Can We Learn From San Diego?
The incident in San Diego where the authorities demanded that a home Bible study shut down because it was in violation of local codes has attracted nationwide attention. The last I heard was that the authorities backed down because of the firestorm that was created by their prohibition of the Bible study.
This Bible study was brought to the authorities' attention when neighbors complained about all the cars that were parked in the neighborhood by those attending the Bible study. It was far too congested as far as the neighbors were concerned.
I wonder if those who are hosting the Bible study have any healthy relationships with their neighbors. Do they host anything for their neighbors, like backyard barbecues, Super Bowl parties, birthday parties, etc.?
What would happen if all the people who were driving into this one neighborhood for a Bible study would start gathering with people in their own neighborhoods, developing friendships whereby some of their own neighbors might become interested in checking out the Scriptures together with them? One thing for sure, there would be no congestion or parking problems because everyone lives within walking distance of each other's homes.
Perhaps this San Diego incident is indicative of the mentality that is so predominate in western Christianity. We will travel miles to gather with other believers ensconcing ourselves deeper and deeper in our Christian bubble while ignoring our neighbors that live right in our own block. So how are we advancing God's kingdom on the geographical turf where he has placed us?
This Bible study was brought to the authorities' attention when neighbors complained about all the cars that were parked in the neighborhood by those attending the Bible study. It was far too congested as far as the neighbors were concerned.
I wonder if those who are hosting the Bible study have any healthy relationships with their neighbors. Do they host anything for their neighbors, like backyard barbecues, Super Bowl parties, birthday parties, etc.?
What would happen if all the people who were driving into this one neighborhood for a Bible study would start gathering with people in their own neighborhoods, developing friendships whereby some of their own neighbors might become interested in checking out the Scriptures together with them? One thing for sure, there would be no congestion or parking problems because everyone lives within walking distance of each other's homes.
Perhaps this San Diego incident is indicative of the mentality that is so predominate in western Christianity. We will travel miles to gather with other believers ensconcing ourselves deeper and deeper in our Christian bubble while ignoring our neighbors that live right in our own block. So how are we advancing God's kingdom on the geographical turf where he has placed us?
Good Point Carm
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I had the thought the other day about I Cor.14 where Paul is instructing the church concerning unbelievers among them. Apparently he anticipated the lost being there otherwise he would not have mentioned it, right? There is so very little evangelism today in the context of the body and I wonder if the church began to come into its proper alignment to the apostolic foundation concerning meeting together that we would see a higher degree of lost ones coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus our Lord right in our gatherings?
"But if all of you are prophesying( speaking by the Spirit),and unbelievers or people who don't understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin, and they will be condemned by what you say. As they listen, their secret thoughts will be laid bare, and they will fall down on their knees and worship God, declaring, "God is really here among you."
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Wow, Carman - what a brilliant way to look at this situation. Thank you for this.
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Carman,
From 1996 to 2000 we had such a study here at our house. The antendees were from a town 10 miles away. We told our neighbors about what was happening every Tuesday night. One neighbor came and did not return.
One neighbor asked if we could have a talk about God someday. Then we found a note on our front door saying"We know your family attends church. My husband just had a heart attack and is in the hospital. Would you and your friends please pray for him?
In the last year of the study (Mary cooked a full dinner for all every meeting night all those years). The group were all colledge kids and one or 2 graduates.
Well, the handsome married man whom I had a geat relationship with is the father of our first grandchild. The scandal goes on but you get the picture.
We were asked by 2 different older coulpes to begin meeting again. I tried but the power wasn't there.
What I am trying to say without the universe revolving around me, my and mine is that no matter where or how we meet we land in 1Cor 12, 13 and 14. We live on the water and some were baptized here; right behind our house. Then it all blew up.
I'm so happy to have my grand daughter but the news of my teenage daughter with child was shall we say,,, a shock.
We know the church age is over and we will be driven underground. If you still have the mustard to hold meetings with your neighbors by all means bring the ketchup and keep a keen eye on anyone who is handsome, can sing and play the guitar and is a previously convicted criminal.
Invite the guys from the halfway house out of jail over too and watch what happens. "Vinnie" a master electrician ex convict came by invitation and I found out much later he was after my niece.Vinnie was baptized here. He was a fun guy to be around bit he never got grounded in the word.
So yes, Terry, Carm brought up SanDiego. All of us know that we are sheep for the slaughter. If things come together we hope the Lord picks us again for meetings here. I wouldn't suggest that for a novice. Several people were saved and baptized and hopefully are still walking with the Lord.
Cars are the least of our problems and in Ocean Grove New Jersey, no cars are allowed in town on Sundays if they still have that law.
The Spirit must come again just like He said he would. This time we will fear the Lord as we serve Him. He knows what He is about to do.
Come on saints, we build the church buildings to keep them out of our homes. Parking lots too!!!!
God Bless you Carm and all.
Mike
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I agree Mike,
But I think the spirit is available, I mean He is here. We tend to not be looking for Him in our daily walks which is a reflection of our expectations.
Just a general question for all here. The last time you prayed for someone, what did you expect to happen? I'm guilty of it too. It's not like we walk around with a genie in our pockets, but I believe God wants to touch people in their hearts, set people free from what so entangles them, and once in a while heal them too
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I agree with Carm here. I have done several small bible studies or gatherings. However, we crave comfort zones and I dont think God will allow that anymore. Time to grow up and go out. I probably will continue to do small gatherings (SMALL). If they grow then go out and do others. We need to spread out not in.
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Well said Barbara,
Good to see you here
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