I admit it I'm judgmental. Very much judgmental towards those that never seem to embark on any significant spiritual journey. Somewhat judgmental on those that seem to never think to much on the spiritual plane. They just give you that quizzical look when you mention anything with spiritual under-tones.
I confess.
I guess the reality is that no spiritual journey is, in itself, a spiritual journey.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Updated Blog - Weird stuff at Mike Cope
Hey, I say.... hey.
I finally updated this 'Ol Blog to current template and formats, and added a lovely picture.
Weird stuff going on over at Preacher Mike. I never understand people that go somewhere to argue, and then label others as "libelous" for responding.
Weird.
I finally updated this 'Ol Blog to current template and formats, and added a lovely picture.
Weird stuff going on over at Preacher Mike. I never understand people that go somewhere to argue, and then label others as "libelous" for responding.
Weird.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Where is the Lord (in that)
God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah in the first part of Jeremiah and asks the Israelites why they did not ask this question:
"Where is the Lord?"
Profound little group of words. It's a short statement I haven't been asking too much lately to be frank - "Where is the Lord?"
Just how many demands or requests do I get daily?
How many "opportunities of a lifetime" do I see weekly?
How many non-Lordly things do I see, do or speak hourly?
How many fires to put out come up regularly?
I need to ask that question much more frequently
"Where is the Lord?"...... in any of that?
Israel Forsakes God
1 The word of the LORD came to me:
2 "Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem:"
'I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me
and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown.
3 Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of his harvest;
all who devoured her were held guilty, and disaster overtook them,'
"declares the LORD.
4 Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, all you clans of the house
of Israel.
5 This is what the LORD says: "What fault did your fathers find in me, that
they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became
worthless themselves.
6 They did not ask, 'Where is the LORD, who brought us up out of Egypt and
led us through the barren wilderness, through a land of deserts and rifts, a
land of drought and darkness, [a] a land where no one travels and no one lives?'
7 I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you
came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.
8 The priests did not ask, 'Where is the LORD ? 'Those who deal with the law
did not know me; the leaders rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied
by Baal, following worthless idols.
9 "Therefore I bring charges against you again,"declares the LORD.
"And I will bring charges against your children's children.
"Where is the Lord?"
Profound little group of words. It's a short statement I haven't been asking too much lately to be frank - "Where is the Lord?"
Just how many demands or requests do I get daily?
How many "opportunities of a lifetime" do I see weekly?
How many non-Lordly things do I see, do or speak hourly?
How many fires to put out come up regularly?
I need to ask that question much more frequently
"Where is the Lord?"...... in any of that?
Israel Forsakes God
1 The word of the LORD came to me:
2 "Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem:"
'I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me
and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown.
3 Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of his harvest;
all who devoured her were held guilty, and disaster overtook them,'
"declares the LORD.
4 Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, all you clans of the house
of Israel.
5 This is what the LORD says: "What fault did your fathers find in me, that
they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became
worthless themselves.
6 They did not ask, 'Where is the LORD, who brought us up out of Egypt and
led us through the barren wilderness, through a land of deserts and rifts, a
land of drought and darkness, [a] a land where no one travels and no one lives?'
7 I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you
came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.
8 The priests did not ask, 'Where is the LORD ? 'Those who deal with the law
did not know me; the leaders rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied
by Baal, following worthless idols.
9 "Therefore I bring charges against you again,"declares the LORD.
"And I will bring charges against your children's children.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
RIP - Terrence Kiel
Terrence Kiel passed away last Friday in San Diego. A former starter for the Chargers, TK had run into legal and drug problems, and was released.
A sad day for Lufkin and the Kiel family. His funeral is Saturday in Lufkin and I'm sure will be attended by many NFL stars and lots of friends and family.
This has really bummed me this week. So many work so hard here to keep folks on the straight and narrow.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
My favorite City
In the words of Willie Nelson - Hello walls.... as my blogging friends are long dispersed.
It was so wonderfuly to see my college daughter, Megan, at ACU this past weekend. As happy as I was there - it saddens me I don't get to Abilene, my hometown, more often. I realize the six hours between Lufkin and Abilene - coupled with my heavy workload - means we won't witness much of her college life. And, it means I just won't see my parents or my hometown friends much.
I miss Abilene. I miss big church with big Accapella singing. I miss young Christians on fire for change and for Christ. I miss the people and church of Abilene.
And, I guess I even miss alot of the city of Abilene. What would my favorite city look like? It would look a lot like Abilene. But, it would be further east in the Winter, and further north in the Summer. And, the water would be so much softer, and tastier. In the end, I don't know if perfect weather, or traffic, or work, or water matters. Maybe it does - I've never lived in a perfect city. Maybe I tend to miss those things that I can't change.
But, I do miss home.
It was so wonderfuly to see my college daughter, Megan, at ACU this past weekend. As happy as I was there - it saddens me I don't get to Abilene, my hometown, more often. I realize the six hours between Lufkin and Abilene - coupled with my heavy workload - means we won't witness much of her college life. And, it means I just won't see my parents or my hometown friends much.
I miss Abilene. I miss big church with big Accapella singing. I miss young Christians on fire for change and for Christ. I miss the people and church of Abilene.
And, I guess I even miss alot of the city of Abilene. What would my favorite city look like? It would look a lot like Abilene. But, it would be further east in the Winter, and further north in the Summer. And, the water would be so much softer, and tastier. In the end, I don't know if perfect weather, or traffic, or work, or water matters. Maybe it does - I've never lived in a perfect city. Maybe I tend to miss those things that I can't change.
But, I do miss home.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Lowdown on "The Secret"
The NY Times bestseller list would seem to clearly suggest there are lots of folks interested in the mega-best-selling book The Secret. For those interested, I just read the most reasonable review of the Secret I can recall - and pretty funny stuff too.
Here's the link:
http://lifestyle.msn.com/mindbodyandsoul/personalgrowth/articlegh.aspx?cp-documentid=5569524&page=1
I can think many can relate to this review. We probably believe most of what's in the book, but we are prone to raise an eyebrow at many of the "testimonials". Not to give the article away, but the writer does a wonderful job of telling how she implemented everything from the book - but she still did not get her No. 1 wish. However, at the end of her month-long journey - she realized her life was much improved.
I said "bingo" as I read her article, and I think it relates back to life, business and the reality or lack thereof of the Secret for most folks. I'm thinking of the scene from the movie version of the Secret where a guy was really mad because his bike was ripped off even though he chained it up. Hogwash if you think his bike was stolen because he was sending out negative vibes to the world as evidenced by taking the precaution of locking up his bike. His bike was stolen because we live in a fallen world with some really scummy people that go around stealing things.
If we would simply implement even half of the suggestions in most any "how-to" books out there on business, finances, health, relationships, etc., we would most assuredly be well along, or at least somewhere on the bumpy road to success. But, we all raise an eyebrow at the guy that says "I Made $8,000 in my sleep" or "this is so easy, an un trained monkey could do it", or "I always get the best parking spot".
I found the article refreshing. If implemented - with conviction and real energy - the things in the Secret are helpful, and worthy of implementing. But...keep your BS meter firmly on full alert when sifting through "Testimonials". And, don't let yourself get off-track because someone chooses to exaggerate, and certainly don't give up because you do hit the big or small bumps in the road on the way to success.
Here's the link:
http://lifestyle.msn.com/mindbodyandsoul/personalgrowth/articlegh.aspx?cp-documentid=5569524&page=1
I can think many can relate to this review. We probably believe most of what's in the book, but we are prone to raise an eyebrow at many of the "testimonials". Not to give the article away, but the writer does a wonderful job of telling how she implemented everything from the book - but she still did not get her No. 1 wish. However, at the end of her month-long journey - she realized her life was much improved.
I said "bingo" as I read her article, and I think it relates back to life, business and the reality or lack thereof of the Secret for most folks. I'm thinking of the scene from the movie version of the Secret where a guy was really mad because his bike was ripped off even though he chained it up. Hogwash if you think his bike was stolen because he was sending out negative vibes to the world as evidenced by taking the precaution of locking up his bike. His bike was stolen because we live in a fallen world with some really scummy people that go around stealing things.
If we would simply implement even half of the suggestions in most any "how-to" books out there on business, finances, health, relationships, etc., we would most assuredly be well along, or at least somewhere on the bumpy road to success. But, we all raise an eyebrow at the guy that says "I Made $8,000 in my sleep" or "this is so easy, an un trained monkey could do it", or "I always get the best parking spot".
I found the article refreshing. If implemented - with conviction and real energy - the things in the Secret are helpful, and worthy of implementing. But...keep your BS meter firmly on full alert when sifting through "Testimonials". And, don't let yourself get off-track because someone chooses to exaggerate, and certainly don't give up because you do hit the big or small bumps in the road on the way to success.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Obeying the Bible
A blogger friend posted this recent article from Newsweek in which an agnostic attempted to keep every law in the Bible for a year. Here's the article:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20910659/site/newsweek/page/0/
And, it got me thinking....
What if we Christians really tried to keep all of Jesus' commandments for a year? Forget everything else - just try to act and live exactly as Jesus did for a year. I think it would be profound and I think we'd see miraculous things.
Think about it...How many people try to act as Paul acted, or Peter? Or worse, how many Christians pick and choose those New Testament "commandments" they feel are most important, yet forget others. Or, how many churches spend countless hours debating how they are more exact replicas of the first century Church than the next church which is "too denominational"?
The writer of the article said his life was changed in important, measurable ways simply by attempting to obey these laws. What if we tried to emulate Jesus, the perfector of faith, for a year?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20910659/site/newsweek/page/0/
And, it got me thinking....
What if we Christians really tried to keep all of Jesus' commandments for a year? Forget everything else - just try to act and live exactly as Jesus did for a year. I think it would be profound and I think we'd see miraculous things.
Think about it...How many people try to act as Paul acted, or Peter? Or worse, how many Christians pick and choose those New Testament "commandments" they feel are most important, yet forget others. Or, how many churches spend countless hours debating how they are more exact replicas of the first century Church than the next church which is "too denominational"?
The writer of the article said his life was changed in important, measurable ways simply by attempting to obey these laws. What if we tried to emulate Jesus, the perfector of faith, for a year?
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Deceit
For whatever reason, God has placed strongly on my heart the desire to be honest and not be deceitful. My business dealings run head-on into this issue daily, if not hourly. In my profession of real estate appraisal I find myself struggling to maintain a successful business and do what I feel God has called me to do in this field - keep good folks from being deceived and be honest each and every day.
Just yesterday I was literally being asked by a loan officer to be marginally deceitful as I was watching a Senate sub-committee hearing on-line about Predatory Lending Practices which are robbing people of their hard-earned home equity and threatening our entire economy. As I was watching an appraiser describe how he's pressured daily to be deceitful, I had someone asking me on the phone to be deceitful - an almost an out-of-body experience as those two events went on simultaneously.
As is so often the case, my daily Bible reading presented two scriptures right before my nose yesterday and today. I've long since given up the notion this was just some odd coincidence.
Psalm 32:2
Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
Leviticus 19:13
13 Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him.
God has made it clear to me in Scripture and in His Spirit's prompting of my heart - He hates deceit.
Just yesterday I was literally being asked by a loan officer to be marginally deceitful as I was watching a Senate sub-committee hearing on-line about Predatory Lending Practices which are robbing people of their hard-earned home equity and threatening our entire economy. As I was watching an appraiser describe how he's pressured daily to be deceitful, I had someone asking me on the phone to be deceitful - an almost an out-of-body experience as those two events went on simultaneously.
As is so often the case, my daily Bible reading presented two scriptures right before my nose yesterday and today. I've long since given up the notion this was just some odd coincidence.
Psalm 32:2
Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
Leviticus 19:13
13 Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him.
God has made it clear to me in Scripture and in His Spirit's prompting of my heart - He hates deceit.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Posting about Not Posting
Well, maybe a post about not posting will re-start the creative juices. Is it just me, or has blogging lost its edge? My dull edge is non-existent right now - just too busy. God bless.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Run Barrack Run
Looks like my man Barack Obama is leaning toward running for Prez. in 2008 - could be interesting between Barack, Hillary and a host of others:
http://www.barackobama.com/video/youtube/index.php
http://www.barackobama.com/video/youtube/index.php
Friday, January 12, 2007
What does Eternal Friendship look like?
The words from John 15 are powerful. Jesus is my friend. The eternal Son of God, my Saviour, my King - is also my friend. What does that friendship look like? What are the requirements on my part?
John 15: 9 and following:
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.
John 15: 9 and following:
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
It's more than Jesus
It's too simple to just point to Jesus. There's more to it - there's doctrine, religion, church, Church, religious politics, political religion, evangelism, and the list goes on and on. Joel O'Steen and James Dobson have something in common - neither rarely mentions the name of Jesus.
I think that's largely how We - the Church - have lived for the past 2,000 years, certainly the past 100 years. We've lived, acted, worshipped and carried on as if there is much more to life than the spiritual connection to Jesus.
That's just too naive and simplistic.
I think that's largely how We - the Church - have lived for the past 2,000 years, certainly the past 100 years. We've lived, acted, worshipped and carried on as if there is much more to life than the spiritual connection to Jesus.
That's just too naive and simplistic.
Monday, January 08, 2007
God is Ever-giving
Continuing in my devotional theme from a few days ago:
God's giving never ceases - Genesis 1:29
29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
While I appreciate God's blessings, I don't know if I really consider them as eternal here on this Earth, or as never-ceasing. God's creation has indeed never stopped - He laid the frame work for germination, for duplication and compounding - for Eternal Creation.
He is the Creator and He has never ceased giving us what we need, and largely even what we want.
God's giving never ceases - Genesis 1:29
29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
While I appreciate God's blessings, I don't know if I really consider them as eternal here on this Earth, or as never-ceasing. God's creation has indeed never stopped - He laid the frame work for germination, for duplication and compounding - for Eternal Creation.
He is the Creator and He has never ceased giving us what we need, and largely even what we want.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Work of the Hoy Spirit
When Jesus left his disciples, he sent the Counselor, the Holy Spirit to help them in his absence. What did the Holy Spirit do?
John 16:5-16
1) Convicted them of their sin.
2) Guided them toward truth.
3) Speaks only words of God.
4) Prophecy.
5) Reveal Jesus' will for their lives.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
5"Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
12"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
16"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."
John 16:5-16
1) Convicted them of their sin.
2) Guided them toward truth.
3) Speaks only words of God.
4) Prophecy.
5) Reveal Jesus' will for their lives.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
5"Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
12"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
16"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
God is Merciful
God is so full of mercy that His plan included an act of mercy after the fall of man in Eden. His mercy is never-ending, just as life in Christ is never-ending. His love is merciful because it saves us even though we don't deserve saving. His patience is merciful because we commit a lifetime of sins, yet He still loves and nurtures us into a deeper relationship with Him. His creation is merciful because it never ceases - regardless of how we use or abuse it.
God is merciful. I am blessed by His mercy.
God is merciful. I am blessed by His mercy.
Monday, January 01, 2007
2007 Blessings!
Happy New Year friends! I'm going to start the new new year with a few small devotionals.
There are tremendous blessings in my belief because________? Hopefully, we can all meditate for a moment and fill in that blank.
1. Because God is merciful
Deut. 4:31 - 31 For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.
2. Because God is ever-giving
Gen. 1:29 Then God said, "I've given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth And every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food. To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes, I give whatever grows out of the ground for food."
3. Because the Lord Knows Me
John 1:48 "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree. I saw you there before Philip called you."
4. Because Jesus is my Friend
John 15:13 No one has greater love than the one who gives his life for his friends.
There are tremendous blessings in my belief because________? Hopefully, we can all meditate for a moment and fill in that blank.
1. Because God is merciful
Deut. 4:31 - 31 For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.
2. Because God is ever-giving
Gen. 1:29 Then God said, "I've given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth And every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food. To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes, I give whatever grows out of the ground for food."
3. Because the Lord Knows Me
John 1:48 "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree. I saw you there before Philip called you."
4. Because Jesus is my Friend
John 15:13 No one has greater love than the one who gives his life for his friends.
5. Because the Holy Spirit will Help me.
John 14:26 But the Father will send the Friend in my name to help you. The Friend is the Holy Spirit. He will teach you all things. He will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
The Gift for the Loved one that has Everything
Aren't gift cards great - they've eliminated the hassle of shopping for that person that has everything, or are they? Here's a great little video on Christmas Consumerism in America put together by a couple recently returned to the States from Africa - it's an eye opener.
Watch here
Prayers for Megan returning home from her first semester in college.
Watch here
Prayers for Megan returning home from her first semester in college.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
What do you believe?
The church we attend has the following set of beliefs. I really like them - they speak strongly to me right now. I'm wondering how many believers have a "set of beliefs" that is far different than those espoused by the church they attend?
______________________________________
Open Communion
The Lords Supper, or Communion, is celebrated weekly in worship and it is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
The Oneness of the Church
All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.
Freedom of Belief
As Disciples, we are called together around two essentials of faith: a belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and that Christians are free to follow their conscience guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study, prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.
Baptism by Immersion
In baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside, washed away and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
The Ministry of Believers
Both ministers and lay persons should lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.
And above all that, Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, who offers saving grace to all who seek it through His Son.
______________________________________
Open Communion
The Lords Supper, or Communion, is celebrated weekly in worship and it is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
The Oneness of the Church
All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.
Freedom of Belief
As Disciples, we are called together around two essentials of faith: a belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and that Christians are free to follow their conscience guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study, prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.
Baptism by Immersion
In baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside, washed away and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
The Ministry of Believers
Both ministers and lay persons should lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.
And above all that, Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, who offers saving grace to all who seek it through His Son.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Jesus as a Figure-head
On occasion I listen to a daily radio program here in deep East Texas called "Bible Answers". If you're imagining a radio host that has the "right" answer to every possible Bible-based debate or scenario - you would be correct. What amazes me is how this commentator/preacher will go days, even weeks, without mentioning the name Jesus. He'll discuss/preach on divorce and remarriage; correct doctrine; speaking in tongues, or a host of other issues, but he rarely speaks about Jesus.
Here are some profound words Oswald Chambers wrote on this issue well over 100 years ago:
The New Testament example of the Christian experience is that of a personal, passionate devotion to the Person of Jesus Christ. Every other kind of so-called Christian experience is detached from the Person of Jesus. There is no regeneration— no being born again into the kingdom in which Christ lives and reigns supreme. There is only the idea that He is our pattern. In the New Testament Jesus Christ is the Savior long before He is the pattern. Today He is being portrayed as the figurehead of a religion— a mere example. He is that, but He is infinitely more. He is salvation itself; He is the gospel of God!
I just don't get how one can believe that living the "right" Christian life involves replicating how someone worshiped in New Testament times. If we'll do exactly what the New Testament church did (in our minds) 2,000 years ago - nothing more and nothing less - then we'll be fine. I don't get that form of thinking, it is foreign to me.
Here are some profound words Oswald Chambers wrote on this issue well over 100 years ago:
The New Testament example of the Christian experience is that of a personal, passionate devotion to the Person of Jesus Christ. Every other kind of so-called Christian experience is detached from the Person of Jesus. There is no regeneration— no being born again into the kingdom in which Christ lives and reigns supreme. There is only the idea that He is our pattern. In the New Testament Jesus Christ is the Savior long before He is the pattern. Today He is being portrayed as the figurehead of a religion— a mere example. He is that, but He is infinitely more. He is salvation itself; He is the gospel of God!
I just don't get how one can believe that living the "right" Christian life involves replicating how someone worshiped in New Testament times. If we'll do exactly what the New Testament church did (in our minds) 2,000 years ago - nothing more and nothing less - then we'll be fine. I don't get that form of thinking, it is foreign to me.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Prayers for "Preacherman"
I just learned that one of my blogging friends and a Texas minister - Kinney Mabry, aka Preacherman - has fallen quite ill. Please follow the link below and place Kinney and his family in your prayers. God bless and Happy Thanksgiving.
Here's the link:
Preacherman
Here's the link:
Preacherman
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