Prayer is exemplified throughout the book of Acts. Prayer was done together in homes, in the temple, in the outdoors and in prison. It was a daily exercise. It happened together. Prayer is part and parcel of the life of the church. Without prayer there is no church. It keeps the Church aligned with Christ. The Holy Spirit communicates to the church and for the church through prayer.
The sophisticated Twenty-First Century has gift inventories, personality tests, leadership tests, and church marketing gurus. There are tools to help define mission, vision, strategy, and target groups. There are pastors for youth, children, assimilation, evangelism, visitation, music, etc. All the tools may be present; all the right people in the right ministry positions. But, if there is no Holy Spirit induced power, then the church is just one more well organized club. Something is amiss in a society that claims belief in God, but where church attendance is on the decline. One key to renewing and reviving the church is corporate prayer.
Personal prayer and devotion is an important emphasis in the church. But corporate prayer must also be part of the focus. Most of the churches this writer is familiar with have some sort of prayer meeting. Most are not well attended. Where the size of the church building may require a congregation to have more than one service to accommodate a Sunday morning crowd; prayer meeting may garner only 30% or less of the congregation.
Why is praying so important? E. M. Bounds said, “The prayers of God’s saints are the capital stock in Heaven by which Christ carries on His great work upon the earth.” Prayer is part of the believer’s participation in Kingdom work. It connects earthly and Heavenly Kingdom together. What keeps a believer, as part of the Body of Christ, connected to the head, if it is not prayer? How little advantage is taken of the opportunity to converse with Father God. Is part of the problem a sense of inferiority and intimidation when it comes to God? The point is, He chose us; we did not choose Him! Jesus taught the disciples to pray because they asked Him to do so. They understood the necessity to learn to pray. God gave His people permission to call on Him. James instructs that prayers are not answered because they must be uttered with right motives and they first, must be prayed.
Leonard Ravenhill recounts a story from the life of Charles Finney. When Finney went to Bolton, England to preach, two of his friends, Fathers Nash and Clery rented a basement in a cottage for the duration of Finney’s meetings. There they prayed for Finney and the meetings. The point of this story is two-fold. Great preaching still needs prayer. And, agreeing with someone else in prayer has powerful results. The disciples were together in one accord when the outpouring of the Spirit came (Acts 2:1). Peter’s release from prison was gained because the church was praying (Acts 12). Paul and Barnabas were sent on a ministry journey when the church was worshiping and praying together (Acts 13:2). Paul and Silas were set free from prison because they were worshiping (Acts 16:25,26)Corporate prayer is an essential part of the Kingdom work.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Breaking Bread
Acts 2:42 has Luke’s only use of the phrase “breaking of bread.” Robertson and Barnes suggest some confusion over the exact meaning of the phrase as to indicating a common meal together or partaking of the elements of the Lord’s Supper. Could the seeming vagueness of Luke’s phraseology be a modern day problem of societal understanding and not one of translation? Could it not be even in sharing a common meal with other believers in true fellowship that something sacramental is taking place. One thing to keep in mind is Luke was not writing to a society who had ritualized communion as latter generations have observed it.
With Luke’s description of the believers eating together from house to house (Acts 2:46), and Paul’s significant instruction on sharing the Lord's Supper together in 1 Cor. 11:17-34, there seems to be no doubt as to the impact and necessity of eating together. What would either of these prophets say about today’s sanitized version of “breaking bread”? The ritual observed in most American church services is a far cry from the building of relationships envisioned by Jesus and the disciples.
That is not to say that there is not true meaning in the way the Lord’s Supper is shared in most churches, but is there more that God intended. When Paul rehearsed the words of institution for the Corinthian church, his rebuke of their practice was because of their casual and cliquish approach to this momentous celebration. Relationships were being broken, not mended. The “Body of Christ” was being bruised and battered by the cavalier attitude of those who had food for the feast against those who did not. Arrogance and pride should never be invited to share a meal at the table of remembrance.
Perhaps it is time to revisit this expression of God’s grace and the unity believers are to share, to discover again the Divine design in truly breaking bread together. Twenty-five years ago The Cypress Valley Bible Church began a journey of discovery as to the how and when of the Lord’s Supper. Their simple conclusion: it was a supper, not a service, and it was done as often as the church gathered together. The church practices just that. They share communion each week as a meal where the Word is taught and discussed separate from a worship service.
Dunn observes that Passover Supper was a yearly feast. Since, it was at such a supper that Jesus enacted this time of remembrance. The disciples may have celebrated on a yearly basis. Whatever the frequency, the spiritual reality of connecting with Jesus and each other is at stake.
I would like to propose three reasons for the communion commemoration. One, to remember and celebrate the mercy and grace afforded to mankind by Christ’s death and resurrection. Two, Jesus’ instructions become the means to bring His earthly body together under the banner of fellowship and unity; spending time with each other so as to encourage and edify one another. In American church culture communion is consumed as part of the service ritual and not as initiating and consummating biblical community. A re-thinking of the communion custom seems in order. Thirdly, eternity will be spent with these same friends. So, let the enjoyment of each other’s company begin now!
Breaking bread — not an isolated, insular worship moment, but a commemoration of God’s grace through Jesus Christ to His creation; a time of remembrance and anticipation. Breaking bread — a celebration of all that is the Body of Christ incarnate in those who call Him Lord and Savior and call each other family. Breaking bread — a time for forgiveness, healing and re-harmonizing with those who, for whatever reason, have ceased to be in tune each other. Breaking bread — a time to laugh and enjoy the pleasure of the Christian community. Breaking bread — more than a piece of bread and a cup of juice; bur a meal to celebrate family and friends that is shared together in the Name of Jesus.
Jesus built in conflict resolution in the act of sharing a common meal. How can family sit down at table and continue to harbor ill feelings toward those sitting across the table. Other friends sitting close will observe the break in relationship and by the Holy Spirit’s intervention help mend the broken relationship (1Cor. 11).
With Luke’s description of the believers eating together from house to house (Acts 2:46), and Paul’s significant instruction on sharing the Lord's Supper together in 1 Cor. 11:17-34, there seems to be no doubt as to the impact and necessity of eating together. What would either of these prophets say about today’s sanitized version of “breaking bread”? The ritual observed in most American church services is a far cry from the building of relationships envisioned by Jesus and the disciples.
That is not to say that there is not true meaning in the way the Lord’s Supper is shared in most churches, but is there more that God intended. When Paul rehearsed the words of institution for the Corinthian church, his rebuke of their practice was because of their casual and cliquish approach to this momentous celebration. Relationships were being broken, not mended. The “Body of Christ” was being bruised and battered by the cavalier attitude of those who had food for the feast against those who did not. Arrogance and pride should never be invited to share a meal at the table of remembrance.
Perhaps it is time to revisit this expression of God’s grace and the unity believers are to share, to discover again the Divine design in truly breaking bread together. Twenty-five years ago The Cypress Valley Bible Church began a journey of discovery as to the how and when of the Lord’s Supper. Their simple conclusion: it was a supper, not a service, and it was done as often as the church gathered together. The church practices just that. They share communion each week as a meal where the Word is taught and discussed separate from a worship service.
Dunn observes that Passover Supper was a yearly feast. Since, it was at such a supper that Jesus enacted this time of remembrance. The disciples may have celebrated on a yearly basis. Whatever the frequency, the spiritual reality of connecting with Jesus and each other is at stake.
I would like to propose three reasons for the communion commemoration. One, to remember and celebrate the mercy and grace afforded to mankind by Christ’s death and resurrection. Two, Jesus’ instructions become the means to bring His earthly body together under the banner of fellowship and unity; spending time with each other so as to encourage and edify one another. In American church culture communion is consumed as part of the service ritual and not as initiating and consummating biblical community. A re-thinking of the communion custom seems in order. Thirdly, eternity will be spent with these same friends. So, let the enjoyment of each other’s company begin now!
Breaking bread — not an isolated, insular worship moment, but a commemoration of God’s grace through Jesus Christ to His creation; a time of remembrance and anticipation. Breaking bread — a celebration of all that is the Body of Christ incarnate in those who call Him Lord and Savior and call each other family. Breaking bread — a time for forgiveness, healing and re-harmonizing with those who, for whatever reason, have ceased to be in tune each other. Breaking bread — a time to laugh and enjoy the pleasure of the Christian community. Breaking bread — more than a piece of bread and a cup of juice; bur a meal to celebrate family and friends that is shared together in the Name of Jesus.
Jesus built in conflict resolution in the act of sharing a common meal. How can family sit down at table and continue to harbor ill feelings toward those sitting across the table. Other friends sitting close will observe the break in relationship and by the Holy Spirit’s intervention help mend the broken relationship (1Cor. 11).
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Fellowship
Fellowship
The word koinonia[1] is used twenty times in the New Testament. Twelve times it is used to mean fellowship – the participation in a shared or common interest. The following passages give some indication as to the depth of relationship this word conveys. “So then, if there is any comfort in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit,” (Phi. 2:1 KJV)[2]; “to know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, having been conformed to His death,” (Phi. 3:10 KJV); “We announce to you what we have seen, and what we have heard, that you also may have fellowship with us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ” (1 Jon.1:3 KJV); “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and we walk in darkness, we lie and are not practicing the truth” (1 John 1:6-7 KJV). Authentic fellowship with one another is the reflection of a passionate intimacy with Father.
These verses speak to a closeness akin to marriage. Paul alludes to this intimacy in Eph. 5[3] when he speaks of the relationship between a husband and wife representing the intimacy between Christ and His Bride. Intimate relationship with God brings security, courage and confidence. This allows submission, accountability and vulnerability with others in the Body of Christ. Without the attribute of fellowship practiced in the local assembly, true biblical relationships cannot be exercised. Relationships of this caliber are not easily attained or maintained in the atmosphere of selfish ambition generated by the society at large and to often echoed in the sanctuary. Fellowship is not an option or suggestion. It is the definition of Christian living.
The word “communion” is also used to translate koinonia. In the three passages it is used in there is no doubt the relationships spoken of are more than casual. To share (communion) in the body and blood of Jesus is the culmination of what He came to accomplish for all mankind. He came to bring us into Himself.[4] To realize the intimate relationship God has designed for us with Himself begins and ends with relationship with the Holy Spirit.[5] To have intimate relationship with non-believers is to ultimately destroy one’s relationship with God. This verse is not Paul’s isolation policy for believers, but his instruction to keep one’s accountability and vulnerability for those who are like-minded in the Lord. Jesus never walked away from a conversation and an opportunity to befriend an unbeliever. But He never made one His confidant.
Communicate[6], contribute[7], distribute,[8] are the other three words used to convey the meaning of koinonia. These expressions contend for the substantive display of fellowship. This requires the giving and sharing of what one possesses to meet the needs of others. Luke underscores and defines this understanding in Acts 2:44, “All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had.” What a departure from this sensible application of partnering in the family of God has gripped the heart of the American church. Jesus said that love was the defining mark of a Christian.[9] Not separation. Not isolation. Not condemnation. Love is only love in practice; practiced with other believers for the edification of those in need.
Barnes had this to say on Acts 2:42 “There was a real and sincere submission to the gospel of Christ, and that was manifested by their giving liberally to supply the needs of others. The doctrine is, that one evidence of true subjection to the gospel; one proof that our profession is sincere and genuine, is a willingness to contribute to relieve the needs of the poor and afflicted friends of the Redeemer. And unto all people. That is, all others whom you may have the opportunity of relieving.”[10]
God acknowledged the need for fellowship when He declared man should not be alone.[11] From the moment of mankind’s appearance, to the end of the age – fellowship is the focus. Over a cup of coffee every Friday morning with five other guys sharing life stories, standing beside other believers with a piece of bread and a thimble full of grape juice, spending time raking an elderly person’s lawn, serving on an outreach team with Convoy of Hope, building a Habitat for Humanity house, or baby-sitting a sick friend’s children, fellowship comes in all sizes and shapes.
Fellowship is giving away a piece of one’s heart to a fellow believer. Yes, sometimes the heart is bruised, broken, misused and misunderstood. But there is nothing in the world like the sweetness of true God-ordained fellowship to bring healing and wholeness.
In 2 Cor. 13:14 Paul uses the phraseology, “fellowship of the Holy Spirit.” Both Dunn[12] and Gee[13] conclude this passage is better rendered, “participation in the Spirit.” This is not just a matter of semantics. The first way of interpreting koinonia infers that the Holy Spirit is the one who designs the community (which is not wrong – just limited). Participating in the Spirit is the thing that brings about the fellowship. True Spirit-filled lives and living connects all genuine believers. The Holy Spirit does more than create the opportunity for fellowship; He is the one who makes the fellowship possible. In Him and through Him the believer gains the capability and capacity to love in the manner associated with koinonia.
[1] See Appendix A
[2] King James Version of the Bible
[3]"A man leaves his father and mother to get married, and he becomes like one person with his wife." This is a great mystery, but I understand it to mean Christ and his church.” (Eph 5:31, 32)
[4]“When we drink from the cup that we ask God to bless, isn't that sharing in the blood of Christ? When we eat the bread that we break, isn't that sharing in the Body of Christ?” (1Cor. 10:16)
“Stay away from people who are not followers of the Lord! Can someone who is good get along with someone who is evil? Are light and darkness the same?” (2 Cor. 6:14)
[5] “I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will bless you and be kind to you! May God bless you with his love, and may the Holy Spirit join all your hearts together.” (2 Cor. 13:13)
[6] “But don't forget to help others and to share your possessions with them. This too is like offering a sacrifice that pleases God.” (Heb. 13:16)
[7] “I am now on my way to Jerusalem to deliver the money that the Lord's followers in Macedonia and Achaia collected for God's needy people.” (Rom. 15:25)
[8] “The way in which you have proved yourselves by this service will bring honor and praise to God. You believed the message about Christ, and you obeyed it by sharing generously with God's people and with everyone else.” (2 Cor. 9:13)
[9] “If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (Jon. 13:35)
[10]Albert Barnes, Acts 2.42, Albert Barnes’ Notes the Bible, (e-sword; CDROM)
[11]"It isn't good for the man to live alone. I need to make a suitable partner for him." (Gen. 2:18)
[12]James D. G. Dunn, The Theology of Paul the Apostle (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing, 1998), 561.
[13] Gordon Fee, Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God, (Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 1996), 67.
The word koinonia[1] is used twenty times in the New Testament. Twelve times it is used to mean fellowship – the participation in a shared or common interest. The following passages give some indication as to the depth of relationship this word conveys. “So then, if there is any comfort in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit,” (Phi. 2:1 KJV)[2]; “to know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, having been conformed to His death,” (Phi. 3:10 KJV); “We announce to you what we have seen, and what we have heard, that you also may have fellowship with us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ” (1 Jon.1:3 KJV); “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and we walk in darkness, we lie and are not practicing the truth” (1 John 1:6-7 KJV). Authentic fellowship with one another is the reflection of a passionate intimacy with Father.
These verses speak to a closeness akin to marriage. Paul alludes to this intimacy in Eph. 5[3] when he speaks of the relationship between a husband and wife representing the intimacy between Christ and His Bride. Intimate relationship with God brings security, courage and confidence. This allows submission, accountability and vulnerability with others in the Body of Christ. Without the attribute of fellowship practiced in the local assembly, true biblical relationships cannot be exercised. Relationships of this caliber are not easily attained or maintained in the atmosphere of selfish ambition generated by the society at large and to often echoed in the sanctuary. Fellowship is not an option or suggestion. It is the definition of Christian living.
The word “communion” is also used to translate koinonia. In the three passages it is used in there is no doubt the relationships spoken of are more than casual. To share (communion) in the body and blood of Jesus is the culmination of what He came to accomplish for all mankind. He came to bring us into Himself.[4] To realize the intimate relationship God has designed for us with Himself begins and ends with relationship with the Holy Spirit.[5] To have intimate relationship with non-believers is to ultimately destroy one’s relationship with God. This verse is not Paul’s isolation policy for believers, but his instruction to keep one’s accountability and vulnerability for those who are like-minded in the Lord. Jesus never walked away from a conversation and an opportunity to befriend an unbeliever. But He never made one His confidant.
Communicate[6], contribute[7], distribute,[8] are the other three words used to convey the meaning of koinonia. These expressions contend for the substantive display of fellowship. This requires the giving and sharing of what one possesses to meet the needs of others. Luke underscores and defines this understanding in Acts 2:44, “All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had.” What a departure from this sensible application of partnering in the family of God has gripped the heart of the American church. Jesus said that love was the defining mark of a Christian.[9] Not separation. Not isolation. Not condemnation. Love is only love in practice; practiced with other believers for the edification of those in need.
Barnes had this to say on Acts 2:42 “There was a real and sincere submission to the gospel of Christ, and that was manifested by their giving liberally to supply the needs of others. The doctrine is, that one evidence of true subjection to the gospel; one proof that our profession is sincere and genuine, is a willingness to contribute to relieve the needs of the poor and afflicted friends of the Redeemer. And unto all people. That is, all others whom you may have the opportunity of relieving.”[10]
God acknowledged the need for fellowship when He declared man should not be alone.[11] From the moment of mankind’s appearance, to the end of the age – fellowship is the focus. Over a cup of coffee every Friday morning with five other guys sharing life stories, standing beside other believers with a piece of bread and a thimble full of grape juice, spending time raking an elderly person’s lawn, serving on an outreach team with Convoy of Hope, building a Habitat for Humanity house, or baby-sitting a sick friend’s children, fellowship comes in all sizes and shapes.
Fellowship is giving away a piece of one’s heart to a fellow believer. Yes, sometimes the heart is bruised, broken, misused and misunderstood. But there is nothing in the world like the sweetness of true God-ordained fellowship to bring healing and wholeness.
In 2 Cor. 13:14 Paul uses the phraseology, “fellowship of the Holy Spirit.” Both Dunn[12] and Gee[13] conclude this passage is better rendered, “participation in the Spirit.” This is not just a matter of semantics. The first way of interpreting koinonia infers that the Holy Spirit is the one who designs the community (which is not wrong – just limited). Participating in the Spirit is the thing that brings about the fellowship. True Spirit-filled lives and living connects all genuine believers. The Holy Spirit does more than create the opportunity for fellowship; He is the one who makes the fellowship possible. In Him and through Him the believer gains the capability and capacity to love in the manner associated with koinonia.
[1] See Appendix A
[2] King James Version of the Bible
[3]"A man leaves his father and mother to get married, and he becomes like one person with his wife." This is a great mystery, but I understand it to mean Christ and his church.” (Eph 5:31, 32)
[4]“When we drink from the cup that we ask God to bless, isn't that sharing in the blood of Christ? When we eat the bread that we break, isn't that sharing in the Body of Christ?” (1Cor. 10:16)
“Stay away from people who are not followers of the Lord! Can someone who is good get along with someone who is evil? Are light and darkness the same?” (2 Cor. 6:14)
[5] “I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will bless you and be kind to you! May God bless you with his love, and may the Holy Spirit join all your hearts together.” (2 Cor. 13:13)
[6] “But don't forget to help others and to share your possessions with them. This too is like offering a sacrifice that pleases God.” (Heb. 13:16)
[7] “I am now on my way to Jerusalem to deliver the money that the Lord's followers in Macedonia and Achaia collected for God's needy people.” (Rom. 15:25)
[8] “The way in which you have proved yourselves by this service will bring honor and praise to God. You believed the message about Christ, and you obeyed it by sharing generously with God's people and with everyone else.” (2 Cor. 9:13)
[9] “If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (Jon. 13:35)
[10]Albert Barnes, Acts 2.42, Albert Barnes’ Notes the Bible, (e-sword; CDROM)
[11]"It isn't good for the man to live alone. I need to make a suitable partner for him." (Gen. 2:18)
[12]James D. G. Dunn, The Theology of Paul the Apostle (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing, 1998), 561.
[13] Gordon Fee, Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God, (Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 1996), 67.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Doctrine
Acts 2:42 says, “They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.” This is the blueprint for the praxis of the church in every age. These newly inaugurated believers committed themselves to four cornerstone principles/practices/values: doctrine (beliefs), fellowship, eating together, and prayer.
The disciples' doctrine was built on Jesus' practical teaching. He mentored and modeled for them. Paul and James give sage advice concerning correct doctrine. “But knowledge makes us proud of ourselves, while love makes us helpful to others. In fact, people who think they know so much don't know anything at all. But God has no doubts about who loves him” (1 Cor. 8:1-3). Being right may answer the questions correctly on the Theology 101 final, but it will never help anyone find Jesus. Only love wins the heart and soul. And James writes, “Obey God's message! Don't fool yourselves by just listening to it” (Jam 1:22). Americans love information. This is the age of information. Information is power. But if the information does not lead to transformation, it is useless. Someone has said, “Others do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. The real power of doctrine is not the belief system, but the belief practice.
Errorless doctrine is a worthy pursuit as long as it is a straining towards relationship with Jesus and not the qualifying boundaries of some religious club. Thorough theology and correct creeds may in and of themselves define biblical truth, but if there is no practice of or relationship with the real TRUTH there is empty religion and the façade of Christian spirituality. Commitment to the Apostles’ doctrine is commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior and each other as family.
The Apostle Paul makes it clear the law cannot give a person life. Only the Spirit can. Ministry that flows from organizational charts, job descriptions or the authority and power of titles will subjugate the congregation not set them free. Reciting liturgy without relationship is meaningless gibberish. But when the Holy Spirit fills the heart with the understanding of who He is, reciting the Apostle’s Creed or praying the Lord's Prayer for the umpteenth time will stir the soul and move the emotions and fill the heart with joy and peace. As the Spirit is invited to illuminate the Word in one’s heart: Bible study is no longer an exercise to gain brownie points, or to argue about some theological pet peeve, crucify someone for his or her unscriptural ways; but a delightful plunge into the water of life with fellow desert dwellers.
Doctrine is accepting His way of living as our own. Doctrine is inviting Him to live out His life in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Doctrine is changing a warped worldly value system for the cultural realities of a new world order. Doctrine is not a list of things unacceptable, but about to whom I belong. King David said, “I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you” (Psa 119:11 Cev) Head knowledge and and heart knowledge are not the same. David was not talking about memorizing information. He was proclaiming a relationship with God. To accept information as transformation is a devious error for the church to make. The letter kills, the Spirit gives life. Hiding the Word in our hearts is about building a relationship with Jesus through the power of the Spirit.
The disciples' doctrine was built on Jesus' practical teaching. He mentored and modeled for them. Paul and James give sage advice concerning correct doctrine. “But knowledge makes us proud of ourselves, while love makes us helpful to others. In fact, people who think they know so much don't know anything at all. But God has no doubts about who loves him” (1 Cor. 8:1-3). Being right may answer the questions correctly on the Theology 101 final, but it will never help anyone find Jesus. Only love wins the heart and soul. And James writes, “Obey God's message! Don't fool yourselves by just listening to it” (Jam 1:22). Americans love information. This is the age of information. Information is power. But if the information does not lead to transformation, it is useless. Someone has said, “Others do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. The real power of doctrine is not the belief system, but the belief practice.
Errorless doctrine is a worthy pursuit as long as it is a straining towards relationship with Jesus and not the qualifying boundaries of some religious club. Thorough theology and correct creeds may in and of themselves define biblical truth, but if there is no practice of or relationship with the real TRUTH there is empty religion and the façade of Christian spirituality. Commitment to the Apostles’ doctrine is commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior and each other as family.
The Apostle Paul makes it clear the law cannot give a person life. Only the Spirit can. Ministry that flows from organizational charts, job descriptions or the authority and power of titles will subjugate the congregation not set them free. Reciting liturgy without relationship is meaningless gibberish. But when the Holy Spirit fills the heart with the understanding of who He is, reciting the Apostle’s Creed or praying the Lord's Prayer for the umpteenth time will stir the soul and move the emotions and fill the heart with joy and peace. As the Spirit is invited to illuminate the Word in one’s heart: Bible study is no longer an exercise to gain brownie points, or to argue about some theological pet peeve, crucify someone for his or her unscriptural ways; but a delightful plunge into the water of life with fellow desert dwellers.
Doctrine is accepting His way of living as our own. Doctrine is inviting Him to live out His life in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Doctrine is changing a warped worldly value system for the cultural realities of a new world order. Doctrine is not a list of things unacceptable, but about to whom I belong. King David said, “I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you” (Psa 119:11 Cev) Head knowledge and and heart knowledge are not the same. David was not talking about memorizing information. He was proclaiming a relationship with God. To accept information as transformation is a devious error for the church to make. The letter kills, the Spirit gives life. Hiding the Word in our hearts is about building a relationship with Jesus through the power of the Spirit.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Ministry
This journey called Christian can be a messy proposition. Jesus did not create this life to be lived in isolation, memorizing scripture to be repeated out-loud to oneself in a hermitage. Corporate worship must be more than one hundred or one thousand congregants singing songs, lifting hands, listening to sermons, repeating the Lord’s Prayer, taking communion, talking to a few friends for five minutes after service and heading for home and lunch. Pastors and church leaders were never meant to carry the load of the congregation alone on their backs like Atlas holding up the world. Christian life and ministry is not an individual sport, it is a team activity played under the banner of the Cross.
Ministry is the proving ground of the principles of the Word. Ministry is helping people realize their full relationship with God and each other. Ministry is what every believer must be involved in to thoroughly appreciate his or her place in the Body of Christ. Connected to one another is the only secure and protected way of living life. Meaningful, intimate, supportive, accountable, and vulnerable relationships are what the Church was created to manifest for the support of each member, and as an invitation to those outside the family to come be part of the neighborhood.
Times of hurt and pain? Yes! Disappointment and misunderstanding? Yes! Worth the transitory pain to achieve and receive joy and peace? Absolutely! Jesus warned His disciples there would be trouble in the world (Jon. 16:33). James encouraged believers to rejoice in trials because their personal faith was being purified (Jam. 1:1-4). Some of the trouble and trial will come from those in the Family. But the struggle for koinonia (fellowship) is worth the results. John 17 records Jesus’ great prayer for His immediate and future disciples. He prays for His Church, His brothers and sisters, to live in the oneness He and Father experience. He prayed that prayer not because it was impossible, but because it is inevitable.
Theology is not the problem. Bible study is not the issue. True biblical relationship is!
Ministry is the proving ground of the principles of the Word. Ministry is helping people realize their full relationship with God and each other. Ministry is what every believer must be involved in to thoroughly appreciate his or her place in the Body of Christ. Connected to one another is the only secure and protected way of living life. Meaningful, intimate, supportive, accountable, and vulnerable relationships are what the Church was created to manifest for the support of each member, and as an invitation to those outside the family to come be part of the neighborhood.
Times of hurt and pain? Yes! Disappointment and misunderstanding? Yes! Worth the transitory pain to achieve and receive joy and peace? Absolutely! Jesus warned His disciples there would be trouble in the world (Jon. 16:33). James encouraged believers to rejoice in trials because their personal faith was being purified (Jam. 1:1-4). Some of the trouble and trial will come from those in the Family. But the struggle for koinonia (fellowship) is worth the results. John 17 records Jesus’ great prayer for His immediate and future disciples. He prays for His Church, His brothers and sisters, to live in the oneness He and Father experience. He prayed that prayer not because it was impossible, but because it is inevitable.
Theology is not the problem. Bible study is not the issue. True biblical relationship is!
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