference between appearance believers put on every Sunday at church and the reality of their lives at home and work during the week. It is unhealthy to smile and act holy on Sunday when your family is falling apart, your marriage is breaking down and your life is swamped with sin and temptations. This is not real.

Many churches in the West have been reduced to mere performances where the pastor puts on a show every week and the believers sit there as non-participating spectators. Now wonder so many are struggling and falling away from the faith. The Lord is roused to anger when the precious bride of Christ falls into such a lamentable condition. Jesus is passionate for His bride.

My precious friend, God loves you. He wants you to become a wholehearted disciple of Jesus, not merely a believer. Every Christian on earth has this choice to make every morning of their life. Whether we are a disciple or a believer depends on the choices we make. The temptation is for us to ease back into our comfortable chair and continue to live a halfhearted Christian life, giving lip-service to God but being unwilling to count the cost and take up our cross and follow Him."

Dressed to Kill - Judgment by Truth

Have you heard Christians getting all legalistic talking about who should be put out of the church, who's not a "true" Christian, who's got a hard heart, and who should not be allowed to mess with our Sunday morning service and stuff like that?

I have, and I tell you the truth, as one who has failed in the church's eyes more than once, I hate it. It is not because I think I should have gotten away with anything. By and large, it is just the way church folks seem to like to operate, and it makes me mad as Hell. I was inspired by Matt over at the Church of No People. He's like a real pastor and everything - laid it on the line.

I am of the mind that folks that actually get to church, are looking for some sort of assistance in life. Some times they don't know what - but an alert church can make a difference. Here is what Jesus would do.

Mark 1:21(b) Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24 "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" 25 "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching—and with authority!

When is the last time you asked yourself the question, "What is this?" in church?

Let me ask you this: What would have happened to this man if he wasn't allowed in church?

In Matt's blog, he made a list of folks that were, let's say, socially on the fringe. What if we do welcome the "sinners" to church. What are we going to do with cross-dressers, the mentally ill, active drug users, pimps and snobby rich folks? Even if we do allow them to sit in our pews, how can we minister to them, and how long can we let them stay the same?

I don't know about you, but a lot of Christians tend to take stands on things and in the process set up an invisible wall that keep sinners out. I call it Judgment by Truth. Some how we see certain sin; or certain people, as un-church-able. We are willing to let folks accept the gospel as long as they conform to the "word." Isn't it possible to preach truth, supposedly veiled in love, when it's really judgment?

Today at the risk of losing all my readers I am going to share a few church stories.

I had a fellow musician on the worship team who cheated on his spouse. As a member of the church, he was called into the pastor's office. He was asked to stop the affair and get counseling. She was asked to give it a bit of time before making any quick decisions for the sake of the children. Although tearful, he didn't think that he could stop the affair. He was asked to leave the church and she divorced him. Same old story - Bible says the wife can get rid of the unfaithful husband.

I had another friend with an alcoholic wife. She fell "off the wagon" and was torturing their family. He asked the church to confront her. He also wanted them to ask her to leave the church if she wouldn't repent - that's biblical right? They refused to get involved but did offer marriage counseling - err on the side of grace. After a few sessions he left the church, filed for divorce and I haven't seen him since.

I attended another church, and one morning a lesbian attended the service. She was at a bad place in her life and was looking for hope. I suspect she was also struggling with addiction. I had some casual chit-chat with her before the service began. She went forward for an altar call that same morning and seemed to make a connection with Jesus. Folks gathered around her to pray, and talked to her at the coffee pot. The next week we had a sermon on sin, and a large part of it was devoted to godly sexual relations. I never saw her again.

I was at another church and there was a post sex-change woman there. She made friends with a godly couple and they did a lot of things together. I was very proud of them for their love. I honestly do not know how God will deal with all that. I am just happy when folks come to church and engage Jesus and feel love they can't get anywhere else.

I was once part of a group where one of the men was a registered sex offender. We used to talk a bit at the coffee pot, and I invited him to my home. He was painfully marginalized because of the stigma attached to his "old man." He finally started a Bible study at his house, and most of his family would attend. I am not sure if he is going to any other church, but last I saw him, he seemed happy with the home fellowship

I was ministering at a church in CT about 5 years ago. We were having quite a fun time in the Spirit at a mini-conference. I was preaching on casting out demons - how I learned, and a few of my experiences. At the altar call a man with a beard, a skirt and high-heels came up for prayer. It was odd for a moment or two. So, I asked God, what do you want me to do?

"I want you to pray for the spirit of rejection to broken on him."

I walked over to him, he raised his hands palms up as to receive. I prayed that God would break the spirit of rejection in Jesus' name. It was like a cable snapped from his neck, and he began to gently cry. One of the woman in the church came over to just be with him, praying quietly over him. When he went to leave she hugged him. I understand that he came to church for four or five weeks.

Look, I know what the fruit of the spirit is. And when we use that as a turnstile for our Sunday celebrations, I think we are in trouble. I have had lots of discussions on grace and I believe that given enough, for those that choose Christ, they will not be able to stay the same. They won't be able to read passages about fornication and drunkenness, and continue to stay that way - not with real grace, and real love. However; confronted with unadulterated religious legalism, they will be hard pressed to see the love of Jesus in action anyway.

I am not suggesting that we make these folks leaders, I am suggesting that we love them as long as they'll let us. And yes, I believe in the judgment of God. I also believe that loving kindness and godly sorrow lead to repentance.

How about you, do you use the truth as a judgment? How have you dealt with sin in the camp, with love and with grace in your church?

All Things - Life on Life's Terms

Some days life is just, well, "life." A long time ago I learned to ask God what should I be doing, and what should I hand over to Him. Maybe you've heard of the "Serenity Prayer" - it's a good one! Like others, I am not perfect at it.

Have you noticed, when things get tough, one group says "hang in there" - meaning keep on trying, and another says "let it go" - meaning you've done what you can, and the rest is up to God.

So who's right, do we hang in there, or let go?

I happen to believe that throwing Bible verses at problems is not always God. Some folks believe that the will of God, their personal destiny, the very key to life, is in the Bible. I would like to disagree.

Before you shout: Blasphemy, consider this. Even if every word in the Bible is God breathed and true - and I believe it is - the central truth of Christianity is not believing what is in the Bible. It is faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the sacrifice that forgives the sins of all mankind; when we receive Him in our hearts by faith. Our destiny is in knowing Jesus, not in a book.

Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship with a living God.

When life is happening to us, how do we actually rely on God? I have a few thoughts, that's my job.

- We do not need advice, we need to hear God!

- Hearing God's voice during prayer, in our Bible devotions, from the pulpit, a prophetic word, wisdom from those we fellowship with, and in the midst of our situations is essential. Hearing a loving God and obeying Him IS the Christian life. The Bible says the Lord "spoke" 344 times and that His people "heard" 559 times. Hearing God is the best way to receive comfort, and direction.

- We are not on a conveyor belt through life. If that were true, God would make sure that we all chose Him, and eternity. You have choices and you can't afford to make them without Godly wisdom. 1 Peter 3:13-18

- In life we need to determine what our part is, and what God's part is. God can certainly do more than we ever imagined. He also wants for us to grow up, and leaves part of the job for us, as needed, to accomplish His work in us. Romans 8:28

- Some times, Jesus calms the storm, but more often it seems He calms the person in the storm. The greatest evidence of Christianity is the presence of love, and the peace which surpasses all understanding. And don't forget, Jesus slept during the storm.

- Waiting on God is verb, not a, "let me know when you have an answer, Jesus," situation. Elijah waited 3 years for the cloud far off. Some things take time - but if it is God, it is worth waiting for.

- Do you really believe God can do anything? Then why not let him? Did you ask for help with your work, your family, your calling and everything else today? Jesus said, "You have not because you ask not."

- It is painful to watch people suffer - even those that seem to deserve it - and tougher to let them go from this life. God's eternal plan is not a mystery. Our ability to see Heaven in the midst of life threatening or tragic circumstances is often clouded by intense emotion. Even Jesus wept (John 11:35) over the death of his friend Lazarus. While Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people, was stoned to death.

Is it possible to give all things to God? Some days it is just easier than others.

Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Revival!

Is there anyone that thinks we don't need revival?

I have studied revival pretty extensively, and I'd like to share a little bit of that knowledge with you. Revivals have come and gone since the beginning of Christianity. The Spirit of God ebbs and flows like the seasons described in Ecclesiastes 3. Because God is sovereign, He gets to determine the seasons of the Spirit, not you or me. I also know that He responds to events in creation by answering prayer, and raising up standards against evil.

As we take a quick look at revival, I'd like to mention that we have had renewal over the seasons as well. A renewal is that which happens in the church to believers, where a revival encompasses a community or region, involving both renewal in the church and the salvation of the lost outside of the church.

Many Catholics were responsible for renewals and revivals at various times over the centuries. St. Patrick brought a miraculous revival to what is now Ireland. After the Protestant Reformation, which was a revival in itself (1514-1648), there was a Counter Reformation that got the attention of Rome.

With each revival came a new denomination, and since 1648 we've had quite a few. The First Great Awakening left an indelible mark on American religion. Congregational, Presbyterian, Dutch Reformed, and German Reformed, Baptist and Methodist denominations came face-to-face with the conviction of sin and the holiness of God. It had little impact on Anglicans and Quakers - but their time was coming.

More recently we've had the Pentecostal Revival that started at Azusa Street on April 14, 1906. In a time of segregation it was a powerful revival that included both backs and whites. The participants received criticism from secular media and Christian theologians for behaviors considered to be outrageous and unorthodox. This was the catalyst for the Assembly's of God. Almost 100 years later, it is the fastest growing denomination in the world.

There have been healing revivals with Christians such as John G. Lake, Smith Wigglesowrth and Kathryn Kuhlman; sometimes called the mother of the Charismatics.

In my life time we've had the Charismatic Renewal (Catholic and Anglican), the Toronto Blessing, the Brownsville Revival (Pensacola) and others in Africa, South America and Europe.

The Spirit of God is at work throughout the nations.

With each move of God, there are different expressions of His presence. With each wave of the things of God, we went deeper. Fresh revelation, scriptures opened and often powerful manifestations of God which are not easily explainable - many times involving the gifts of the Spirit.

I am not a prophet, but I hope that we have another mighty move of God, one where millions get saved, and every Christian falls deeply and passionately in love with Jesus; hearing His voice and taking territory for the Kingdom. I have a plan so we are in position if it happens.

As God prepares his bride for the coming of His Kingdom - for the last trumpet, where will He find you?

Will you be pointing fingers at other Christians - debating theology, or at work preaching the Gospel, loving your neighbor and waiting for His return?

Sermonetics - The Relationship Between the Pulpit and You

L. Ron Hubbard, a fiction writer and founder of Scientology (there's your sign), coined the terms Cybernetics, a form of thought control and Dianetics, a study of the metaphysical relation between the mind and body. Good luck Tom Cruise.

I am coining the term Sermonetics - the theory of the stuff you hear every Sunday from the pulpit.

Take a minute and think about what you have learned from the pulpit over the years - your participation in Sermontics. A preacher once said, "I don't remember every sermon that I have heard, nor do I remember every meal that have ever eaten. I just know that in both cases, I was fed." Unless of course you were doing something ELSE.

What comes from our pulpits should be life to us every week.

I happen to feel that there are some misconceptions regarding the pulpit. The first being that the pulpit has, unfortunately, become an icon for church, and sometimes the central focus of church ministry altogether.

We we look at a church, we should see that everyone is trained in the basics of one-on-one ministry. That, in itself, is probably one of the biggest tragedies in the American church today, that we have become primarily spectators. Of course there are many facets of church life, but the pulpit has taken over, pushing aside just about everything but occasional evangelism. It seems that every Sunday is word and song worship, coffee and Fellowship Lite (less calories and commitment).

Let's take a look at what the pulpit is meant to be, and what should happen there.

First, preaching is meant to reach the heart. (Acts 2:14-40) Second teaching is meant to open the scriptures to us, so that we can understand them as Christ intended them to be understood; "putting on the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:16)

Teaching is a role (Eph 4:11) in the church, and preaching is not. Because preaching is meant to reach the heart, it is intended to be an agent of permanent change. Therefore; we preach the Gospel unto salvation. Preaching is a spiritual wooing that our human spirit must respond to. Teaching on the other hand, is the understanding of what we have received in our spirit.

Preaching is a message from God directed at changing us. Teaching is the understanding of the ways of God meant to build us up.

During the salvation experience the Holy Spirit becomes a seal - a decision that we make with eternal ramifications - changing our heart for eternity. That is the result of fruitful preaching. Preaching often comes with a demonstration of God's power, that is why it changes our heart. We can preach the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the impartation of spiritual gifts and repentance. Responses to preaching are supernatural. Responses to teaching are intellectual (with an internal witness).

Teaching is an essential process in the life of the Christian. We need the knowledge of God to become like Him. A lot of folks think that the church is basically not well taught. Here is my opinion - hey, isn't that why you read Fire & Grace anyway? Liturgical churches use basically that same liturgy week after week; 52 weeks a year. The homily is usually a simple application of a selected Bible verse. That is a pretty limited diet.

Evangelical churches tend to have their own calendars. New Year's is a sermon on vision, Christmas is the story of salvation, Easter is the resurrection, Mother's Day is Proverbs 31, Father's Day men don't go to church, the 4th of July is freedom and Summer is Vacation Bible School and evangelism... we have lost over 30% of the year, and then we add to that a sermon on tithing, one of serving, and one on ministries in the church and half the year is gone to repetition - also a limited diet of milk. More on that by Dave T. HERE

Without looking at the bulletins in your leatherette zippy Bible case, can you name the other 26 topics that were supposedly preached to you in the last year? Was there lasting change in your life - permanent victory?

Last week I experienced a wonderful thing in church, we had a testimony of a man healed of lung cancer! I would have like to hear a few more of those - now that's exciting, faith building and memorable. Burp! And it fed me. I don't remember what the sermon was on.

I honestly feel that the preaching should be reserved for evangelism and other demonstrations of God's word. How about a teaching on healing, followed by healing? How about one on each spiritual gift with a demonstration of each one afterwords? An what about one on relationship that is deeper than "be nice to each other," followed by foot washing, or a call to action?

We need good preaching.

When it comes to teaching, it can be pretty boring - so it better be God! I always wondered why we had recurring themes in church. Are we that thick or unengaged? Can we please test out of Sunday morning?

Unless there is a really great book I haven't read, I don't want a book study. And if you are going to do a Bible study, can that be God too? Just askin'.

We need good teaching.

Other than the basics of salvation, what are the topics of the most useful and memorable sermons you've heard - the ones that changed you? Or just tell us what you never want to hear about again.

Messages should cause us to become doers of the Word and add to the understanding of the work done on the cross without becoming biblical fairy tales.

Mad Libs: An Unforgettable Church Service

Hopefully you have heard of Mad Libs^(R)! They are stories that you blindly fill in the blanks for articles of grammar and then read the completed story. Since I was a kid, these have always been a hoot. I decided to make up my own. Just fill in the blanks next time you are at small group and then read it back. It is sure to shake up a few religious spirits.

An Unforgettable Church Service

We arrived at _________ (time of day) at the Church of the Holy _________ (noun). It was ___________ (day of week) and we got out of the _________ (mode of transportation). We were dressed in our __________ (day of week) best. We all held _________ (plural body part) as we crossed the street. Today was special because it was ___________ (holiday) and the kids look forward to receiving _________ (noun) as part of the celebration.

Pastor _________ (name) was there to greet us and shake our ________ (body part). He welcomed my __________ (family member) with a big _________ (bodily gesture). He said __________ (slang greeting), and welcome.

We made our way past the _________ (plural noun) and the ________ (herding animals) and took our seats on the ___________ (noun). There we people everywhere, but no one ______ (verb ending in ed) us. I guess that is how they share their ___________ (strong emotion).

The service started with invigorating ___________ (action verb). It was so __________ (emotion), people were ___________ (verb).

Next were the announcements. I was surprised to hear they were having _________ (activity) for the youth, and _________ (activity) for the adults. There was going to be an outreach to the ___________ (class or group of people).

We wrote a check for $_________ (amount of money) and put it into the ___________ (noun) for the work of ___________ (deity). This made us so ________ (emotion) we couldn't contain ourselves.

The pastor began his sermon based on _________ (Bible verse). As he broke it down, I just _________ (physio-emotional response). During it he shouted _________ (interjection) ________ (positive number) times. I looked at my watch and it was ________ (number) minutes since he started. ______ (exclamation)! He finally ended with the ________ (numeric ordinal) ________ closing.

Next they had a call for anyone wanting to get _____________ (verb ending in ed) and _______ (number) went forward. Some people ________ (verb) and others ________ (verb ending in ed) at the altar. People raised their __________ (plural body part) and shouted _________ (religious interjection).

The _________ (kind of team) team played another song and we filed out to the ___________ (name of a room) to have _____________ (beverage). We stood there waiting to ________ (verb) to someone. _______ (number) people came to welcome us.

All in all it was a(n) ________ (adjective) day. Praise _________ (deity)!

Want to print it? HERE is a link.