Do we (I'm referring to church leaders here) look so intently that we miss really seeing? We dig into the Word, read inspiring stories, listen to motivational speakers that point us to, and remind us of what it means to be a disciple, that we are called to be missional and incarnational. Then we get so fired up about leading the churches we pastor toward being "missional" and "incarnational" with such intensity that we miss the disciples at our churches who are living it already.
One of our children's ministers, Lesly Yerger, is facing chemo therapy for the second time with courageous faith in the Lord. She gave a testimony this Sunday. Then in the offering basket was an envelope with money in it for a family in need--anonymous, not looking for any recognition or tax write off. A family who has been transformed by God's power--now filled with joy, peace and hope. A young man who, as a sophomore in H.S., is giving godly counsel to students at his school as he seeks God's direction for his life. An 89 year old woman who witnesses to anyone in ear shot and has the grace of Christ in her heart. A man who has been changed by God through his son who now shares, counsels, and whose life is radically different. Women who have study/fellowship groups made up of "unchurched." Men who are sharing Jesus' grace with their next door neighbors who are lost and seeking. A staff that is underpaid or not paid at all. And the list goes on...if I just stop looking so intently so I can see what is going on all around us.
What an amazing church God has chosen me for and allowed me to serve and lead. A church that truly is walking together and making a difference by influencing the domain in which they live.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Here We Go, Following God
Amazing how God works. For me, it has to do with the vision he developed in my heart for the church plant here--his view was much more expanded than mine, concerning the fulfillment of the vision. Our vision is not being altered, but the way we are now seeking to fulfill it is much larger and more in line with God's intent behind the vision in the first place.
From the beginning we have sought to workout and be "missional" and "incarnational." We also desired to have a kingdom perspective. The atmosphere for our gatherings is contemporary, casual and caring--where people are welcome wherever they are on their faith journey, with the expectation that they would grow as disciples. God has been gracious with us as we have struggled to be this kind of church, making mistakes along the way, but we are developing as a church that walks together making a difference by being missional and incarnational. People's lives are being changed, there is a real sense of community, this church has an active faith, and people are being brought to God through authentic love.
The area in which we are being redirected to better follow God's expanded view has to do with a kingdom perspective. Our philosophy has to be expanded to include "going through barriers" instead of just seeking to remove and resist unnecessary barriers at our gathering place. We need to be better at "sending" disicples out with the purpose of influencing their domain. So, we are developing our discipleship process to include equipping and empowering people to "go through" barriers, social, economical, racial, and "religious," reaching the lost where they are, influencing their own domain, making disciples and bringing them into community right where they are. We haven't decided exactly what to call these "neighborhood" communities of faith, but we are praying, planning and being intentional about fulfilling this aspect of God's vision for us.
We have a blended view--often people who rediscover aspects of God's call, "missional," "incarnational," "Kingdom perspective," and methods to fulfill these, bash past efforts or methods by authentic communities of disciples. God has and still reaches people through authentic communities of faith organized as a "church on the corner." God reaches people through "church plants." And God reaches people through "neighborhood communities of faith." However, we can't get caught up in Western "church-think" limiting God's kingdom, his church to our preconcieved concepts--church isn't just in a building on a corner or in a rented facility or at a home or in a Starbucks. Church happens wherever disciples gather as community. The determining factor that is common in all is being missional, incarnational and having a kingdom perspective, much greater than any method, style or means. So, seeking to have an expanded view that more closely matches God's will for us means we will be the church God is calling us to be by having "Journey on the corner," participating in "church plants," and intentionally sending out disciples to develop "neighborhood communities of faith" in their domains.
Here we go, following God, his lead, his will, his desires--wherever he may direct. What an adventure, what an exciting time, what an amazing God, never is he limited to our finite minds!
From the beginning we have sought to workout and be "missional" and "incarnational." We also desired to have a kingdom perspective. The atmosphere for our gatherings is contemporary, casual and caring--where people are welcome wherever they are on their faith journey, with the expectation that they would grow as disciples. God has been gracious with us as we have struggled to be this kind of church, making mistakes along the way, but we are developing as a church that walks together making a difference by being missional and incarnational. People's lives are being changed, there is a real sense of community, this church has an active faith, and people are being brought to God through authentic love.
The area in which we are being redirected to better follow God's expanded view has to do with a kingdom perspective. Our philosophy has to be expanded to include "going through barriers" instead of just seeking to remove and resist unnecessary barriers at our gathering place. We need to be better at "sending" disicples out with the purpose of influencing their domain. So, we are developing our discipleship process to include equipping and empowering people to "go through" barriers, social, economical, racial, and "religious," reaching the lost where they are, influencing their own domain, making disciples and bringing them into community right where they are. We haven't decided exactly what to call these "neighborhood" communities of faith, but we are praying, planning and being intentional about fulfilling this aspect of God's vision for us.
We have a blended view--often people who rediscover aspects of God's call, "missional," "incarnational," "Kingdom perspective," and methods to fulfill these, bash past efforts or methods by authentic communities of disciples. God has and still reaches people through authentic communities of faith organized as a "church on the corner." God reaches people through "church plants." And God reaches people through "neighborhood communities of faith." However, we can't get caught up in Western "church-think" limiting God's kingdom, his church to our preconcieved concepts--church isn't just in a building on a corner or in a rented facility or at a home or in a Starbucks. Church happens wherever disciples gather as community. The determining factor that is common in all is being missional, incarnational and having a kingdom perspective, much greater than any method, style or means. So, seeking to have an expanded view that more closely matches God's will for us means we will be the church God is calling us to be by having "Journey on the corner," participating in "church plants," and intentionally sending out disciples to develop "neighborhood communities of faith" in their domains.
Here we go, following God, his lead, his will, his desires--wherever he may direct. What an adventure, what an exciting time, what an amazing God, never is he limited to our finite minds!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Hectic, Humbled, and Encouraged
Last week was hectic for Gloria and me. So some of my normal scheduling was altered and adjusted to meet all the demands the best that I was able. With all this going on, my 30 day commitment has been altered somewhat. I have started using the Internet at work to do some personal business, but still no Internet at home. I also have done well, not watching TV and really don't miss it. So, even after the 30 days, we will not have cable TV, just local for news and weather. We do watch an occasional movie, DVD.
God was gracious to me, really humbling me. With everything going on last week, and having to adjust my routine of sermon preparation. God was merciful and gracious Sunday as were his people who meet here. God drove it home, I am (as Paul wrote) a clay pot and God's message is the treasure. God's power is even more evident in my weakness. And it is not my words or eloquence that matters (or lack of)--it is God's word that never comes back empty!!
I am encouraged, because there is a revival concerning discipleship, cross-centered living, and authentic love-directed service. I am encouraged by the desire for authentic worship in spirit and truth. I am encouraged by the redirected focus away from buildings to people and from defining the church "programatically, institutionally, or organizationally" and defining the church Christocentrically, organically, missionally and incarnationally. There is a movement of God reviving and restoring genuine discipleship.
I am encouraged because when we see the church the way Jesus builds it, the Spirit fills it, and the Father graces it, our methods become less important, or styles insignificant and our organizational structures inconsequential. What matters--individuals and communities of faith living and breathing Jesus, being kingdom people, going through social, economic and racial barriers incarnating Jesus for those in the world to see and experience. Awesome!!
God was gracious to me, really humbling me. With everything going on last week, and having to adjust my routine of sermon preparation. God was merciful and gracious Sunday as were his people who meet here. God drove it home, I am (as Paul wrote) a clay pot and God's message is the treasure. God's power is even more evident in my weakness. And it is not my words or eloquence that matters (or lack of)--it is God's word that never comes back empty!!
I am encouraged, because there is a revival concerning discipleship, cross-centered living, and authentic love-directed service. I am encouraged by the desire for authentic worship in spirit and truth. I am encouraged by the redirected focus away from buildings to people and from defining the church "programatically, institutionally, or organizationally" and defining the church Christocentrically, organically, missionally and incarnationally. There is a movement of God reviving and restoring genuine discipleship.
I am encouraged because when we see the church the way Jesus builds it, the Spirit fills it, and the Father graces it, our methods become less important, or styles insignificant and our organizational structures inconsequential. What matters--individuals and communities of faith living and breathing Jesus, being kingdom people, going through social, economic and racial barriers incarnating Jesus for those in the world to see and experience. Awesome!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
TV, Spicy Food, Spiritual Journey
Gloria and I went to Grapevine for a couple of days (one evening). We enjoyed being with friends and just having a good time. The only thing, the spicy and rich foods we ate (not usually on our diet) did a number on our digestive systems when we got home. It was worth it though.
I am doing OK on my 30 day commitment to only watch TV with Gloria in the mornings when we have coffee together (news) and to no longer use the Internet at home. We no longer even have Internet service, so that is easy. We only have 3 channels now, since we no longer have satellite TV or cable. But, almost everywhere we go, a TV is staring at us. And without really thinking about it, I did watch a little in our hotel room, until Gloria told me I wasn't suppose to be watching TV. I don't find it difficult at home, I always have something else more significant to do. I find it difficult when away from home where I might be kicking back to relax and a TV is staring at me and out of years of habit, I watch. However, I really don't miss TV.
My spiritual journey has been affected by this commitment. I really believe, I am less stressed, and better attuned to what is going on around me than I was when mindlessly watching TV. I think not watching TV has resulted in me taking more time to talk with people as well as contemplate on ideas and spiritual matters. Vegging out in front of the boob-tube had more of an impact than I thought. My brain, spirit and heart or in gear more now, no longer being put in neutral to be fed junk.
Along those lines, since I have more time to have focused thought and contemplation, I also find I need to intentionally feed my mind those things that are excellent, eternal, heavenward, good and significant--giving my "in gear" mind, heart and spirit something worth spending time pondering. So, my reading has picked up as has real conversation with others about spiritual matters. All this is great for my spiritual journey, especially since we are exploring ways we can lead Journey to be better at disciple-making, being missional and incarnational--to do our best at going through barriers, at not being limited by "church-think" when seeking to be Christ's ambassadors in this world, and at revisiting what "church planting" really is. More is coming about these developments that we started at our staff retreat last weekend.......what does it really look like when we are a church that goes beyond barriers, that isn't limited to cultural or religious definitions of what the church is or how it operates, and that is about spreading the kingdom on the "frontlines?" When your mind is clear of distractions, your heart is open to God's direction, and your spirit is influenced by God's Spirit--it is amazing what God reveals to you.
I am doing OK on my 30 day commitment to only watch TV with Gloria in the mornings when we have coffee together (news) and to no longer use the Internet at home. We no longer even have Internet service, so that is easy. We only have 3 channels now, since we no longer have satellite TV or cable. But, almost everywhere we go, a TV is staring at us. And without really thinking about it, I did watch a little in our hotel room, until Gloria told me I wasn't suppose to be watching TV. I don't find it difficult at home, I always have something else more significant to do. I find it difficult when away from home where I might be kicking back to relax and a TV is staring at me and out of years of habit, I watch. However, I really don't miss TV.
My spiritual journey has been affected by this commitment. I really believe, I am less stressed, and better attuned to what is going on around me than I was when mindlessly watching TV. I think not watching TV has resulted in me taking more time to talk with people as well as contemplate on ideas and spiritual matters. Vegging out in front of the boob-tube had more of an impact than I thought. My brain, spirit and heart or in gear more now, no longer being put in neutral to be fed junk.
Along those lines, since I have more time to have focused thought and contemplation, I also find I need to intentionally feed my mind those things that are excellent, eternal, heavenward, good and significant--giving my "in gear" mind, heart and spirit something worth spending time pondering. So, my reading has picked up as has real conversation with others about spiritual matters. All this is great for my spiritual journey, especially since we are exploring ways we can lead Journey to be better at disciple-making, being missional and incarnational--to do our best at going through barriers, at not being limited by "church-think" when seeking to be Christ's ambassadors in this world, and at revisiting what "church planting" really is. More is coming about these developments that we started at our staff retreat last weekend.......what does it really look like when we are a church that goes beyond barriers, that isn't limited to cultural or religious definitions of what the church is or how it operates, and that is about spreading the kingdom on the "frontlines?" When your mind is clear of distractions, your heart is open to God's direction, and your spirit is influenced by God's Spirit--it is amazing what God reveals to you.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Developing Perspective
Since I haven't been inundated by the News Media, I have developed a personal perspective of what is going on around me (Not CNN or Fox). People are trying to deal with everyday life and all its challenges, just like always. However, changes come quicker, technology has made the world smaller at the same time separating people more (relationally), and the population has increased the amount of people facing the challenges. But people are still people, and people are still facing the same kinds of challenges, even though they may come at them in different ways, more often and faster. One factor that is very different, "Christianity" or "the church" doesn't play a major role in people's lives any more, so real joy, peace and hope is allusive.
I just got back from a seminar in Austin, TX put on for preachers. According to most of the presenters at this seminar, the reason "Christianity" isn't having an impact is that preachers aren't doing their jobs. That may be true, but the way they gave to rectify the problem is to crank up the sermons on Sunday a.m. in brick and mortar buildings at organized churches expecting people to walk in so they can be changed, "by the Word." An old paradigm that might have worked at one time (I actually have my doubts), but surely isn't affective now. I was greatly disappointed and even left early. I don't have all the answers, but I believe in order to reach a world like the one we live in, we must be more like the early disciples, going where people are, showing them what real joy, peace and hope are. It might be the preachers' fault, but not because "good" sermons weren't being preached, maybe it's because "churches" were being built, instead of people being reached. I heard one person say, when you show people Jesus, the church happens.
I believe, if we don't limit ourselves to "church-think" where success is defined by more programs, bigger buildings to hold more people, and think of success in kingdom terms instead of secular terms, then God will open up a lot of possibilities for disciples of Jesus to spread the kingdom. Success is making and sending disciples who influence their domains with God's kingdom in Jesus so that people will be reconciled to God and He will be glorified. A result may be larger gatherings of his people to worship, but what if we channel resources to influencing people in the workplace, at places of recreation, in life's arena instead of building bigger buildings to house more people that often results in pulling away from the life's arena to feed the "machine" instead of being in the world that needs transformed?
Some questions to ponder: Why has being a "godly" disciple been defined as no drinking, no cussing, and no gambling? Why do we limit the "size" of a church to the size of its facilities and Sunday a.m. attendance? Why do we tell converts they can't go into bars and clubs or be a part of the groups they were before conversion? Why is inviting someone to "church" bringing them to a "church" building? Why do we invite people to "church" before we invite them to "Jesus?" Can a church of 2000 exist all week long when the Sunday a.m. service attendance is 300? How are disciples truly able to influence their domain?
I am not a church-basher or an "organized" religion basher. Doesn't matter the size of group you commune with or worship with, it is organized in some way. Whether it is "cell churches," "villages," "organized institutional churches" or a combination of, we can never let the organization define the organism. We must not limit our concept of "church" to any methodology, secular corporate principles, or cultural standards. We constantly need to evaluate "the how" to see if we are kingdom people, permeating like yeast & salt, and revealing like light. Are we reaching people and influencing communities for the kingdom of God? (I don't mean screaming out who is going to hell, but touching people with the life-giving, heart-transforming, Spirit-empowered kingdom of grace in Christ.)
I just got back from a seminar in Austin, TX put on for preachers. According to most of the presenters at this seminar, the reason "Christianity" isn't having an impact is that preachers aren't doing their jobs. That may be true, but the way they gave to rectify the problem is to crank up the sermons on Sunday a.m. in brick and mortar buildings at organized churches expecting people to walk in so they can be changed, "by the Word." An old paradigm that might have worked at one time (I actually have my doubts), but surely isn't affective now. I was greatly disappointed and even left early. I don't have all the answers, but I believe in order to reach a world like the one we live in, we must be more like the early disciples, going where people are, showing them what real joy, peace and hope are. It might be the preachers' fault, but not because "good" sermons weren't being preached, maybe it's because "churches" were being built, instead of people being reached. I heard one person say, when you show people Jesus, the church happens.
I believe, if we don't limit ourselves to "church-think" where success is defined by more programs, bigger buildings to hold more people, and think of success in kingdom terms instead of secular terms, then God will open up a lot of possibilities for disciples of Jesus to spread the kingdom. Success is making and sending disciples who influence their domains with God's kingdom in Jesus so that people will be reconciled to God and He will be glorified. A result may be larger gatherings of his people to worship, but what if we channel resources to influencing people in the workplace, at places of recreation, in life's arena instead of building bigger buildings to house more people that often results in pulling away from the life's arena to feed the "machine" instead of being in the world that needs transformed?
Some questions to ponder: Why has being a "godly" disciple been defined as no drinking, no cussing, and no gambling? Why do we limit the "size" of a church to the size of its facilities and Sunday a.m. attendance? Why do we tell converts they can't go into bars and clubs or be a part of the groups they were before conversion? Why is inviting someone to "church" bringing them to a "church" building? Why do we invite people to "church" before we invite them to "Jesus?" Can a church of 2000 exist all week long when the Sunday a.m. service attendance is 300? How are disciples truly able to influence their domain?
I am not a church-basher or an "organized" religion basher. Doesn't matter the size of group you commune with or worship with, it is organized in some way. Whether it is "cell churches," "villages," "organized institutional churches" or a combination of, we can never let the organization define the organism. We must not limit our concept of "church" to any methodology, secular corporate principles, or cultural standards. We constantly need to evaluate "the how" to see if we are kingdom people, permeating like yeast & salt, and revealing like light. Are we reaching people and influencing communities for the kingdom of God? (I don't mean screaming out who is going to hell, but touching people with the life-giving, heart-transforming, Spirit-empowered kingdom of grace in Christ.)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
30 Day Commitment Leads Me to Considering the Church as "Dangerous"
Update on my 30 Day Commitment to abstaining from the internet at home and television.
I am learning how dependent I have become concerning the use the internet for work and personal business. I am also learning how much television was a part of my everyday life. Interesting, effects I didn't expect--love the quietness at home, haven't been stressed about the economy, the "horrible" state of affairs, or how "dangerous" "everything" is becoming. Maybe television is skewing what the world really looks like on a personal level. Don't mean there aren't injustices, violence, challenges, needs that must be addressed, but maybe, just maybe being bombarded by what the news media deems as "news" kind of twists reality a bit. Just maybe.
Other affects--I am listening to more things that will help me spiritually (even though abstaining from listening to a.m. radio wasn't a part of my commitment, I noticed I don't listen to it either, now.) I am reading more. I am praying more. I am looking for significant things to do, not just fill my schedule. Don't know if all these effects are because I haven't been inundated with "the world" by T.V. or the Internet, but in only 5 days, I feel better, and am less stressed. Amazing!
One thing I have listened to, that is helping my spiritually, is a sermon by Erwin McManus. I read the book The Barbarian Way, and now I have listened to his sermon based on the concepts in the book. A word that has started jumping out at me, concerning the nature of the church is "dangerous." Erwin uses it talking about the church and followers of Jesus. Mike Anderson, one of our shepherds, prayed that we might be a "dangerous" church. And I agree--if we are following Jesus we will be dangerous to the evil spiritual realm and to the "world" controlled by the evil one. So we need to be influenced by and transformed by the Spirit, not influenced by and conformed to the world, or we will not be the lest bit dangerous. Now, what does that look like? More coming....
I am learning how dependent I have become concerning the use the internet for work and personal business. I am also learning how much television was a part of my everyday life. Interesting, effects I didn't expect--love the quietness at home, haven't been stressed about the economy, the "horrible" state of affairs, or how "dangerous" "everything" is becoming. Maybe television is skewing what the world really looks like on a personal level. Don't mean there aren't injustices, violence, challenges, needs that must be addressed, but maybe, just maybe being bombarded by what the news media deems as "news" kind of twists reality a bit. Just maybe.
Other affects--I am listening to more things that will help me spiritually (even though abstaining from listening to a.m. radio wasn't a part of my commitment, I noticed I don't listen to it either, now.) I am reading more. I am praying more. I am looking for significant things to do, not just fill my schedule. Don't know if all these effects are because I haven't been inundated with "the world" by T.V. or the Internet, but in only 5 days, I feel better, and am less stressed. Amazing!
One thing I have listened to, that is helping my spiritually, is a sermon by Erwin McManus. I read the book The Barbarian Way, and now I have listened to his sermon based on the concepts in the book. A word that has started jumping out at me, concerning the nature of the church is "dangerous." Erwin uses it talking about the church and followers of Jesus. Mike Anderson, one of our shepherds, prayed that we might be a "dangerous" church. And I agree--if we are following Jesus we will be dangerous to the evil spiritual realm and to the "world" controlled by the evil one. So we need to be influenced by and transformed by the Spirit, not influenced by and conformed to the world, or we will not be the lest bit dangerous. Now, what does that look like? More coming....
Monday, May 11, 2009
Getting the "World" Out & Letting Christ Rule in My Heart
This is a long blog today. I am beginning my 30 Day commitment concerning the Internet and T.V. as an effort to “get the world” out and Christ in. I’ll need to let you know how I got started this direction—so here it is.
Every since I heard Ajai Lall speak from India via an Internet camera that was projected on a huge screen in a multi-million dollar Baptist Church building in Orlando, Florida, I have been reexamining my own faith and concept of following Jesus. (Ajai is President of Central India Christian Mission—he is a disciple of Christ in every way.)
As Ajai spoke, confined to his home in India due to intense persecution and false charges by the government, I was deeply moved and convicted. Can I really say as Paul wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me?" Have I allowed God to remove the world out of my heart where I can say like Paul, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world?" Or, am I being led by the Spirit of Christ, where this is a reality in me, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit?" (Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 5:25) Ajai can.
As I contemplate this about myself, I wonder about the church in the U.S.? Would American Christians be willing to face real persecution where thousands were being killed, they are in India. Or have we become so comfortable, so consumer oriented that American Christianity is no more than a consumable recreation? Has God become our recreation, where as consumers we stay with him as long as “I” get what “I” want, when “I” want it? The world constantly inundates us where its priorities, pursuits, and passions subtly invade our hearts. Look at George Barna's data from his surveys. Those who claim to be Christians are no different than the world except in one category—giving. Non-Christians give more to their charities than Christians give to their church.
God is no more than a recreation, he is schedule in when there is time left, and given to when something is left. The constant bombardment by the world’s messages causes discontentment, dissatisfaction and cravings in hearts that push Christ out. And everyone is OK, even though they lack genuine peace, joy, and hope.
Back to "me." My “happiness” has been tied to finances, success, possessions as well. I know from the past, how the world can get a hold of your heart and drain the life out of it, trading joy for instant gratification. So I appreciate the unintended but powerful wake up call I received from Ajai. I am seeking to totally surrender to Jesus as Savior, Lord and King and will look for practical ways to get and keep the world out, so my priorities, pursuits and passions are born out of my relationship with Jesus, not the world--and the Spirit supernaturally produces fruit in my heart and life.
One of those practical attempts to allow God to be the influence in my life and to get the world out is to begin a 30 Day commitment that began yesterday. I will not be using the Internet except at work and for work (my wife and I are canceling our home Internet). I also will not be watching T.V. except in the morning with my wife as we share coffee together before work (my wife and I are trying to cancel our T.V. satellite service). I want to see how my heart and life change. I will be tweeting daily (rgec) and blogging from time to time to let you know how this journey goes. I'm not advocating asceticism as spirituality, just looking for fewer ways the world can get in. I want to be in the world, serving, not of the world participating.
My hearts desire for people is to experience God-given peace, joy and hope as well as real freedom that comes from being crucified with Christ living for him as Savior, Lord and King! As a pastor, a disciple, a follower of Jesus--I want to be an example of what this looks like.
Ajai Lall was scheduled to be at Exponential 09, but couldn't make it because he was under persecution by the government in India--he had been falsely accused of "forced conversions." Christians in India at an area just south of where Ajai lives are being executed for their faith. In all this trouble, Ajai still took time to speak to the conference via the Internet on a projected screen. Confined to his home, he had sent word out to more than 400 churches (many of which were undergoing the persecution) to pray for all those at the conference and the church in the U.S.--amazing. Pray for Ajai and all disciples in India.
Every since I heard Ajai Lall speak from India via an Internet camera that was projected on a huge screen in a multi-million dollar Baptist Church building in Orlando, Florida, I have been reexamining my own faith and concept of following Jesus. (Ajai is President of Central India Christian Mission—he is a disciple of Christ in every way.)
As Ajai spoke, confined to his home in India due to intense persecution and false charges by the government, I was deeply moved and convicted. Can I really say as Paul wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me?" Have I allowed God to remove the world out of my heart where I can say like Paul, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world?" Or, am I being led by the Spirit of Christ, where this is a reality in me, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit?" (Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 5:25) Ajai can.
As I contemplate this about myself, I wonder about the church in the U.S.? Would American Christians be willing to face real persecution where thousands were being killed, they are in India. Or have we become so comfortable, so consumer oriented that American Christianity is no more than a consumable recreation? Has God become our recreation, where as consumers we stay with him as long as “I” get what “I” want, when “I” want it? The world constantly inundates us where its priorities, pursuits, and passions subtly invade our hearts. Look at George Barna's data from his surveys. Those who claim to be Christians are no different than the world except in one category—giving. Non-Christians give more to their charities than Christians give to their church.
God is no more than a recreation, he is schedule in when there is time left, and given to when something is left. The constant bombardment by the world’s messages causes discontentment, dissatisfaction and cravings in hearts that push Christ out. And everyone is OK, even though they lack genuine peace, joy, and hope.
Back to "me." My “happiness” has been tied to finances, success, possessions as well. I know from the past, how the world can get a hold of your heart and drain the life out of it, trading joy for instant gratification. So I appreciate the unintended but powerful wake up call I received from Ajai. I am seeking to totally surrender to Jesus as Savior, Lord and King and will look for practical ways to get and keep the world out, so my priorities, pursuits and passions are born out of my relationship with Jesus, not the world--and the Spirit supernaturally produces fruit in my heart and life.
One of those practical attempts to allow God to be the influence in my life and to get the world out is to begin a 30 Day commitment that began yesterday. I will not be using the Internet except at work and for work (my wife and I are canceling our home Internet). I also will not be watching T.V. except in the morning with my wife as we share coffee together before work (my wife and I are trying to cancel our T.V. satellite service). I want to see how my heart and life change. I will be tweeting daily (rgec) and blogging from time to time to let you know how this journey goes. I'm not advocating asceticism as spirituality, just looking for fewer ways the world can get in. I want to be in the world, serving, not of the world participating.
My hearts desire for people is to experience God-given peace, joy and hope as well as real freedom that comes from being crucified with Christ living for him as Savior, Lord and King! As a pastor, a disciple, a follower of Jesus--I want to be an example of what this looks like.
Ajai Lall was scheduled to be at Exponential 09, but couldn't make it because he was under persecution by the government in India--he had been falsely accused of "forced conversions." Christians in India at an area just south of where Ajai lives are being executed for their faith. In all this trouble, Ajai still took time to speak to the conference via the Internet on a projected screen. Confined to his home, he had sent word out to more than 400 churches (many of which were undergoing the persecution) to pray for all those at the conference and the church in the U.S.--amazing. Pray for Ajai and all disciples in India.
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