“Spectator” is not a spiritual gift. It isn’t a calling.
Yet, many church models consistently produce passive Christians. Instead of making disciples they are making spectators.
When people think of a scandal they often think of sex, drugs, and money. Maybe some combination of these things. But not every scandal involves these things. Some are less conspicuous.
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Do this. Don’t do that.
Shop here. Don’t shop there.
This is acceptable. That is an abomination.
Is this really what following Jesus is all about?
Don’t get me wrong. Christianity does have a moral code. That’s undeniable.
And that moral code is not popular. Not by a long shot. The Bible is clear that the moral code is contrary to the flesh. By definition it goes against the grain of fallen human nature.
But Christianity isn’t moralism. Continue reading
These are powerful concepts. Organizations that want to be successful need to skillfully employ them to get people to participate.
This same strategy is often used in local churches.
Many pastoral job descriptions include casting vision. Successful churches often have mission statements as a focal point of all their church ministries and literature.
Do you have a mission statement? Does your church?
Do you know God’s mission statement? Continue reading
If we’re going to let Jesus have His way in His church then we need to stop playing defense. We need to focus on playing offense.
Look carefully at what Jesus said about the nature of His church: “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18).
Gates are defensive structures. They are built to protect their own territory. Jesus plainly said that He would build His church. This building would happen on the rock of people confessing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
As Jesus builds His church people will come out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light (1 Pet 2:9-10). The gates of Hades will not be able to stop the advance of Christ’s kingdom expansion. Continue reading
The question is about priorities.
Which takes precedence for you: your faith or your patriotism?
I’m not asking you to abandon one or the other. I am asking you to be honest with yourself and answer this question: Is your life more defined by your Christianity and the Lord you claim to serve, or by the American dream, and your right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
How would your family answer this question about you? What about your coworkers? Your neighbors?
How would those who read your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and any and every other aspect of your public life answer that question about you? Continue reading
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