Most churches today are in a defensive stance. We are trying to defend our turf. On all sides, we are being attacked by an attitude and agenda that is strongly oppossed to that of the early church. Whereas churches once enjoyed the priviledge of being the "place to be," many now struggle to keep their doors open as people find other places to invest their time, energy, and resources. Week after week, I hear pastors sadly lamenting the present condition of their churches, while reveling in the memories of the 'good old days.' Is all lost? Are we simply to accept this current condition of the church? Should we just break the huddle and take our defensives stances and hope to hold on as long as we can? I don't think so.
Last night was a wonderful evening here at First Baptist. Over 100 people gathered at the altar of the church and fell on their faces in humble prayer before God. We claimed our need and dependence and Him and spent the evening taking turns and praying for our church, nation, and each other. Several prayers for voiced for revival and reformation. The highlight of the evening was noticing both my young sons on their knees with their tearful faces buried in the floor as they prayed with their church family. I'll never forget that night.
I just read one of Jonathan Edward's letters to fellow pastor Joseph Bellamy concerning a new movement of prayer which led to revival in Scotland. This "concert of prayer" was asking of God "an abundant effusion of his Holy Spirit so as to revive true religion in all parts of Christendom, and to deliver all nations from their great and manifold spiritual calamities and miseries, and bless them with unspeakable benefits of the kingdom of our glorious Redeemer, and fill the whole earth with his glory." I echo that sentiment!!
It's time for the church to go on the offensive. Webster defines offensive as...
1 a: making attack : aggressive b: of, relating to, or designed for attack
How do we do this in the church today? How do we get aggressive? I believe the answer lies in corporate prayer. We need to pray more together. We need to join together and pray during our worship services for a great revival in our land. When Solomon is dedicating the temple, God says these often quoted words, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offeredin this place" 2 Chronicles 7:14-15. It is verse 15 that I find particularly interesting. God says that His eyes and ears will be particularly attentive to the prayers of His people offered in His house.
I do believe there is power in corporate prayer. Jesus says in Matthew 18, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
The church on the offensive is a church united in corporate prayer. We are dealing with things in the church today that are just outside our ability to take care of on our own. We desperately need the power of God. Will you unite with other believers in prayer on a regular basis, calling on God for revival and reformation? Will you take the time to pray with other believers? Will you become a offensive church?
Monday, June 9, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Bifocals
It was bound to happen. There's no way that I was to escape the inevitable. Last Tuesday, after days of denial and deliberation, I went for an examination. After ten minutes of small talk and the preliminary checkup, we got down to business. At first, I was feeling good. I was able to read all that was in front of me with my regular glasses. "Well, that's good. I can read this stuff better than I thought." I was feeling a little more confident that I still had an opportunity to escape (at least for now) this major turning point in my life. The doctor just smiled and continued the exam.
After a few more minutes of "good," "better," bad," he settled on reality. "Ray, put your glasses on and read this card" he asked. I immediately responded reading each and every word loudly and with expression. "Now, what happens when I add these." He put two lenses in front of my existing glasses. I couldn't believe the difference. The words almost leaped off the page in 3D. "That's what I thought...we're going to have to go with bifocals," he expressed. His words pierced my youthful heart!
So here I am feeling 15 years older, lamenting my fading youth, and thanking God for progressive lenses which hide that bifocal line. My only satisfaction is knowing no one can tell they're bifocals.
Getting used to them is just what I expected...challenging. The prescription in the progressive lense is the clearest in the middle, which is shaped like an hourglass. The problem...focus. I have to have my head in just the right position to focus clearly. If I try to focus on things at a distance and I look through the bottom lense, everything is a blur. On the contrary, if I try to read something up close and look through the top, the words are not as clear as they should be. If I try to do anything too quick I get seasick!
The key is getting my focus in the right place. Isn't that just like our spiritual life? The key to spiritual success is focus. The writer of Hebrews reminds us in chapter 12, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith." Paul also says in Philippians 3:13-14," ...forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." And Jesus himself, "stedfastly set his face towards Jerusalem" in Luke 9:51
Most of us today have a focus problem. Because we are trying to focus on too many things at once, we live life in a blur. My bifocal training has reminded me of my need to be focused on the right things. I must make a conscious choice about where to focus my eyes. Only then will everything else come into focus.
The same can be said about my faith. Each and every day I must make a conscious effort to keep focused on the right things. Biblically speaking, my focus should always be on God and His truth.
What about you? Is life a little blurry for you today? Where's your focus?
After a few more minutes of "good," "better," bad," he settled on reality. "Ray, put your glasses on and read this card" he asked. I immediately responded reading each and every word loudly and with expression. "Now, what happens when I add these." He put two lenses in front of my existing glasses. I couldn't believe the difference. The words almost leaped off the page in 3D. "That's what I thought...we're going to have to go with bifocals," he expressed. His words pierced my youthful heart!
So here I am feeling 15 years older, lamenting my fading youth, and thanking God for progressive lenses which hide that bifocal line. My only satisfaction is knowing no one can tell they're bifocals.
Getting used to them is just what I expected...challenging. The prescription in the progressive lense is the clearest in the middle, which is shaped like an hourglass. The problem...focus. I have to have my head in just the right position to focus clearly. If I try to focus on things at a distance and I look through the bottom lense, everything is a blur. On the contrary, if I try to read something up close and look through the top, the words are not as clear as they should be. If I try to do anything too quick I get seasick!
The key is getting my focus in the right place. Isn't that just like our spiritual life? The key to spiritual success is focus. The writer of Hebrews reminds us in chapter 12, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith." Paul also says in Philippians 3:13-14," ...forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." And Jesus himself, "stedfastly set his face towards Jerusalem" in Luke 9:51
Most of us today have a focus problem. Because we are trying to focus on too many things at once, we live life in a blur. My bifocal training has reminded me of my need to be focused on the right things. I must make a conscious choice about where to focus my eyes. Only then will everything else come into focus.
The same can be said about my faith. Each and every day I must make a conscious effort to keep focused on the right things. Biblically speaking, my focus should always be on God and His truth.
What about you? Is life a little blurry for you today? Where's your focus?
Blending In
In his letter to the Romans, Paul begins by noting that he is "called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God." Paul clearly articulates the distinction present for those who have been called to serve Christ. To be set apart is to be distinct...different. In a crowd, whether there are five or hundreds, those called of God should stand out. In a nation famed for its merging of cultures, Christians should maintain their distinctive beliefs and behavior for the purpose of the "gospel of God."
Although I would like to say that I am living a distinct life set apart from the culture and that those who see me are continually pointed to the glory of God, I must admit that there is at least one place where I have failed be "set apart." Unfortunately, this is the one place where I am surrounded by the most unbelievers...the local ball field. My two sons, Collin and Granger, play for the Marlins in the 9 and 10 year old league. I look forward to the nights when they play. There's something uniquely American about an evening at the Little League ball field. I find myself anticipating those nights.
What's the problem? Injustice!!! I can't stand to see injustice...especially when it concerns my kids or their team. When an obviously bad call is made I find myself engulfed in frustration which ultimately leads to anger. It's not righteous anger. It is pure sin. Why can't they get these calls right. The next thing I know, my wife is trying to calm me down and reminding me of my witness. Unfortunately, that tends to make matters worse!
Although this hasn't happened much, it has happened one to many! I wonder what those unbelievers are saying. No I don't! I know! That's what hurts.
I must always remember that as I Christian, I am called to be different. People must notice me for what I do to honor God, not disgrace his name by my actions.
God, forgive me for disgracing your name. Forgive me for losing control of my emotions and putting my own interests ahead of glorifying your name. May I remember that I am "set apart for the gospel of God."
Although I would like to say that I am living a distinct life set apart from the culture and that those who see me are continually pointed to the glory of God, I must admit that there is at least one place where I have failed be "set apart." Unfortunately, this is the one place where I am surrounded by the most unbelievers...the local ball field. My two sons, Collin and Granger, play for the Marlins in the 9 and 10 year old league. I look forward to the nights when they play. There's something uniquely American about an evening at the Little League ball field. I find myself anticipating those nights.
What's the problem? Injustice!!! I can't stand to see injustice...especially when it concerns my kids or their team. When an obviously bad call is made I find myself engulfed in frustration which ultimately leads to anger. It's not righteous anger. It is pure sin. Why can't they get these calls right. The next thing I know, my wife is trying to calm me down and reminding me of my witness. Unfortunately, that tends to make matters worse!
Although this hasn't happened much, it has happened one to many! I wonder what those unbelievers are saying. No I don't! I know! That's what hurts.
I must always remember that as I Christian, I am called to be different. People must notice me for what I do to honor God, not disgrace his name by my actions.
God, forgive me for disgracing your name. Forgive me for losing control of my emotions and putting my own interests ahead of glorifying your name. May I remember that I am "set apart for the gospel of God."
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