Churches Change

"We used to have a bell that called folks to church, now we have atomic clocks.

We used to have alters, now we have a stage.

We used to have stained glass windows, now we have none.

We used to have a choir, now a praise band.

We used to sing out of hymnals, now we sing words off a screen.

We used to have pews, now we sit on chairs.

But we still come to worship the Lord until its time for us to go or He comes. I'm old!"
- Janet Severance

Recently my wife and I went through our children's rooms and cleaned them out. They don't listen to the Baby Einstein CDs anymore. They stopped reading the board books long ago. We donated many toys to Goodwill because the kids have long since stopped playing with them. Their interests have changed. They have moved on from infant and toddler toys to fascination with Pokemon, Beyblades, Our Generation dolls, and the iPad. While it's difficult to throw away sentimental memories from their childhood, it's also healthy. They need to let go of the old to make room for the new. It's time for a change.

Life is packed with change. You really can't escape it. Our culture has changed. Remember these changes?

Word Processors replace typewriters. Computers replace Word Processors. Laptops replace desktop computers.  Netbooks replace laptops. And now Tablet Computers are replacing Netbooks.

Letters replace telegraph .Email replace letters. Instant messaging replace email. and now Texting, Facebook, and Tweeting are replacing instant messaging.

78's replaced the 8-Track. 33's & 45's replaced 78's. Cassette tapes replaced records. Cd's replaced cassettes. Digital tracks are now replacing Cd's.

Churches must also change with culture to remain relevant to the society in which it finds itself. Paul wrote to the Corinthians "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." (1 Corinthians 9:22,23) "Becoming all things" in Paul's day refers to becoming like a Jew or living like one under the Old Testament law to win the Jews to Christ. It refers to becoming like one not having the Old Testament law, so as to win those not under the law. It refers to becoming weak in understanding spiritual concepts, so as to win those people to the Lord.

How does this look today? Paul seemed to be advocating removing barriers to people's understanding of Christ. He became open-minded and associated with those he wanted to reach. Much like Jesus did when he spent time with tax collectors, sinners, and prostitutes. Paul became like the people he wanted to talk to in order to break down walls and build a bridge of communication.

Our church may embrace new methods, new strategies, or new approaches to reach younger generations. Our church may look different, act different, or think different from years past. Yet we do not compromise nor alter the Gospel message. We simply are seeking that bridge of communication in order to speak into people's lives today. A performance stage. A worship band. A video screen. All are tools to become more like the culture in which we live, striving to reach those who have yet to come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Lesons from the Third World

Team from Kalkaska, Michigan

I recently returned with a team from KCC from a short-term mission trip to Haiti. We visited Sonlight Ministries in Port-de-Paix, Haiti for 7 days. When visiting a third world country such as Haiti, the common American mindset is "we're going down there to educate those people in order to improve their quality of life." The assumption, at least in my mind, has always been "We are the teachers; they are the learners." Yet this time in returning to the States I'm left with a different impression. The roles were reversed. The people of Haiti were the teachers. I was the student. What follows are a few lessons that I learned from the third world.

Lesson 1: Be friendly to everyone you meet 

Making new friends in the neighborhood

Upon arriving in Port-de-Paix, we attended an orientation to acquaint everyone with the customs of the country. One of the more important points was to be sure you greeted everyone you meet with a "Bonjour" in the morning and a "Bonsoua" in the afternoon/evening. Haitians actually consider it rude if you fail to say "Hello" upon entering a room. In the states we avoid eye contact most of the time with strangers, however, in Haiti it's common to look someone in the eye and say a warm, "Bonjou!"

This simple greeting lays the groundwork for a culture of friendliness and open relationships. Scripture says, "Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2 (NCV) Being friendly with a simple greeting tends to make us less self-centered and more aware of other people around us. The Haitian people are warm and friendly. We would do well to take a page from their book on openness and hospitality.
Lesson 2: A simple life is a fruitful life

Walking down the Port-de-Paix back roads.

During our trip we visited four different Haitian homes. What struck me at all of them was the lack of stuff in their houses. They live such a simplistic lifestyle. It's rare to see a Haitian home with cabinets, closets, or a garage. They simply don't need the storage space. They don't accumulate things like we in American seem to be prone to do. Consequently, they aren't centered around their possessions. They spend much more time talking to their family, neighbors, and guests. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying possessions are inherently wrong. What I am saying is just that the time it takes to manage what you own could possibly be used for more important activities.

In the parable of the soils found in Luke 8:14, Jesus compares the weeds to those people who allow their  possessions to become so consuming that they actually prevent them from becoming fruitful or productive in healthy ways. Jesus says we can become choked by the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life. He's not saying they are wrong, but in unhealthy amounts they become suffocating and damage our lives and ultimately "kill" our fruits.

Lesson 3: People are important / Relationships are priceless

Students at Sonlight Academy

You've probably heard the saying, "It's not what you know. It's who you know." That little proverb is so true in Haiti. Flying into the new Port-au-Prince airport, our team was greeted by a Pastor named Nadar. Nadar knew the customs workers and was allowed to enter into the area where we were collecting our bags. He had built a relationship with them over time so that they trusted him. And in return he made their job easier. After joking with the customs officials, Nadar had us on our way without having to open even one bag for inspection! Right or wrong, Nadar had connections!

When you run into someone you know in Haiti, they first ask you about yourself, then your family, and then about what you're doing. The focus is on people, not on data nor things. Haitians realize people are important and their relationships are priceless. Sadly, many times in the US we don't come to this reality until a loved one falls seriously ill or a tragedy strikes. Oh, that we would quit being so busy with so many things and enjoy those around us by deepening our relationships with them. Our things will break, rust, and wear out. But the people we know and the relationships we have with them will endure. Making the most of them while we can will reap rewards no money can buy.

The Cross of Christ

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

The entire gospel of Jesus Christ that we proclaim stands on the cross upon which Jesus died. Without the cross Paul says we are to be pitied more than all men (1 Corinthians 15:19) because our faith is in vain and we are still in our sins.

The Cross of Jesus Christ is the central point of the Gospel message we proclaim as Christians. Jesus was a 1st century Jewish rabbi who taught like no one had ever taught proclaiming love, forgiveness, and mercy. He made claims so outrageous about his identity that the religious leaders of the day sought to silence him by killing him. Ironically Jesus never committed a single sin, nor committed a single crime. On what basis could they accuse him, arrest him, and find him guilty to the point of deserving death? Justly, none. Corruptly, many.

Liars, false witnesses, and malicious men framed Jesus and handed him over to the authorities to have him flogged and killed as a criminal. He was beaten in a way that would have human rights advocates up in arms today. All the while he never resisted. To mock him, they placed a vine of thorns shaped in the form of a crown on his head and pressed upon it. Blood streamed down his face. His clothes were taken from him leaving him naked and exposed for all to see. Nails pierced his hands and feet as he was laid supine on a splintery wooden cross. He was crucified among common men. A sword pierced his side to insure his death would not tarry past sunset. Darkness covered the earth.

He was buried in a borrowed tomb.  A large stone sealed the entrance and guards were placed outside to be certain that no one would come and steal away his body. But trying to hold the creator of life itself in a hole is like trying to catch the sun in a baggie. It’s a bit too hot to handle.

Three days later the tomb is found empty, the stone is rolled away, and the guards are out cold. Jesus appears to women, disciples, and doubters, yet even some of his closest followers don’t recognize him with his new glorified body. He has changed somehow. He is still on earth, but no longer is governed by the laws of this world as he walks through walls, disappears, reappears, and even defies gravity!

Through the cross salvation is achieved for mankind. The story that gives us hope must be told. It is the life-changing gospel of a just God becoming man, dying in our place, paying the debt of sin, rising again, and going ahead of us to our eternal home. Jesus extends the invitation to simply believe this amazing, miraculous story of salvation. The cross of Christ. Foolishness to those who are perishing; The Power of God to those who believe.

Contentment is Great Gain

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

1 Timothy 6:6-8

Amazing words spoken to Timothy by the Apostle Paul over 2000 years ago. I’m thinking, in what context does Timothy need to worry about materialism?! Today, yeah, we need to hear this advice! We’re surrounded by marketers who entice us to buy, buy, buy! But Timothy didn’t have anything, did he? I’m sure he wasn’t waiting for the next iPad 3 to go on sale. He didn’t covet his neighbors 55” High-definition television. He wasn’t planning a vacation to Disney World. He wasn’t facing foreclosure on his home. What money struggles could he possibly have? Why would Timothy need to be reminded that his world doesn’t revolve around money, his possessions, or materialism?

The fact is that regardless of your income. No matter how much you have. Despite how little you own. The Love of Money is still a temptation that can wreck great havoc in your life. Most of us, of course, would never say that we love money. We just love what money can buy! And to the frugal like myself, we love a good deal! If it’s a good deal, then it’s never wrong to buy, right? Our love of money and love of things are dangerous because that can lead to debt, distraction, and division. But the antidote to this temptation is called: Contentment.

Paul knew what it was like to live a prosperous life. He also know what it was like to live in poverty. He shares this with the Philippian brothers and sisters in Philippians 4:11-13. And his conclusion was that he LEARNED how to be content whatever the circumstances. Learning how to be content in any and every situation takes time and trust. Time is the forgotten, yet crucial element, we take for granted is our fast-paced lives. Contentment can't be delivered in 15 minutes or less! Trusting in God is also vital to our education. Trust in God to provide and provision for our needs. Paul even said he learned “the secret” to living a contented life. The secret is revealed in verse 13 where he says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” 

Remember the key: Knowing Jesus Christ and allowing Him to give you the strength to be at peace with what you already own. Once you learn to be content, you'll no longer crave all the stuff the world has to offer. There's freedom in that along with great gain!

Faith Journey

We shared our Faith Journey's tonight during our KCC Small Group. I asked everyone to share how they came to faith in Jesus. Interesting couple things stood out.

First, everyone began their spiritual journey when someone invited them to either church or spoke with them about faith. The testimony of another believer played a huge role in bringing them to Christ. Never underestimate the power of relationship in bringing people to Jesus.

The second thing that stood out as we shared our testimonies was that it was during times of illness, struggle, or turmoil that people turned to God. We discussed this and concluded that it's more difficult to look to God's help during the "good times" of life than during the difficult times. People reach out and look up when problems come their way. They are receptive to the Spirit of God when they are weakest and fail to have the strength to solve their own problems.

Share your faith. Invite people to worship with you. Recommend your church. Be ready to listen and care when people are hurting. They'll listen to you and respond to God.

In love with facts or people?

God's people have been persecuted since time began. Reading today in Acts 12 Herod the king decides to win a popularity contest when he figures out that "laying violent hands on some who belonged to the church" "pleased the jews."

Why didn't the resurrection of Jesus validate all Christian's witness post-cross? Could it be that just the facts aren't enough to turn people to God? Despite the facts, despite the truth, despite the evidence, man still chooses to turn away from God and go his own way.

How do we reason with people like that? People who won't stop and examine the evidence for our faith? We don't. They won't be won over by our persuasive arguments. They won't be convinced by "Evidence that demands a Verdict" or "I don't have enough Faith to be an Athiest." Both great books by the way!

People who won't give in to reason must be touched by love. That's why Jesus spend more time talking about loving one another rather than debating the scriptures. As it is written, "...if I...understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing"

The facts of our faith will be real to people when we act out towards others in love. They may not see the reasoning, the rationale, or the evidence of our faith initially. But that's okay. Let them see our love. Unconditionally love. Loving first because He first loved us.

With a wave of my magic wand

"Amazed them with his magic" could be said about many people in our day. David Copperfield. David Blaine. Chris Angel. They are tremendous showmen, trained in the art of misdirection and mystery. Their acts of illusion baffle the common viewer making the impossible seem possible and the extraordinary appear ordinary.

However, this phrase wasn't spoken about any of them. This statement was made about Simon the Sorcerer from Acts chapter 8. Simon was a skilled showman in his day amazing the crowds with his acts of prestidigitation. It's debatable whether Simon's magic was in the vein of magicians in our day or if he practiced darker arts & magick.

What is known is that as Philip preached the Good News about the kingdom of God, Simon believed and was baptized (Acts 8:13). So whether you teach faith alone saves you or a plan of salvation including baptism saves you, Simon is a new Christian. His sins are washed away and his hope is in Jesus Christ.

Sadly, we learn that Simon's heart is not right with God (vs. 21). He is immediately told to repent. Repentance is part of God's plan for our salvaiton, and is taught as a step to new life in Christ (See II Cor. 7:10). However, just because someone is a new Christian doesn't mean they won't sin. They will. We're like new babies in our faith. We're bound to fail. In case of sinning after becoming a Christian John writes to Christians in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins adn to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Simon is told to repent from thinking he could purchase the power to lay his hands on people and heal them. It is a free gift from God and not to be confused with some magical art.

Some believe Simon never became a Christian. I disagree. I believe we see here a process that all new Christian deal with. After accepting Christ through faith, repentance, and baptism, we must still deal with short-comings and sin. Our spiritual journey involves replacing our old, sinful habits with God's grace and forgiveness. It's a process, not a wave of the magic wand. Step by step, by confessing and repenting of sins committed after our salvation, we walk closer to Jesus our Savior.