Starting Over
All of us are familiar with the conversation pertaining to the reformation, restructuring, transformation, or whatever other terminology has been used to describe the need to change the church so that it becomes the dynamic people of God that the scriptures purport it to be. It just seems we drone on and on, growing tired of all the rhetoric that seems to be repeated over and over with a new twist here and another tweak there, but basically seeing things continue in the same way for all practical purposes.
Having said that, what I'm about to suggest appears to add to the rhetoric, becoming part of the already voluminous writing and dialogue on this subject. So at the risk of being part of the problem mentioned in the first paragraph, I pose some questions that have occurred to me. Though they may seem highly implausible and questionable, bear with me on this. Maybe something constructive will come out of it.
What would happen if we would scrap everything, go back to the beginning and start over with nothing but Jesus and his teachings? Like Andrew and Philip, inviting some that we know to come and see what Jesus is like, discovering where he will take us. Forgetting all the trappings of organizations, leadership, activities and a plethora of other things that seem to complicate matters, we would, as much as possible, walk together with Jesus as those first disciples did, learning and discovering along the way as they encountered experiences that Jesus led them into. What would happen if we start from scratch just as his disciples did? Do you think Jesus might lead us into his way of what we have been struggling to understand and correct?
Obviously, there are differences. We are already born from above, having already received the Holy Spirit; but this should enable us to be far more perceptive than the twelve were in learning from Jesus the ways of the kingdom. Possibly the greatest hindrance we would encounter is all of the knowledge we've already accumulated about spiritual things. Though we should not despise what the Spirit has taught us, neither should we allow it to rob us of learning and discovering in childlike wonder further insights he has for us through walking together with Jesus. And Jesus is walking through our communities today just like he did in first century Palestine. I believe we can experience the same kind of things together with our little group of friends as we walk with Jesus just as the twelve did.
I know this seems simplistic. But it seems that all of our attempts to change the church, form community and engage in missional activity has so muddied the waters of simply walking with Jesus that we have difficulty hearing and seeing him.
While these thoughts are not in any way complete, probably raising more questions than answers and more problems than solutions, if it stirs our thought processes, maybe something constructive will come out of it. The first being, is this even possible?
Having said that, what I'm about to suggest appears to add to the rhetoric, becoming part of the already voluminous writing and dialogue on this subject. So at the risk of being part of the problem mentioned in the first paragraph, I pose some questions that have occurred to me. Though they may seem highly implausible and questionable, bear with me on this. Maybe something constructive will come out of it.
What would happen if we would scrap everything, go back to the beginning and start over with nothing but Jesus and his teachings? Like Andrew and Philip, inviting some that we know to come and see what Jesus is like, discovering where he will take us. Forgetting all the trappings of organizations, leadership, activities and a plethora of other things that seem to complicate matters, we would, as much as possible, walk together with Jesus as those first disciples did, learning and discovering along the way as they encountered experiences that Jesus led them into. What would happen if we start from scratch just as his disciples did? Do you think Jesus might lead us into his way of what we have been struggling to understand and correct?
Obviously, there are differences. We are already born from above, having already received the Holy Spirit; but this should enable us to be far more perceptive than the twelve were in learning from Jesus the ways of the kingdom. Possibly the greatest hindrance we would encounter is all of the knowledge we've already accumulated about spiritual things. Though we should not despise what the Spirit has taught us, neither should we allow it to rob us of learning and discovering in childlike wonder further insights he has for us through walking together with Jesus. And Jesus is walking through our communities today just like he did in first century Palestine. I believe we can experience the same kind of things together with our little group of friends as we walk with Jesus just as the twelve did.
I know this seems simplistic. But it seems that all of our attempts to change the church, form community and engage in missional activity has so muddied the waters of simply walking with Jesus that we have difficulty hearing and seeing him.
While these thoughts are not in any way complete, probably raising more questions than answers and more problems than solutions, if it stirs our thought processes, maybe something constructive will come out of it. The first being, is this even possible?
Merry Christmas everyone,
I was expecting Carman to write the way in which he has here for over 2 months.
In that time my brother Charles died and is now sleeping or can see where we are.
Caring for one another here and "out there" is very simple but our flesh has it's limits and it's corrupt "files" from the fall.
I plan to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling and not follow signs and wonders but let signs and wonders follow me.
This world's governmental system and the this world's religious sytem are merging now.
Yes, in our life time we will see it happen.
When the deal is "done" things will really rock and roll and we will discover what biblical new testament church living will feel like.
Until then, gather all the nuggets of truth from the scriptures and your experiences because you are going to need them. Actually, they will be consumed so fast by those who are being called, you will have to get alone time with Jesus more often and then go back into service.
If you are currently in a system that you can tolerate, your (His) presence may be required right there until He gives His sealed orders for your transfer.
I hope I don't sound rigid here but I am writing because everyone I am in close touch with in Christ is in flux.
I think those that can handle the full gospel schedule feel safe there and leaving something "good" too risky or unnecessary or contrary to several scriptures.
I am scared to say the least but every church I enter except the jail and the nursing home seems closed. Maybe my imagination or maybe sin or maybe faith.I choose faith at this time. I have been "assaulted" spiritually in such a subtle way, I am convinced I am where Jesus needs me.
Everything we do must be done in faith.
As my brother Charles would say to me when discovering where I belong is "you can try, what have you got to lose?"
Yes, I am ready to die. Am I ready for the judgement? If I am not ready to die then I am not able to live.
I'll close with a comment I picked up along the way. "God is always exactly on time but why does He have to make me so nervous?
What have I got to lose?” If I try and save my own life we all know what will happen.
Tests, trials, afflictions all come with God’s permission for our ultimate good. Right?
Ready or not, here He comes. Just turn on your radio and then quiet your spirit in Him afterwards. He talks to us as friends not slaves and we will recognize (discern) His almighty arm.
Carman, thank you.
73,s
Mike
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Ah, Carman, a breath of fresh air - "the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ". I love your way of thinking! Time to get back to basics. "For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power" - seems we're inundated with articles, books, and blogs (I'm as guilty as the next person), yet we're still all longing for the power of authentic Christ-centered community. Recently Father's been bringing me back to the simplicity of love in this passage from Matthew - Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." (The Message). Seems pretty simple - Love Him above all else and love others as yourself. Pretty impossible without the daily reality of His affectionate love for His. "We love, because He first loved us." Spirit, lead us into the revelation and reality of His love.
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