Replay: Connecting… On a Real Life Level
Three and a half years ago, in April 2008, I published a blog post called “Connecting… on a real life level.” (The post was actually a follow-up to a post called “Searching for Fellowship.”) It was written by a lady who had contacted me via email. In this post, she explains how God had been faithful to bring people into her life that she could connect with on a real life level. I hope this post encourages you as much as it encouraged me. (And, if you are seeking that kind of fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, I hope this post is especially encouraging to you to persevere and to trust God to bring people into your life even though the journey there can be difficult and painful.)
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“Connecting… On a Real Life Level”
Here is an update from my letter that I had written to you in November.
At the time I had written to you, I was questioning what the following scripture meant to me: “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:24-25 NASB)
The reason that I was questioning this is because I am a soul that has been “in church” every single Sunday since the 2nd grade. Then about 4 years ago I suddenly found myself not attending church at all after our church had a traumatic split. We were devastated by what had happened, meaning- how people had behaved toward us and toward each other.
The process has been difficult and painful. But God has been faithful to who He is. He is good and he never changes! No matter our circumstance. So, through this painful season we have learned alot about ourselves, alot about our God, alot about people, and about church as an institution. Our pain kept us from attending any churches in the beginning, but our understanding is what has been showing us the real reason we do not desire to walk through the sanctuary doors as we once had. We desire more than programs and religion. We desire connecting with people on a real life level wrapped in the understanding of our identity in Christ and the Grace of God.
Since the time I had first written to you, I have made some wonderful connections with a few dear people online. I hope to meet each of them in person someday soon! My husband had the opportunity to travel to Europe to be a part of a conference in Bulgaria. The conference spoke to Pastors there about the message of Grace. I surprisingly have made a connection with a woman there who had been an attender of a conference. I have been enjoying connections God has provided with people in many different places. I feel that through these connections I have been able to live the scripture of Heb. 10:24-25. Of course it does not look like what we are accustomed to in traditional church. But the result is that there is an assembling and encouragement taking place.
We are also looking into an opportunity of hosting and facilitating grace walk groups through the ministry of Steve McVey. We hope in this opportunity we will make more tangible connections with people in our community.
Last week we had attended a funeral in which many people from our past church were at. We were welcomed by some, and to our expectation, shunned by others. God did a lot in our hearts through that day. And I realized that I am walking on the path of healing with a hope and a future. There are some who will never choose that path because holding on to the past is where they seem to find their life. But for those who do choose a path of healing and restoration we welcome them by our side.
I believe we have crawled out of the “rut” and are walking ahead on the other side. Resting in Jesus is what brings us comfort and HOPE. We know He is in control and that He is GOOD! We are excited for all the things to come as our God lays out our future for us.
Thank you for your encouragement and prayers through this journey.
Peace,
Teresa
(formerly, anonymous child of God)
A missionary shares several church planting lessons
Guy at “The M Blog” offers us several “Church planting lessons.”
I’m conflicted when I read Guy’s post. On the one hand, Guy has been living in Ecuador for a long time, and God has used him to start several churches. On the other hand, Guy’s “lessons” don’t sound like anything I’ve read in church planting books. On the third hand, these “lessons” sound similar to what I read in Scripture.
Perhaps there’s another lesson to be learned here…
Anyway, jump over to Guy’s blog and read through his “lessons.” What do you think? Share your thoughts with Guy, then share them with us as well.
And you will be my witnesses
After his resurrection and just before he ascended into heaven, Jesus told the eleven remaining apostles (and perhaps others, such as the 120?), “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV) Jesus made similar statements at other times and to other people before his ascension. At one, according to Paul, Jesus spent time with over 500 people. (1 Corinthians 15:6)
In this post, I want to consider Jesus’ statement, “You will be my witnesses…” While people often focus on the geographical statements of “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth,” I would like to examine the idea of being Jesus’ witnesses.
While the word translated “witness” eventually came to mean “martyr” (i.e., someone who is killed because of their beliefs), it didn’t not have this meaning when Luke wrote the book of Acts. Instead, a “witness” is someone who attests to something. It is similar to a courtroom “witness” today, but the legal implications are not necessary.
There two questions that I would like to consider:
First, does Jesus’ statement (really, a command), “You will be my witnesses,” only apply to those who heard him, or does it apply to disciples of Jesus today?
If we look at the examples and incidences in the Book of Acts and in other writings of the New Testament, it seems that others (besides the original eleven, 120, or even 500) understood themselves to be “witnesses” of Jesus Christ.
For example, consider this passage from the Book of Acts:
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly [to Jews in Antioch of Pisidia], saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. (Acts 13:46-49 ESV)
As a result of the Gentiles “rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord,” the word of the Lord began spreading throughout the region around Antioch in Pisidia. The work of all disciples as witnesses to Jesus Christ is made even more apparent by Paul in his letter to the church in Thessaloniki:
And you [the believers in Thessaloniki] became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 ESV)
Again, we see that both the word of the Lord and the faith of the Thessalonians had “sounded forth” through the region around their city. So, at least from these two passages, it seems that other believers (beyond the original eleven, 120, or even 500) considered their role to include being witnesses of Jesus Christ.
The second question is this: what does it mean to be a “witness” of Jesus Christ today?
In Scripture, we see several different examples of disciples of Jesus Christ being his witnesses. The different people “witness” about Jesus Christ in different ways. I think we should expect differences today as well.
But, what are some of those different ways that followers of Jesus Christ can be his witness today? I’d love to hear your thoughts on that question. (And, if you want to discuss the first question, feel free to do that as well.)
Does human authority among the church nullify Christ’s authority?
Over at “Under Christ’s Archy,” I’ve published a post called “Does church authority (leaders) nullify Christ’s authority?”
The purpose of that site is to discuss and help one another live under the “archy” (or rule) of Jesus Christ.
I’ve asked the readers of that site to consider a series of posts that I recently published here on the topic of positional authority among the church.
Here are the posts:
- Authority among the church? Starting a new series.
- What did Jesus say about positions of authority under his own authority?
- In the church, how does someone lead without exercising authority?
- Does the existence and recognition of elders indicate that they have positional authority?
- Does shepherding and overseeing suggest exercising authority?
I also added this addendum, which I also think is an extremely important foundation to my argument above:
Finally, I ended with the following statement:
I would love to get your thoughts on these posts, and perhaps discuss how mature believers can “lead” others (which we see in Scripture) without exercising authority over them (which we do not see in Scripture).
Since the contributors and readers for that site come from a broad background, I expect a lively discussion, and perhaps some disagreement and push back. If you are so inclined, jump over the the “Under Christ’s Archy” site and join in the discussion.
When is Whenever in Whenever You Come Together?
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “When you come together… let all things be done for building up.” (1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV) The “when” that begins that sentence is a subordinating conjunction that is often translated “whenever.”
But, what does Paul mean by “whenever”… or, perhaps it would be better to ask it this way: “When” does Paul mean by the term “whenever”?
In stating “whenever you come together…,” Paul helps us begin setting boundaries for his state. With “you” being plural and the verb “come together,” Paul is definitely talking about times when more than one believer is present. (Remember, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, not to anyone in Corinth.)
But, is Paul only talking about times when “the whole church” comes together as he says in 1 Corinthians 14:23-25? It is possible. However, there seems to be a paragraph break between 1 Corinthians 14:25 and 1 Corinthians 14:26 because of the question and the address “brothers and sisters.” So, it is not necessary to connect “the whole church comes together” in 1 Corinthians 14:23 and “when you come together” in 1 Corinthians 14:26. (Also, 1 Corinthians 14:23-25 appear to be a hypothetical situation, even if it is stated in a way that indicates it could actually happen, while 1 Corinthians 14:26 is stated as a command.)
So, can we specify when is “whenever” beyond an occasion when more than one follower of Jesus Christ is together? I don’t think so. In fact, I think that Paul left this command (and many others) vague so that readers could not become too technical and picky. For example, I could imagine someone saying, “I don’t have to follow Paul’s instructions in this situation because it doesn’t match us specifically with what he said.” In fact, it is easy to imagine this because it happens often. 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 is perhaps one of the passages that is least applied to the church today, and yet it is the most specific (even though it is general) in the way we should meet together.
In the case of this passage, “whenever” is broad and inclusive. Are you together with at least one other brother or sister in Christ? If so, then are you seeking to build up one another? I believe this is Paul’s emphasis.
I was reminded of this passage and the inclusiveness of “whenever” a few days ago. As I’ve mentioned a few times on this blog, I start exercising a couple of months ago by walking (then running). Last weekend, a friend and I decided to run together.
As we were running through a local park, we talked with one another, asking questions, responding to questions, encouraging and helping one another… all the while running for exercise. We had decided (without discussion, by the way) that “whenever” (a la 1 Corinthians 14:26) included that moment while we were exercising.
Can you imagine how much life (and maturity) would be different if we seriously sought to build up one another any time we were with other believers? Yes, I think that the church (in general) has a long way to go to work toward mutual edification during our normal meetings (i.e., Sunday morning). However, that time is only the tip of the iceberg. That time of gathering together is only a few minutes of the “whenever” that Paul was talking about in 1 Corinthians 14:26.
Is that time included in the “whenever” of 1 Corinthians 14:26? Yes, I think so. But, the “whenever” is certainly not limited to that time of gathering together.
So, like Paul said, I encourage you, “Do all things to build up one another… whenever you come together.”
Comment Highlight: More divisions are not the answer
Once again I find myself highlighting a comment by my good friend Art. But, what can I do? His comments always challenge and encourage me so much!
In this comment Art is responding to another comment. But, you can click on the link to read back to the previous comment, but it’s not necessary to understand what Art is saying.
And, I believe, Art is saying something that all followers of Jesus Christ need to consider… carefully.
Here is his comment:
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Suppose we agreed that “The Whole Religious System” was corrupted.
Aren’t these saints (willingly or blindly entangled) still our brothers and sisters? Aren’t we still members of one another? Is it possible we can just walk away and wash our hands of the whole mess?
While I can’t see my way to simply continue attending, pretty much anything short of that I’ve tried has ended up with either being asked to leave a lot of churches in 40 years, or, when not asked, getting to where I just couldn’t stomach it anymore. I consider these experiences largely evidence of my own immaturity.
These are my brothers and sisters in my city, the local church to which I belong and cannot escape. Most of them meet in the oddly shaped buildings and even more distorted organizational structures every Sunday. I can’t see any option to simply walk away.
Honestly, walking away from existing religious systems is what every group did that started a new division, beginning as a “non-denominational, perfected way of being the church together” and quickly becoming just one more distorted mess and one additional level of division. Name a denomination. Their “distinctives” or “heritage” or “restoration” was their departure point from any number of brothers and sisters.
For awhile, I satisfied my points of departure with most of my local brothers and sisters by functioning among the Plymouth Brethren. More participative, elder led (well, in truth, elder ruled, but when you’re an elder you can overlook that), plus they have near perfect doctrine (ahem, as I see it). Some find their recourse by signing on with some other denomination that fits their understandings better. Many are doing so today via the house church (now called simple or organic), the soon-to-be new denominations with about the same level of differences as there are between the 26 “baptist” denominations, etc.
More divisions. These are not the answers. With divisions, there is always an ache for my whole family and despair over His fallen glory (Jn 17) that remains, of which yet-more divisions of any sort make the pain worse, not better.
Where there is no vision, the people perish
The title of this post comes from the KJV translation of Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” The KJV translators included a note that “perish” literally means “to be made naked.”
Other translations render the verse a little differently: “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” (Proverbs 29:18 ESV)
The LXX translators (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) made an interesting interpretation for this verse: “In no way should there be an interpreter for a lawless nation, but the one (nation?) who keeps the law is blessed.”
I typically hear this verse brandished whenever a church leader (usually the senior pastor or head elder) is attempting to make certain decisions or plans for the church. The leader will present his or her plan as “God’s vision,” and the church is expected to adopt the plan and carry out the plan, usually by volunteering to serve in various positions.
But, is this the point of Proverbs 29:18? I don’t think so.
First, we need to consider the purpose of the Proverbs. Proverbs are general principles for life. They are examples of wise living in general, but they are not always absolute. This is clear when we consider Proverbs 26:4-5 and other similar proverbs.
Second, this verse seems to make a distinction between those nations/people without God’s law and those nations/people with God’s law. The “vision” in this case is revelation from God. The people who do not have God’s law (revelation from God) are “naked” or “without encouragement” (as some translate it) or “without restraint.” On the other hand, the nation that has and observes God’s law is blessed (presumably by the restraint that comes from keeping the law). In general, then, those people who have and obey God’s law will have a better life than those people who do not know or follow God’s law.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the idea that God presents his vision for a group’s service through a single individual (i.e., a pastor) is not found in the New Testament. There is no indication by the NT writers that a pastor or elder or other leader is responsible for telling a group of people how to serve God and others.
Even when Paul presented his own life and service to the gospel as an example to others, he did not tell them exactly how to serve God for themselves. Instead, Paul clearly tells his readers that through God’s grace each of his readers are given gifts, opportunities, and ability to serve God through serving one another and others in different ways. As Paul followed the Holy Spirit in serving others, he expected others to follow the Spirit as well.
Instead, those who are more mature in trusting God and following Jesus Christ should help others seek how God wants them to serve him and others. This does not mean that the mature tell others what to do, but helps them discover this for themselves.
This plan may not help someone fill positions in their church programs, but I believe it will help build up the church toward maturity in Christ and expand the kingdom of God.
Recognzing and living among the church beyond your particular circle
Josh at “Called to Rebuild” has written a very important post called “Living a church life that involves ALL God’s people.”
In the post, Josh talks about recognizing and living among the church beyond the particular people that he gathers with regularly. But, the post is important because he does more than just talk about it: he’s trying to live it, and he provides an example for us.
Josh writes:
The brothers and sisters I meet with on a regular basis are few in number. It’s been that way all three years we’ve been together. And while I am thoroughly convinced that it is not our number but simply what we are that makes for the Lord’s testimony, we often long for more fellowship with other believers. So in the past six months or so, as the light of the local church being the fellowship of all God’s people in a given place has dawned upon me, I’ve been moved to more actively seek out fellowship with other believers beyond the “walls” of our particular circle.
Thus far, the results of this endeavor have been both rewarding and frustrating. While we have been able to connect with many brothers and sisters who have different backgrounds and emphases of truth, at the same time it’s been difficult to gain any kind of reciprocation to our reaching out. Whether they are too busy, too cautious or simply do not see the importance of it, many saints don’t seem to have much desire to really go beyond their own congregation to have fellowhsip with other local believers. It’s heartbreaking, really.
Yes! We need more examples like this. We need to read about and see more believers reaching beyond the “walls” of their particular fellowship to embrace those other believers that God has brought into their lives. These brothers and sisters are already there in your workplace, school, neighborhood, social clubs, hobby groups, etc.
And, yes, like Josh is discovering, this kind of fellowship is difficult to find. At times, the search can be heartbreaking. However, I’ve found that the benefits are well worth the work!
What about you? How have you searched for and found fellowship with brothers and sisters outside of your particular circle?
Guest Blogger: Let’s go to the show!
I’ve invited several people to write “guest blog posts” for this blog. There are several reasons for this: 1) To offer different perspectives. 2) To generate even more discussion and conversation between blogs. 3) To introduce other bloggers to my readers.
(If you are interested in writing a guest blog post, please contact me at aknox[at]sebts[dot]com.)
Today’s post was written by John (as was yesterday’s post). You can connect with John on Facebook or email him at jnotestein [at] aol [dot] com.
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Let’s go to the show!
I went out early this morning to grab a cup of my favorite latte, catch up on my newspaper reading and then hit the library to check out a few new books. Then I met my wife for lunch at the nearby café before hitting the gym for a good workout and a quick pilates class. Then I met my wife for a quick dinner and movie, followed by an awesome concert by a kickin’ band. And I did all of this in the confines of a local church.
Well, not really, but you get the idea. As a Christian these days, we can live the Amish life without the dark clothes and hats. We can easily live our lives outside of work wrapped in the comfortable cocoon of Christian community. So what of it, you say?
Christian community is very important to me. I see no other way to grow in my faith than to live my life in community with other believers. But what do we do with that faith?
But I’m getting ahead of myself. First of all, I first started attending church 9 months before I was born. I have always been in SBC affiliated churches, and went through every children, youth, and adult program that came down the pike (I still have Sunbeam songs in my head, so you can kinda tell my age group). I have sat through the spring/fall revival services and have lots of gold stars on old VBS certificates. I was even there in our old country church the day the organ arrived (what was wrong with the piano?) and a few folks thought this was the pathway to liberal mainline decline.
What a difference a few decades make. These days you might be hard pressed to find an organ (it’s over behind the drum kit). Now, if you think this post is about worship styles, you’re wrong. I have seen the extremes in styles, at least in the SBC world, and have never failed to worship our God and Savior because of the type of music. No, this post is about something that is a little more subtle: who are we really worshiping?
Well, God, of course, I can hear you say. But sometimes I feel as if I’m at an American Idol audition rather than a worship service. I don’t have to participate; I just have to listen as part of the audience. And for you younger guys, it’s not the music. I have attended my youngest daughter’s church many times and their music stands above just about anything I hear that is called contemporary worship music. The difference is: I’m singing along with them. I’m praising my Lord. I am actively worshiping. I’m not sitting in a Branson show.
Anyway, that’s not really what I wanted to talk about anyway (it’s my lead in). Where and how do we truly worship God? I contend that I worship more at times when I sit in the coffee shop with my Christian brothers and sisters, or hand out meals at the City Union Mission, or work with my non believing coworkers and neighbors. As Christians, we are all living our faith daily. As we engage with God’s world, we are testimonies to our faith. I am not saved to wait and sit in the bus station waiting for the 4:55 to Heaven. God is not part of my life for several hours on a Sunday morning. He owns me. I was bought at a price. Everything I do reflects His mercy to me. And not just towards me. Everyone and everything I come in contact with. I am a tool in the Master’s hands. If you think like that, you can’t help but worship. All of life is worshiping the Creator.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV)
The same things I tell my kids I need to repeatedly tell myself. It’s not about me. It’s about my God and Savior.
October Synchroblog – Down We Go
The October Synchroblog is scheduled for next Wednesday, October 12, 2012. The topic of the synchroblog is “Down We Go.”
Are you not familiar with synchroblogs? Well, a synchroblog is a blogging event in which many different bloggers publish posts at about the same time (usually the same day) based on the same topic. Typically, each blogger will also include in their post (usually at the bottom) a link to the other blog posts that are part of the synchroblog.
So, what is the topic “Down We Go” all about? Well, it’s inspired by the Kathy Escobar book of the same title. However, according to the description of this synchroblog, you do not have to interact with that book – you do not even have to read the book (and, unfortunately, I have not had time to read Kathy’s book yet). Instead, they are only looking for bloggers to publish a post based on the topic “Down We Go.”
So, what does “Down We Go” mean as a topic? Here’s part of the description:
Independence. Success. Upward Mobility. Security. Comfort. In subtle and direct ways, many of have been sent a message by the world (and sometimes by the faith systems we have been part of) that life is about moving up–away from pain and suffering and toward comfort, stability, and put-togetherness. This kind of living is much different than the kind of life Jesus calls us to in the gospels. Jesus consistently modeled going down into the low and messy places of people’s experiences–intersecting with the lepers, the lonely, the outcasts, the marginalized. He calls us to a life of humility, love, and interdependence.
I plan to take part in the synchroblog. I’ve loved being part of synchroblogs in the past, but have not been able to take part the last few months.
If you want to take part, please jump over the synchroblog post about “Down We Go,” read the instructions, and leave a comment letting them know that you plan to take part. Also, let me know here so that I can look for your post.