Quiet Time: There Is Only One Church

There Is Only One Church

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
 - John 3:3
 

Okay, okay, after reading yesterday's blog titled "Don't Go to Church" many readers thought, "Sure, Brother Doug, I'd grow in church if the preaching was better", and other comments were something like, "I don't have to go to church in order to grow", and of course there's always the perfectly American excuse of  "Sundays are my only day to relax. I work six days a week."

Hey guys, I hear you. Some preaching is better than others. I like the Charles Stanleys, John MacArthurs, and Chuck Swindols of the radio/television world too. And, as far as, growth is concerned, it is true that you can grow outside of church, and you certainly should; however, it doesn't negate the fact that you are breaking God's explicit direction and design for your maturity in Christ (Hebrews 10:25). Finally, working six days a week is simply no excuse for neglecting that which is necessary, good, and eternal, as our hard working sister, Martha discovered (Luke 10:41-42).

So, before we come up with even better excuses for not being part of a local body of believers, check out this list of what the bible says the church could and should be to us.

The Church is the:

• Only institution Christ promised to build and to bless (Matthew 16:18).
• Gathering place of true worshipers (Philippians 3:3).
• Most precious assembly on earth because Christ purchased it with His own blood (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 1:20; 1 Peter 1:18; Revelation 1:5).
• Earthly expression of the heavenly reality (Matthew 6:10; 18:18).
• Realm of spiritual fellowship (Hebrews 10:22-25; 1 John 1:3, 6-7).
• Proclaimer and protector of divine truth (1 Timothy 3:15; Titus 2:1, 15).
• Chief place for spiritual edification and growth (Acts 20:32; Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18).
• Launch pad for world evangelization (Mark 16:15; Titus 2:11).
• Environment where strong spiritual leadership develops and matures (2 Timothy 2:2).

By the way, for those of you who don't know me personally, I've been a bi-vocational worship arts minister for over a quarter century now. That means I've always held a full time secular position while ministering in the church. (It's okay, Paul was a tent maker and a missionary Acts 18:3) Many times I get physically exhausted and mentally frustrated; but, then I remember that there is only One Person I desire to please, and He created the one and only place for me to be on Sundays.

That's why there truly is, only one church.

Quiet Time: Don't Go to Church

Don't Go to Church

 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:24-25

That's right, I'm saying, stop going to church!

Instead, grow in the church.

Notice, I didn't say grow the church. We have plenty of programs and market based ideas that will help anybody with have a mind to fill seats in an auditorium, but it takes an individual man or woman with an engaged head and open heart to the Word to actually grow in the church.

The apostle Paul encourages us to stimulate one another toward love and good deeds on a regular basis whenever we get together (Hebrews 10:24-25). Back in his day, they probably met in homes and public meeting places. Today, we build buildings, preferably with really good air conditioning systems if you live in the South, where several hundred of us can meet. Whether in a home or building, the command is the same, "...do not forsake assembling together..."

Did you go to church yesterday? Well, if your intent was to simply go, but instead you chose to do something else (it was a good beach day, in Florida, right?!) Then, I have to say you didn't miss much and you probably weren't missed much. But if your desire was to grow in church yesterday, and for whatever reason you didn't make it; sad to say, you really missed a lot and you were indeed greatly missed.

Okay, so you missed church and now you feel miserable. Then make sure you go .... uh....grow in your small group bible study this week; we need you as much as you need us.

And, make sure you never go to church again...

GROW IN CHURCH!

Quiet Time: Covenant Marriage

Covenant Marriage

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 

– Genesis 2:24

When I married my wife I committed to love her for life.This commitment is called a covenant, which simply means an alliance, or in today’s vernacular, a contract (Prov. 2:17).  I personally like the term “alliance” because it reminds me that I chose to begin a life-long friendship with my wife.

As an ordained pastor I sometimes have the privilege of marrying couples. One of the first questions I ask is, “Why do you like him/her?” The reply is often, “I don’t like her; I love her.” Now, upon first blush, this sounds like a good answer, but let me tell you, if the person we’re planning to marry is not our friend first, the last thing we should do is commit to live and love them for life.

Perhaps God gave us marriage so that we could better understand our relationship with Christ. We see that we don’t commit to a list of rules and regulations, although that is part of any monogamous relationship; like marriage, we covenant or form an alliance with a person to love Him and be His forever friend.

Quiet Time: Not Just Any Day

Not Just Any Day

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. - Exodus 20:8

How will I guard against this day becoming the same as any other?

I will begin the day by:

1.       Listening to God speak (Psalm 143:10)

2.       Repenting of my sins (Acts 3:19)

3.       Rejoicing in the Lord (Phil. 4:4)

I will continue the day by:

1.       Gathering with other believers as the first church did (Acts 20:7)

2.       Encouraging others with song (Ephesians 5:19; Col. 3:16)

3.       Listening to what is taught by His preacher (Col. 3:16)

I will complete this Lord’s Day by:

1.       Remembering (Phil. 4:8) and applying its truth to all I do today

2.       Relaxing and refraining from labor (Lev. 23:3)

3.       Returning to an evening worship service (1 Chron. 23:30)

Lord, grant that your servant my relish this day with You and be revived, refreshed, and renewed in spirit and in truth; all to glory of Your name. Amen.

 

 

Quiet Time: Church Politics 101.2: Feel Their Pain

Church Politics 101.2: Feel Their Pain

Read: Romans 12:15-16


Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. – Romans 12:15

I feel your pain.

Remember when ACT UP representative Rob Rafsky confronted then candidate Bill Clinton back in 1992. No, I’m sure you don’t. But, I know you remember Clinton’s response. Here’s what happened. Clinton was out stumping for the presidency at a New York City fundraiser. Rob stood up and (quoting from Vito Russo) said, "We're not dying of AIDS as much as we are dying of 11 years of government neglect." That’s when candidate Clinton gave the now famous/infamous line, “I feel your pain.” Immediately, that four word line went viral with every late night talk show host and political pundit putting their irreverent spin on it. I think that Clinton had the right idea, though, even if it did ring hollow; we do need to try and feel one another’s pain.

We see the early church being encouraged to be empathizers, as well as, really good listeners. Empathizers, by being happy when good things happened to other church members and by actually shedding tears with the broken hearted when sad things take place (Job 30:25; Hebrews 13:3).

Christians should be really good listeners too. A good listener gets into the head of the person speaking and tries to actually see things through their eyes (Romans 12:16; Philippians 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8). We’ve all heard the truism: “People don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care,” or the other that says, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Well, makes sense, but it seems to me that this is something many of us need to work on.

A THING TO DO: The next time someone begins to share something with us, we can make a point to stop whatever we’re doing, make eye contact, and really listen without comment. Then, after they’re done talking, see if we can reflect what we hear them say back to them. (This clears up any accidental misunderstandings too) Finally, if we see pain or joy in their eyes we can reflect that too (I think this’ll be the hard part; at least it usually is for me).

Quiet Time: Church Politics 101.3: Know the Nameless

Church Politics 101.3:Know the Nameless

Romans 12:1-3 & 16


- do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. – Romans 12:16

Clicks don’t exist only in schools, they exist in churches too.

In my first year in High School I was a transfer student on special assignment from the East side of Tampa. Most of the kids at the school were from West Tampa, so, obviously, I knew no-one and no-one knew me. I was the nameless odd man out; especially in the eyes of the “cool” kids. But, I knew a secret.

My junior year, I was slotted to become the new bass player in an ambassador show band called Sound System. Basically, it meant instant popularity and special placement within the student body. So, I bided my time and hung out with the only kids who’d accept me; the “nerds”; the nameless. The funny thing is, the more I hung out with the marginalized students the more I liked them. Sure, they were often quirky and obviously different, but they were real - genuine. I guess, because they had nothing to prove and no one to impress. Sometimes I see this kind of separation in churches.

My dad and mom were leaders in the church and that meant I was there every time the doors were open. I’ve also been privileged to serve on staff at several ministries around the Bay. This has given me the ability to notice, that sometimes our churches become large, or at least large enough for people to begin pairing off. Soon these pairs become groups, and these groups become segregated entities via social and economic similarities. Before long, our senior citizens are sitting in one section of the worship center, the youth in another, families with no kids, young kids, and grown kids have their place too. Oh, and of course there're the young singles, college and carrier, and single agains.

It becomes obvious who the “cool” kids are, as well as, where the nameless sit. Some congregants are courted and others are pushed aside. Most of the pastors I know hate this kind of thing and preach against it; but, really, it’s out of their hands. (However, to his shame, I remember hearing a speaker from a mega church say that we leaders need avoid these negative people, because they’ll never change and will on bring us down with them). Yet, God, tells us to search them out. God actually encourages us to hang out with the “nerds”, the marginalized, and the nameless. Because, when we don’t, it means we’ve placed ourselves on a pedestal and although we’d never admit it out loud, we consider ourselves a little more important than them (Philippians 2:3-5).

Well, the big day came. I got my spot in the band and even became leader over the rhythm section the following year. Clubs scrambled to get me on their teams, everybody seemed eager to say, “Hi” to me, and even the cool kids treated me with new respect. But, you know what, only the “nerds” didn’t change. Only the nameless knew my name when nobody else did. Don’t let your church be that way.

A THING TO DO: Do you know the nameless in your church? Look around next Sunday, and ask yourself, who do I not know? Why don’t I know them? Then, make an effort to reach out to them even if they’re not part of your group and by all means, KNOW THEIR NAME! God says they’re worth knowing.

Church Politics 101.4: Don't Hit Back

Vengeance
by Alexander Butler

Church Politics 101.4: Don't Hit Back
Read: Romans 12:9-20


Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. - Romans 12:14

“That seems a bit vindictive, Doug,” said Pastor Chuck after reading a letter I intended to mail to a member of the choir.

Chuck has seen more than his fare share of church politics over his few decades as a senior pastor, yet he remains one of the best loved pastors in the Bay area. In this case, I was on staff at his church as the Worship Arts Director, and he was pointing to a line on the page that I knew reflected my hidden anger toward this fellow in the choir.

This guy deserved to be put in his place. He was a chronic complainer, seldom showed up for practice, and walked out on a major Easter production because his chair wasn’t in place. Of course I pointed all this out to Chuck, who simply leaned back in his chair and said, “Doug, God will correct this man if He thinks it best. You just love him.” It wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear, but I knew Chuck was right. So, I removed the sarcastic line and mailed the letter. Church Politics 101: Don’t Hit Back

This passage in Romans stands in direct contrast to worldly wisdom. We’ve all heard the saying, “I don’t get mad I get even”, but here God is telling us to let Him get even. That He’ll actually take vengeance on our behalf if that is indeed what needs to be done. But, then He goes one step farther and says, “You just love them. Buy them a sandwich if they’re hungry and give them a drink if they’re thirsty. Love them with actions, not just words.” That’s not easy. That’s gotta be a God thing. But it works. Truth always does.

The man in the choir eventually left the church and blamed it all on me and my attitude. Brother Chuck knew it was bothering me and took me aside to talk about it. He said the man was a big NASCAR fan and was simply looking for an excuse not to come to church on Sundays so that he could watch the races with his buds at the pub. Chuck knew this, yet he continued to minister to this man and his family even after they left the church.

A few years later I ran into the former church choir member at a restaurant. I could tell he was trying not to make eye contact, so, I walked up to him, tapped him on the shoulder, and when he turned around to look at me, gave him a big bear hug (he was a big guy). We small talked for a few minutes and then walked outside where it was easier to hear. He began to tell me about some serious issues he was experiencing. Then, in the middle of his story he looked me directly in the eyes and said, “Brother Doug, I’m sorry.” I hugged him again and said, “I love you, bro, and really meant it.” We talked a few more minutes and his party was called for their table. That’s the last time I saw him. I was glad we tied things up.

Here're a few things I learned from the experience: First, I don’t think that the chance encounter at the restaraunt would’ve been as positive without my deleting the line in that letter. Second, it’s hard to hold a grudge when God empowers us to love. Finally, I certainly don’t think I could’ve hugged him if I’d already hit him.

So here's the first lesson in Church Politics 101, Point 1:

Don’t hit back; let God judge – you love.

Quiet Time: Betrayal

Friendship
by Stephen Huneck

Betrayal

Read: Matthew 26:20-22

Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” – Matthew 26:22

Has an enemy ever been unfaithful to you? Of course not; only a friend can betray a friend. Have you ever been misled by an unscrupulous sales person? Sure you have! Why? Because they acted like they were your friend, when in reality they simply wanted something from you. A friend doesn’t want something from you, they just want you. That’s what surprised me when I see Jesus telling His disciples, His closest friends, “Truly I say to you, that one of you will betray me.”

Jesus knew who would betray Him, yet He spoke to the whole group sitting around the table for the Passover meal. I mean, He could’ve taken Judas aside and said, “You, snake! I know what you’re up to. Go do what you’re going to do and let me have this time alone with my friends.” But, instead, He causes everyone in the room with Him to question their commitment; to question their friendship. And, now here’s the part that surprised me: they all began to say to Him, “Surely not, I, Lord?” which tells me that they all thought they were capable of betraying Him!

Well, that got me to thinking. If the guys who were closest to Jesus, who walked with Him daily, and sat at His feet while he taught them the way of the cross. If these guys thought that they could actually forsake their friend, their “Lord”, where did that leave me? Could I desert Him? Would I turn my back on Him and walk away from our friendship?

You know what, I think I have left Him. I imagine we all have at one time or another. Yet, regardless of our waywardness, He never leaves us or forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus may cause us to rethink our commitment to Him but He'll never betray His commitment to us. Think about it. Christ didn’t turn His back on even the most doubting of His disciples, Thomas (John 20:24-28) and he’ll never turn His back on us.

Jesus doesn't want something from you; Jesus simply wants you - all of you.

Quiet Time: Don't Tell

Don't Tell

Read: Mark 7:31-37

And He gave them orders not to tell anyone; but the more He ordered them, the more widely they continued to proclaim it.
- Mark 7:36

I can’t remember either of our kids tattling, although I’m sure they did. It’s just that we had simple guideline when they were growing up: "What you say may incriminate you" (talebearers tend to overlook their part in the process). So, our children quickly learned to shut up and move on. What is interesting in this passage of scripture though, is that Jesus is giving orders to a man healed of deafness, as well as, his buddies who just saw him get healed, not to tell a “good thing”.


Many have speculated that Jesus was simply trying to keep the crowds down. He didn’t want these guys spreading the news about the healing because it would simply muck up the ministry opportunities. Whatever the reason, the fact is, Jesus wanted those who saw the healing to wait before spreading the good news. Well, they didn’t, and the more they talked the crazier things got. But, you know, who could blame them for talking? Well, for one, Jesus could.

Interestingly, the first word the deaf man heard was, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be Opened”. The next words he heard from Jesus were, “Be quiet!” Which goes to show you, that just because we hear and understand a command, doesn’t guarantee that we’ll follow it.

Then there were the friends of the deaf man. After pushing their way through the crowd and pretty much begging Jesus to heal their buddy, a very commendable thing in deed, they actually see Jesus accomplish what they asked Him to do, and it was “Katie bar the door” let’s have a party! I mean, really, what would you do? I for one would be hooting and hollering like a wild man! So, here you are all excited and that's when you hear Jesus, shushing you. He says, “Don’t tell anyone.” Yeh, right! Emotion and exuberance can cause us to turn a deaf ear to Christ’s commands if we’re not careful to quiet ourselves before acting.

The basic take away for me is, "Do what Jesus says to do even when what you want to do appears to be a good thing."Just wait; his timing is best.

Quiet Time: Don't Hide Your Hands; Open Them

Don't Hide Your Hands; Open Them

Read: Mark 3:1-8


He *said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” – Mark 3:3

Hands are more than body parts that help us grab hold of stuff. Hands are extensions of our personality, they help us communicate, and they can convey joy and openness, as well as, anger and hatred.

Anna was a Latin girl from my high school. Latinos love to talk with their hands. She was pretty, self confident, and friendly. Not normal. Most girls with her obvious datable qualities were somewhat aloof and stuck on themselves. But, there was something different about Anna. You see, Anna had a malformed arm that grew only six inches in length with a hand at the apex that consisted of a thumb, forefinger, and pinky. I noticed how she always made sure it was hidden, but I also noticed she didn’t let her difference define her. Honestly, I think she kept her arm covered for our benefit more than her own, because she knew how shallow kids could be.

Then, just this morning at the restaurant, as if to drive the story home, my prayer buddy, Kevin showed up with a severe allergic reaction manifesting itself on his hands. Right away he informed me, “I’d shake your hand, but I got something on my fingers after cleaning out my gutters at home.” I looked closely and saw that his hands looked as if boiling water had severely scalded them. I also noticed how Kevin made sure to keep his hands out of sight while we sat at the breakfast table. Again, more for my benefit than his, I’m sure.

I thought, "What’s Jesus trying to tell me?" In Mark’s gospel, Jesus didn’t allow the man with the withered hand to hide. To the contrary, Christ called him out and brought him forward. How many times had the guy sat in the back of the synagogue; unnoticed, overlooked, but very aware that others knew he was there. How often had he tried to cover up, hide, or disguise his malformed extremity, not because he had a problem with it, but because he knew that others just couldn’t handle his imperfection; his "curse" from God, as the religious nut jobs would have called it. But this man was neither cursed nor a mistake, he was simply different, and he was about to become a living breathing example of God's grace.

Then I thought, “Where were his friends?” Why didn’t someone step forward and say, “Hey, Jesus, before you start teaching, could you help my buddy?” Jesus even gave everybody at the church a second chance to show a little compassion by asking, “Is is lawful to do harm or good on the Sabbath?” but , no-one said a word. NO-ONE-SAID-A-WORD. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

However, that’s when it hit me. Would I have spoken up? Would I have raised my hand on behalf of the guy who couldn’t and asked Jesus to move on his behalf? Would I have stretched my hands toward heaven in praise for God’s intervention after the healing? Or, God forbid, would I have lifted a fist in protest?

You see, hands really do more, than just grab stuff. Hands reveal what’s in our heart.

I want to live life with open hands.

Quiet Time: From Want To, To Done (something new in you)

Power
Graphite nanoparticles

From Want To, To Done
(Get ready for something new in you)

Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
– Philippians 2:13

Recently, I planned an afternoon meeting at a place just outside of town. Running late, I quickly typed the address into the GPS and hit the road. Fortunately, the traffic patterns were light and I was making really good time. Finally, I reached the general area of where I thought I needed to be only to discover that I was on the wrong side of town. You see, I had typed in South Street instead of North Street when I placed the address into the street finder, which put me a good ten miles opposite from where I wanted to be. Analysis? I made really good time...in the wrong direction.

God’s never in hurry and He always knows where He’s headed, especially when it comes to getting us to the place we need to be. Right now, He is working, awakening, changing, us. His work takes place deep inside us where no one can see.

So, then, how do we know that He’s working? Well, a new desire wells up within our hearts to please Him. God himself actually “gives” (allows, entrusts, bestows) us the desire (want to, longing, hunger) to please Him. Then, once we’re fully engaged and focused with a new “want to” He endows us with power (ability, aptitude, capacity) to “do it”. Think about it. God draws us (John 6:44), ignites us, and empowers us to be people who please Him. WOW!

Are you sensing His presence? Do you feel a new desire, determination, devotion welling up to seek His face and find your place in His pleasure? Then be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God.

God is about to do something new in you!

Quiet Time: Side By Side: the Way and the world

Wheat n tares
Linwood Berry

Side By Side: the Way and the world
Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.” – Matthew 13:30

I love the parables of Jesus. But when I see the deeper meaning, especially when He explains it straight up like He does for the story of the wheat and tares, I shutter at the fact.

For example, a few things I understand from this one illustration is that just because you’re growing doesn’t mean you’re wheat. Both wheat and tares, those who accept and those who reject Jesus, are growing, and they’re growing side by side, as if they have everything in common; that is, until the wheat begins to mature. That’s when the differences become evident. Wheat produces fruit but tares produce nothing but fuel for the fire.

We are faced with a choice: choose Jesus or choose the evil one; there is no middle ground. It is a black and white; right or wrong decision. Furthermore, Jesus reminds us that true disciples-those who follow the kingdom message-must be prepared to pay the ultimate price for doing so (Matthew 13:20-22, 44-46).

Jesus will return to gather up His followers; the wheat. This is a sobering thought. I don’t know who the tares are around me, but I know that I don’t want anyone to be cast into the fire. I pray that God will bring those around me to Jesus real soon and that the fruit He produces in me will remind them of who He’s called them to be.

Quiet Time: SURPRISE!

Wakartu Cory Surprise

Kurtal Jiwari 2009

SURPRISE!
Read: Ephesians 1:3-14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

- Ephesians 1:3

I never know what to expect on Sunday mornings.

Anything can happen; a faulty eletrical system can turn a full powered musical selection into an impromptu a-cappella session (without instrumental accompaniment). Or, like today, an accomplished five member worship team can become a dynamic Spirit filled trio. However, past experience has taught me to expect great things from God when preconceived plans are unexpectedly sidelined. And, let me tell you, today was no exception.

Somehow, before the first down beat, I just knew that this was going to be a terrific time together. Even our morning sound check flowed over the banks. Our little trio paused after the last run-through and the team flashed furtive glances at each other that seemed to say, “Did you feel that?”

Then, when the congregation got their chance to participate, I almost stopped singing just to listen to them. I love to hear God’s people worship! I wish you coud've been there!

Finally, Dr. Stahl taught on expecting a blessing, and as if to place an exclamation point on the topic, three people asked Jesus into their heart by the end of the worship service. NOW THAT IS A BLESSING!

So, no, I never know what to expect on Sunday mornings, but one thing’s for sure, I know to expect a blessing!

Quiet Time: One Voice

One Voice

READ: 2 Chronicles 5:1-14

in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the LORD saying, “He indeed is good for His loving-kindness is everlasting,” then the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, - 2 Chronicles 5:13 (NASB)

Unity is powerful. That’s why I think, musically, unison can also be powerful.

In this passage referring to the dedication of Solomon’s temple we see the instrumentalists and vocalist getting the attention of everyone in attendance by singing and playing one line of song in unison. However, the message was also heard in the heavenlies, and it was visibly received loud and clear by the Levite’s audience of One, as God amened His approval by filling the temple with His presence just as He did in Moses day. What more could a musician ask for than to be in the presence of his master.

Oh, that the church in unison would proclaim with one voice, "Yes! God is good! His loyal love goes on forever!" (MSG)