New Passion Church has a place to meet for their services, when we launch in September. CLICK HERE to read more on this exciting news!
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New Passion Church: Foundations Part 2
May 28, 2009 By 4 Comments
I’m a Spiritual Mutt.
I was born a Nazarene, attended an Assembly of God Church when we lived in a small town with limited church choices; I’ve been an Independent Baptist, am now a Southern Baptist, and I work for a Presbyterian Church.
Each church has played a role in helping shape who I am. Even the Presbyterian church that I work for has helped shape and grow me in various ways. One does not have to attend a service to be impacted by the ministry of a church.
Several months ago I attended a 4 day “Basic Training” for church planters. At the training, Steve, and I outlined the vision, the mission, Core values, and the target of New Passion Church. We came up with a fancy statement for both the vision and the mission. It’s really cool. We used some really creative words and tried to stay away from words that would make people remember the 1970′s, even though I wasn’t born until the glorious 80′s. (This is a random paragraph, but will make sense soon)
Here’s the bottom line. What makes New Passion Unique to Other Churches?
Simply…We are a different piece of the puzzle.
The truth is…our mission statement most likely says the same thing that 98% of mission statements from other churches in the U.S. say. Our Vision is probably identical to 98% of all other churches in the U.S. Different churches may use different styles or words, but the substance is identical. The driving force behind all Bible believing churches & Christians should be the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. This is not a debate of whether those churches are fulfilling it, but they most likely have a statement from some time in their history that points them towards fulfilling it as their goal. It would be presumptuous of me to say what other churches are doing when I do not sit in on their leadership meetings or know the heartbeat of their pastors. I can form a personal opinion based on their activities in the community and/or around the world, but that is missing the point.
Ephesians 4:4&5 says that we have ONE Lord, ONE faith and are ONE body. 1 Peter 3:8 we are told to be of ONE mind. 1 Corinthians 12 says that we are ONE body with many parts. I believe Christ holds the big picture in his hand. We are his church and I believe we all play specific and certain roles. Can churches go off and do their own thing and become ineffective and dead? Definitely! Thousands of churches have fallen into that trap. But the bottom line is this, we are not in competition with each other, we are all commanded to have the same goal in mind. Perry Noble said it best at the Unleash Conference, “Churches need to move beyond seeing each other as competition and start recognizing that we complete each other” (My paraphrase). Christ has our piece of the puzzle laid out for us. He’s given us clear instructions on how we are to lay that piece of the puzzle in place (Great Commission & Commandment), what he does with our piece of the puzzle is totally up to him.
I can hope all day long to have a mega-church or a medium sized church or a church like most people envision that looks like we’re reaching the Cleavers from Leave it to Beaver. In the end, New Passion Church is going to obey Christ and what he does with us, is totally up to him. However, we will NEVER allow death to be an excuse to not reach people. I’ve personally seen churches that were ineffective make the claim that “Maybe Jesus wants us to be a small church.” Jesus may want a church to be small, but that is not reflective of life change. A church can be small and still have a mega reach around the world. When a church stops seeing people saved and stops seeing disciples made, it has begun to be disobedient.
I don’t care what you are…Presbyterian, Independent Baptist, Southern Baptist, or any of the other 100+ Baptists, Nazarene, Wesleyan, or you name it. I don’t care if you are traditional, contemporary, if you sing hymns or if you have a band. I don’t care if you use chairs or pews, if you have a big building or you meet outside…we are all a piece of the puzzle. As soon as we start believing that we have our own puzzle to put together is when we quit being at our maximum potential as the body of Christ to reach a lost world who needs Jesus. Has that happened? Yes…everyday! However, New Passion Church will not function in that manner. We are all about the Kingdom, not about our church.
P.S. YES! I have heard that Stevens Creek Church is starting a Columbia County campus in Grovetown. NO! That does not change God’s calling for New Passion Church. I am excited that Stevens Creek is coming to Grovetown. God is using them greatly in Augusta and I hope we can be effective together in Grovetown. We are on two opposite sides of town, but I would LOVE it if we can serve this community together in any capacity! Our goal is to bring Christ glory and to share the Gospel with the world.
Read New Passion Church: Foundations Part 1
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New Passion Church: Foundations
May 27, 2009 By 2 Comments
I feel like I am on a one way street and all of the road signs say “No U Turns.” God knows if I had my way, I’d already have turned around and went in another direction.
It was easy being a youth pastor. We could plan an event and if no one signed up, we could easily cancel it, scrap the idea, and move on towards something else. Making a commitment to start a church, well, this is a whole new game. A whole new commitment.
As I get the time I want to layout some of my thoughts & experiences in these posts called “Foundations.” Really, this is what it is. I, along with my family, and team are laying the foundations for this new church known as New Passion Church. So to begin with, here is how this whole thing got started…
In 1993, at the ripe young age of 13 I knew God called me to preach. I was the only teenager that went with a group from our church to share the Gospel with migrant workers in the Vidalia Onion fields of south Georgia on the weekends during the onion seasons. I loved it. I could not speak Spanish, but Jerry, who was a friend of my dad and I, could not speak Spanish either so he and I would talk with those who could speak English. The older I got I quickly found out that it was not cool to be ‘called to preach’ as a teenager. I went to a Christian school that had some rough kids attending. My dad was the pastor and it was already difficult making friends because I was a PK, so I never mentioned the call that God had placed on my life. In fact, I put it so far in the back of my mind and my priorities that I started doubting the call myself.
As an older teenager I made a commitment that I was going to be sold out for Christ and live my life for him. Whether people accepted me or not, I was going to follow him. God started giving me a passion for students and so I set out to follow that passion. I worked with students in various capacities for 14 years, beginning at the age of 14 and ending just a couple of months back. I love students. They are the church of today and unless I knew God was calling me to start this church, I would have spent the rest of my life investing in their lives. I love youth pastors. They are seriously underpaid. Their work is unappreciated. Their influence is greatly needed. Many of them see the big picture, but most of them are defeated by church members, pastors, or parents who are blinded to it. Find a youth pastor, hug them, thank them, and buy them lunch. Seriously!
In 2005 I attended a conference teaching church planters how to launch a new church and existing churches how to relaunch their church. It was there, God started working in my heart to launch a church, but the stubborn person that I am, I stayed in youth ministry for the next 3 years, and told very few people that the Lord may be moving me in this direction. I’ve seen a lot of people make emotional decisions and then back out. God’s leading was not an emotional feeling, it was real. In that 3 year span, I went almost an entire year ignoring what I had previously felt the Lord leading me to do. To this day, I don’t think I was being disobedient, but cautious. After all, our executive pastor, also came back and announced to the church that he was going to launch a church, and there was no way I was going to make the same announcement riding on his coat tail. In these last 3 years, God has taught me so much, and I know that his call was right, but the timing was not. I had an opportunity to start a church about 2 years ago, but the situation, the organization, and the timing was wrong. Out of all God has taught me, he’s taught me the most since that milestone decision in my life.
I was given the opportunity to preach and asked to do so on the topic “The Next Generation Church.” It was in preparing for this one message that God solidified that eventually he would lead me to start a church. Here is what God has tied around my heart. I cannot escape this. This verse screams my generation and I believe Christ is calling me and our team to go after it, to impact it, to influence it…to do something, because something has to be done:
“After Joshua sent the people away, each of the tribes left to take possession of the land allotted to them. And the Israelites served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the leaders who outlived him-those who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110. They buried him in the land he had been allocated, at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight…”
Judges 2:6-11
I believe Judges 2 is a vivid picture of my generation and the younger generation among us. I believe there is an older generation that honored God, who placed him first in their lives and they saw God do amazing things in their homes, in their families, and in this country. That generation is pretty much dwindled away and over time, each generation after it has slowly ignored God, slowly refused to acknowledge him or his works, and its led to a group of 30-somethings who around 30% of claim to have an intimate relationship with Christ, its led to a group of 20-somethings whose percentage of having an intimate relationship with Christ is in the low teens, and now a generation of teenagers whose percentage of having an intimate relationship with Christ is less than 5%. Sadly, this is just America. We’ve been called to influence the entire WORLD! The statistics have looked similar to these I just gave in other parts of the world for a long time. I’ve seen generations of “Christians” sit by and watch it all pass them by. Many of which do very little of what Christ has called us to be. There is no way possible that we can be the Christians Christ has told us to be and not do the things he has called us to do.
So here is New Passion’s Beginning. I’ll talk more on its foundation in depth later, but it is rooted in the simple fact that we are a people on mission to deliver the love of Christ to an entire generation.
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Jon & Kate Plus 8: For Real or For Ratings?
May 26, 2009 By 3 Comments
The Jury is out and I want your opinion! I see all of this chatter on the internet about Jon and Kate Gosselin and their marriage situation. First of all, I don’t think anyone’s marital issues should be aired out over the internet, but since its out there, I figured I throw this poll together. Personally, I think this whole situation about Jon and/or Kate having an affair is manufactured and its all for ratings. I’ve seen the season 5 premiere and my opinion has not changed. Think about it…what was drawing people back season after season? Nothing. The show needed something to get an audience, and it worked. My wife has been sucked into the TV hanging on the edge of her seat to see what happens. I on the other hand, believe there will be a miraculous coming together later in the season. After all, the Season 5 Premiere Monday night brought in a record 9.8 Million viewers doubling their previous high of 4.4 Million. Hmmm….sounds like it might have been a great strategy huh? In the end, if it is real, I personally think they need to put the show on the backburner and focus on their marriage and their family. It would be disasterous to continue to do the show “for their kids.” In fact, I think their kids would grow up to resent them and have the totally wrong priorities in their homes.
So, share your opinion here on the poll, and then if you want to leave a comment be sure to Join the Conversation, I’d love to hear from you!
[polldaddy poll="1654099"]
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The American Idol Whiners Emerge
May 21, 2009 By 3 Comments
American Idol Season 8 is over and America decided that Kris Allen is their Idol. Congratulations America!
Apparently, America’s vote is not good enough for some. America’s vote is good enough when it elects a President, but apparently when it comes to choosing a singer, opinions change. I turned on the radio this morning as I was driving to work and a very popular syndicated radio program was discussing whining about the results from last nights finale. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. That’s why I have a blog, and now here’s my opinion on the results last night and the whiners today…
Yesterday, media outlets were trying to set the American Idol finale up to be a soldification that America as a whole is moving towards progressiveness and liberalism. Adam Lambert was the clear favorite to all of the people in the spotlight who get to voice their opinions. With Barak Obama winning the Presidency in November, the American Idol Finale was being set up as a “Red State Vs. Blue State” Showdown. I believe there is one clear reason why. Adam Lambert is a flamboyant, gay or bi-sexual, performer who from all appearances embodies everything that liberal and progressive Americans are pushing for America to become. Kris Allen was being billed as the underdog from a southern red state, Arkansas. His voting record was even made public to bill him as a Republican, everything progressive Americans are against. The motive was clear to me. If you want to be seen as young & relevant, you’ll vote for Adam. If you’re one of these old, white haired fogie Republicans (like John McCain) you’ll vote for Kris. Well apparently the old white hair fogie grandparents can out text their teenaged grandkids, because Kris Allen won.
Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert is extremely talented, however he became obsessive. Most of his talent rests in his ability to hit high notes and sound like a 70′s or ’80s rocker. That’s why he thrived in the finale singing with KISS and Queen. I said it earlier in the season. Adam sounds like an ’80s rocker. However, I’m comfortable admitting that I don’t believe that completely did him in. This is American Idol. It is a singing competition, but it also says a lot about who and what America wants to represent them. Personally, as a father of two sons, I am not supporting a guy who wears glitter eye liner, acts prissy, and kisses other boys. Apparently, many other parents felt the same way. Beyond those issues, Adam acted as if this was his competition. When the competition was down to the final three, Adam was the only one who acted arrogant in his return home, while Kris and Danny both acted humbly and honored to be where they were. Would I treat Adam Lambert any differently than I would treat Kris Allen? No. I would treat them both equally. However, what is it that I am trying to portray to my children as being a role model or someone they should look up to? Do I want my son to act like a woman or do I want my son to act like a man? Its simple. Substance over Style. I want to teach my children to appreciate someone’s talent, but to approve of someone based on their character and integrity over that talent. I think America spoke once again. The radio stations and media personalities that want to force their progressive views on all people are free to disagree, but I believe America got it right.
Kris Allen
I don’t know much about Kris Allen. I didn’t know until last night that he was a worship leader at a multi-location church and for a campus ministry in Arkansas. However, I do know what I have seen from him and I like it far more than what I’ve seen from Adam. Kris’ face says it all in the picture where he was announced as the winner. He respected the talent of his opponent so much that he expected him to win. It is evident that he has not allowed his success or his talent to go to his head. A few people on twitter were already saying they would accept Kris winning the competition if so many people weren’t saying they voted for him because he was straight and a Christian. I was reading the same idol conversations this guy was tagged with #idol and not one (1) person made such a comment. People like to set up straw men to try and solidify their arguments. This particular tweet assumed that’s why he won and wanted to make it sound as if there was a conspiracy…The Christians versus the Gay Kid. People simply don’t understand values anymore. Hold it…I’m wrong! America apparently does because they had a reason for choosing Kris.
I don’t say this to take away from Kris’ talent. He is talented and he has a wider range than Adam. Even the experts said so. They were saying that their belief was that Adam would win, but Kris would have a longer more successful career. So, though many are whining because America did differently than what they thought, apparently, the right person won…the one who will have the longer, more successful career and the one who most likely stands for the values and principles of America.
And Another Rant
Just so I stay consistent. I believe American Idol will be off the air by the time my oldest son is old enough to be awake late enough to watch it. However, I have a feeling after last nights strip fest with Kara, American Idol will face some backlash from families who usually watch the show together. I am not going to have my son watching a program that struts a girl out half dressed with her breasts hanging out of her bathing suit to give Simon a thrill. What was Kara thinking stripping her clothes off? Oh, I guess its okay since it was for charity. American Idol should be ashamed of themselves knowing how many children and teenagers they have watching the show. Once again, further evidence that the agenda is to promote and to push progressive ideals onto the viewers, oh yeah, and you are supposed to vote the way they tell you.
So…where are the stories today declaring that the “Red States” won? Haha, yeah I didn’t think so! Best of luck to Kris Allen America’s Idol. 
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From Millions to Tens
May 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Michael Vick was released from jail early this morning. He will serve the next two months in federal custody in home confinement. It has been reported and confirmed by Michael Vick’s agent that he has accepted a full time construction job that will pay him $10 per hour. Here is a man that was the highest paid player in the NFL with a 7 year contract worth over $130 Million dollars now doing construction work for $10 per hour.
I think there is no better illustration right now than Michael Vick to teach people (young & old) the value of making Wise Choices. I don’t believe wisdom has a pricetag, I truly believe it is priceless. Through my own experience (of 28 years) I am quickly learning that the more I learn, the more I come to understand that there is so much that I have not learned so far and that I have a long ways to go to achieve “Wisdom.” However, as I continue trying to be “Wise” nothing is stopping me from making wise choices along the way.
A wise man once said…
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!” Proverbs 16:16
That was coming from a man who could have asked God fo ANYTHING and chose to ask for WISDOM. How many of us are like Michael Vick where we have chosen to seek after the silver and the gold or the fame and prestige over wisdom? I know I have. Fortunately, its not resulted in the loss of millions of dollars. Fortunately, it hasn’t resulted in public scrutiny and a federal prosecution. It is truly by the grace and mercy of God that my stupid choices have not caused me greater shame and harm.
I believe that that it is vital we teach those people (young and old) who God entrusts to our care to make wise choices. After working with students for 14 years I know that if it is not taught early, the consequences will strike, if not at an early age, most definitely at an older age. Through another conversation I had on facebook, it was reminded to me that we cannot expect people to do what they are not taught or trained to do. How can we expect people to make wise choices if we do not teach them to make wise chioces…and how to make those wise choices?
For all of us, its a personal choice to grow in wisdom and understanding or to reject it. Proverbs 15:32 says,
“If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.”
I believe we all need people in our lives who can offer the proper correction and discipline to help us obtain wisdom and understanding. I believe as God entrusts us with people in our care, we must be available to be those people who can instruct and guide them towards making wise choices. Michael Vick lost millions of dollars and ruined his reputation because of poor choices, however, some people lose much more.
It encourages me to see Michael Vick reaching out to Tony Dungy for guidance. Tony is a great man of God who is full of wisdom and I believe he can direct Vick in the right direction. I believe Vick will have paid his debt to society when his prison term is up and as he fulfills the rest of his probation. I believe he needs to be given every right and responsibility that anyone who leaves prison would receive. I don’t believe it is too late for Vick to learn what the second part of Proverbs 16:6 says,
“…By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.”
And when people make poor choices and fail, I don’t believe its too late for ALL of us to learn what the first part of Proverbs 16:6 says,
“Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin…”
Join the Conversation…Do you have a Tony Dungy in your life to help point you towards wisdom? Has this person been in your life for a long time or did you find them after making some poor choices along the way?
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Ah, the Memories!
May 15, 2009 By 1 Comment
I’m headed to Waycross, GA this evening with the family for a weekend get away to visit some of my mom’s side of the family. We are going to celebrate yy Uncle Charles’ birthday. He is getting up in age and is the last of my Grandma’s siblings alive. My Grandma died in 1997 and since her death, we have not seen much of her family.
When I think of going to Waycross, a lot of memories come rushing back to me. We visited there often when I was younger and some things just happen to be a big deal when you are a child. Here are some of those precious memories of mine:
- The first thing I think of when I think of Waycross is the Holiday Inn Motel. Back in the 1980′s Waycross was much smaller than it is now
and the Holiday Inn was the nicest motel you could stay in. Typically, I would fall asleep in the car and as we arrived I would wake up and see the big green sign and palm trees at the edge of the parking lot with a marquee sign advertising free HBO. I didn’t care about HBO, because this Holiday Inn had the Magic Fingers Vibrating Bed (in some rooms) and all my sister and I could ever wish for was to get the room with the ‘vibrating bed.’ Although we loved our family very much, the vibrating bed was the highlight of our trip! - Seafood – We always went and ate seafood with the family when we visited.
- Golden Corral – And for another meal, we would go to the Golden Corral. I remember everyone’s excitement that the whole family was going to the Corral. This was pre-5 buffet stations. Golden Corral was still a buffet style restaurant, but not as it is today. For Waycross the Golden Corral was their Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
- Dirt Roads – My Great Grandparents and My Great Uncle all lived on the same road…it was dirt. It had a set of train tracks that ran beside it. I knew when we turned at the railroad tracks and onto the dirt road, we were close to Grandma Wells’ house.
- Ants – They were everywhere in my Grandma’s yard. If we didn’t watch it, we would be eaten up by them because there were ant beds all over the place. I never saw ants crawling up trees, except in Waycross. Crazy ants!
- Uncle Charles – I love that guy! I saw him mostly when I was younger, but there was just something about him I liked. One of the best memories I have of him is when he took us to the secret hole in his floor where he hides his guns. He had a special edition Colt 45, a semi-automatic 9mm that looked like a machine gun. I always remember him saying that if the Government tried to take his guns away, they’d have to find ‘em He’s my Grandma’s only sibling still alive.
- Chuck – He’s one of the funniest guy’s I know. He is my second cousin. I went and stayed at his house when I was a teenager with a couple of my other cousins. We had a blast. I still have the scar on my knee to remind me of our 4-Wheelin’ Adventures where I burned my knee on the muffler and I sunk one of his 4 Wheelers in the river, haha, great times! Chuck is definitely one of the family favorites. You are sure to have a great time when he is around.
All that to say, I can’t wait to go and visit with the family. I hope my kids have as much fun visiting Waycross as we did when I was younger!
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Nicki Carnes “Lifetime Mother of the Year!”
May 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Happy Mother’s Day Nicki, you are the greatest mom our kids could ever ask for and an amazing wife to me! I love you!
This video has been specially made just for you. Be sure to pay attention to the entire video, not just what they are saying, but what comes up on the screen, the award, etc…
CLICK HERE to watch the Video.
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Diane Carnes “2009 Mother of the Year!”
May 9, 2009 By 2 Comments
Happy Mother’s Day Mom. I love you!
This video has been specially made just for you. Be sure to pay attention to the entire video, not just what they are saying, but what comes up on the screen, the award, etc…
CLICK HERE to watch the Video.
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Horizontal Religion
May 8, 2009 By 1 Comment
I went to a “campmeeting” tonight. I went because my parents were in town and they love the week long revival that a local church puts on every year. I spent several years of my life at this church, made many friends, met my wife there, got saved there, felt the call into full time ministry there; so it has played a large role in my life.
This week they are celebrating their 34th consecutive homecoming and camp meeting. The preacher that preached has done so for 34 straight years. He’s 79 years old and though he has slowed down in his older age, he is still passionately doing what God called him to do, preach.
However, I left a little disappointed tonight. Although this pastor loves Jesus, gives him 100% of his life, and preaches like there is no tomorow; he often resorts to horizontal religion. Early in the message he ripped Rick Warren because Rick has purposely led his church to be “seeker sensitive” in their worship services, in order to reach the lost. The assumption was made, that the seeker sensitive approach is only to build a large church (basically to put butts in the seats) versus a true motive to preach the Gospel to see those outside the faith get saved. Do I agree with everything Rick Warren says or does? No! Do I agree with everything this pastor who is ripping on him says or does? No! In fact, I want to be very careful not to participate in horizontal religion myself through this post. I do however know many people at Saddleback and with first hand knowledge of their church and how they operate and their hearts for the lost, I can say, this pastor simply does not know what he is talking about.
I believe Horizontal Religion is when we put more focus on earthly things that we do on heavenly things. In this case, the pastor was attacking flesh and blood versus going after the evil in the world that is our true enemy. In another instance, I wanted to say a loud Amen when the pastor said that Al Gore was a ‘one-eyed idiot.’ Now, outside of the pulpit I totally agree! However, from the pulpit, the focus was turned away from Jesus and placed on a man that clearly needs Jesus. I am the first to admit, when I am debating politics on my personal time, I am passionate and to some I may be considered polarizing. However, I would never use my opportunity to preach the Gospel, to grow fellow believers, or to share the truths from God’s word to attack someone I disagree with politically. Its like saying Liberals are all ‘one-eyed idiots and are not Christians.’ Funny a Conservative would defend a liberal
But, this one statement helps make my case. The Gospel is not “Al Gore is a one-eyed idiot,” that is clearly an opinion. So, what if the biggest Al Gore fan was sitting in the audience, he was lost and needed Jesus? Did we marginalize him and turn him off with the opinionated statement? Or did we draw him closer to Jesus? Being seeker sensitive has nothing to do with changing the Gospel message, but because I am sensitive to the fact that their are lost people in my crowd, I am going to choose not to attack someone I politically disagree with. (My next post will be “Why Al Gore is a One Eyed Idiot!”) I believe issues like these build walls between believers and those outside the faith versus tearing walls down.
By writing this I am sure there will be some who totally shun me. Some may call me a liberal. I really don’t care. I am not ripping on this pastor. In fact, when I am 79 years old, I pray that I am as passionate about Jesus as this pastor is. I pray that the doctors give me an additional outlook of 10-15 years to keep sharing Jesus with everyone that I can. This man has been a spiritual mentor to the pastor who leads the church that hosts this camp meeting. Both pastors have been in the ministry and serving Jesus for over 40 years. I cannot criticize or complain about that, Wow! That is awesome! We need more influences like that in our culture. Like I said in the beginning, it was through this ministry hosting this revival that a lot of my spiritual journey began and a lot of my personal life has been wrapped up in. So, this pastor I am talking about has had an integral part of helping shape a church and a ministry that has molded part of me.
I am however tired of the Horizontal Religion. Christians, we already have a big enough battle on our hands with our enemy, Satan. Ephesians is as clear as can be, “Our enemy is NOT flesh and blood!” What part of that don’t we understand? Apparently, we are not devoured enough by the enemy, because we cannibalize those on our own side. We ravish each other and shred ourselves apart. This pastor should have just taken a knife and cut his own right arm off. There is no difference, 1 Corinthians 12 tells us that we are all the body of Christ. When we attack another Christian, we are attacking our own body. Ephesians 4 says, “There is ONE body and ONE faith.” Whether we all agree or disagree on certain opinions, we are all of the same body and faith. Trust me, I am not ripping on this pastor, he is just a fresh case for my argument. There are hundreds of Christians doing the same thing! We will never be effective for Christ in the way he has called us to be effective when we have a civil war going on within our own faith. One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Philippians 1, where a report gets back to Paul (who is in prison) that some Christians are preaching the Gospel with selfish motives. They were using the Gospel to gain personally from it versus to see people saved. Paul says, “How can I complain? I must rejoice because Jesus is being preached!” Why do we feel like we are above Paul? One of the greatest preachers of all times? I think the issue is, we have control issues. We want everyone to do things our way. Trust me, if I had my way, they would have been playing some Passion and Hillsong music instead of the Gospel group and the choir, but is my way any more effective? No! Paul could not control “How” these preachers delivered the Gospel, but he understood that the Gospel is truth and once it is spoken and delivered, there is no stopping it. So, what if I do something in my church that you do not like because I feel we can reach more lost people? What good does it do you to sit around and criticize me and complain? If I am preaching the Gospel, the Bible says, His Word will not return void. Believe me! I am speaking to myself as much as anyone else. I am as guilty as anyone. I struggle with this too. I have my opinions and sometimes I believe they are better than your opinion. Therefore I believe we need to extend Grace to one another as well, but at the same time we need to wake up! (See THIS story to read about my own struggle with this very topic!)
Jude tells us to defend the Gospel. To protect the faith from false teachers who have wormed their way into the faith. I am all about protecting our faith and if we hear someone preaching in error and leading people astray, we better speak up. However, Horizontal Religion, tearing people down in our own faith will never benefit Christ. I love this pastor who I’ve used as an example. I will not speak an ill word against him. I know God uses him, it is evident, so I praise God! Let’s agree together to quit tearing each other apart and hold each other up, lets decrease so Jesus can increase in our lives and in our influence!
Join the Conversation…What’s Your Thoughts?
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