Yesterday I wrote a post that was partly about a gathering of the church where a person talked about his past involvement in the Masons. After I wrote the post, a friend emailed me, concerned that readers might think I was encouraging Masonry (and concerned for me spiritually - and I do appreciate her care!). No, that was not my intent at all. Masonry has many "religious" aspects, of that there is no doubt. But it is not a Christian church, nor is it a Christian organization. To be honest, I have serious concerns about earthly organizations (and a lot of other things) that label themselves "Christian" ... but that is another topic for another day.
In this post I want to try and make clear what I was trying to say in yesterday's post - not that anyone there was supporting Masonry, or being drawn into it, but that they were willing to listen to the man and his experiences of trying to seek God in a particular way, and then to lovingly point out where that way differs from the gospel.
The reason I wrote about the gathering was that I was impressed to see a group of believers who were willing to listen to a brother express ideas that obviously were important to, or accepted by, himself, without immediately jumping on him in a judgmental, condemnatory style. They asked questions in order to more clearly understand what he was saying. Then they gently, but firmly, addressed the problems they saw, steering the conversation to turn from beliefs that do not line up with the truth of the gospel, to what Christianity really believes, and to Jesus, who is the real Truth himself. This led to him asking them questions about the gospel, which they explained in more detail.
One thing I didn't mention in yesterday's post, which I have realized as I've thought more about this, is that in many traditional church settings, where there are large numbers of people, many of whom may not be mature believers, or may not be believers at all, this kind of conversation would be difficult, if not impossible. Even the front-facing, single-person led aspect of most church gatherings goes against such openness.
In this small group (a couple of the adults took the children to another room while this conversation went on), it was possible for people to openly discuss ideas, and there were some very mature believers who were really able to teach and point to Jesus. Because the group had just spent a good hour or more eating together, and getting to know each other more, and because they are all believers (so far as I know), all at different places in the journey but with no one claiming to be somehow spiritually "superior," there was an atmosphere of caring and a sense of freedom to be honest, without fear.
There are those in the group who are recognized as having the maturity and understanding, and the caring and lifestyle, of elders, and they did bring needed teaching into the conversation, but everyone was free to ask questions and to participate. The teaching was done naturally and with care, in the course of the conversation, and of course referring to scripture. Indeed, if anything, it was a time of discipling, meeting a brother at his place of understanding, and lovingly bringing him farther into the light of the gospel. In fact, by learning what other people believe, including those, like the Masons, who claim to some kind of "Christian" basis, and then comparing it to what scripture clearly tells us about the gospel, I am sure we all were strengthened in our faith. I know I was.
There was no fear of being "closed down" or "bashed" for what one said. I have had so many experiences in my own past where showing any doubt or questioning was sure to bring quick judgement. And so often, the vast majority of people in a church gathering, even if there is opportunity given to ask a question or make a comment (which is generally very unusual), do not feel safe to say anything or ask anything because there is a strong sense that only the "educated" few know enough. There's this fear, "What if I say something and it turns out to be wrong? ... And anyway, I don't know enough!" What has happened to the gospel that is so simple a little child can understand it? Why don't we believe Jesus when He says to bring the children to Him, and not forbid them - for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
To me, allowing that man to talk about how he had been seeking God through the rituals of the Masons, was really not different than Jesus when he talked to the Samaritan woman at the well. She had a little bit of the truth, but she also had lots of error mixed up in it. Jesus could have said, "How dare you even open your mouth! Not only do you have really screwed-up doctrine, but look at you! You're a mixed-breed Samaritan, the worst kind of pagan. And you're an uneducated woman of ill-repute! Even your own people won't hang out with you!" Or he could have turned his face from her and totally ignored her, refusing to have anything to do with her and her tainted condition.
But no, he starts from where she was. He starts from her physical need - water. He starts from her social and emotional needs - acceptance and love. And he starts from where she is spiritually, from the little she knows of God. He sees that she is truly seeking God from her heart. He sees her thirst for the truth. Yes, He points out where she is at, in her beliefs, and in her lifestyle, but He doesn't do in a condemnatory way. Instead, He shows her that there is an answer to her all her needs - and He introduces her to the Answer - Himself, the Living Water.
Monday, 3 October, 2011
Sunday, 2 October, 2011
Fibonnacci's number and the Masons and being the church
So today I went to this little gathering of the church at a friend's house. We had an amazing pot-luck brunch and great conversation. Maybe 10 adults or so, and half a dozen kids.
(note: I've edited the following paragraph, because I realized that in making it so long, it could appear that I was supporting the Masons, which wasn't my point in writing this. If you want to know more about why I wrote about this, see tomorrow's post!)
Later on, one of the men told us about the Masons. Well sort of. He's a non-practicing Mason, I guess you'd say, though he was a "master" in the past. Actually, mostly he told us about the beauty of mathematics. Things like Fibonnacci's number and how it turns up all over the place in nature. Pretty amazing stuff; sure makes you appreciate the order in the universe and the One who created it. He talked about how discussion of religion is a "no-no" topic at the Masonic Lodge but how there's this "God" thing running through it all. He said that's what attracted him to it. I think he was seeking God, and he felt like he was finding Him there, in those underlying currents. He also said he was brought up Catholic, and he could relate to the use of ritual in seeking God.
See, this is NOT something I ever expected to hear discussed about with the church. After his talk,
he let us ask questions. Like what about all those secrets? And a lot of other questions. About the Masons. Asked at church.
And nobody freaked out. Or got up and walked out. Nobody seemed to feel threatened. The conversation was friendly, open, honest.
And with the questions, the conversation got around to our freedom in Christ, and how we've been freed from ritual. And how truth is a Person, not an end-point you arrive at by going through a lot of levels - or a lot of good deeds, or anything else you might do to "arrive." And how we are one in Christ, and there aren't some people who are "holier" than others. And how He is the Head. And we all have access to ultimate truth because we all have access to Him. (And I'm thinking to myself afterwards - in Him the greatest secret, God's eternal mystery, has already been revealed! How awesome is that!)
And this past-Mason guy was listening intently to that whole conversation. And asking his own questions about what he was hearing. Hearing the gospel clearly.
So after awhile, this conversation led to someone telling us about a friend, an MAF pilot, who just died this past week in a plane crash, and left behind a wife and some children, too. And how even in the family's shock and grief, there was joy because he had been walking and working with Jesus, doing what Jesus had for him to do. And then that led to other folks bringing up needs they had on their hearts, and that led to a really natural and communal prayer time.
And discussion about what do you do about elders in your family who really need to be in care, but don't want to go there... and it turns out that almost everyone there is in the midst of that situation. So there was lots of conversation around that, and it was awesome to realize we aren't alone in these kinds of things. That others are going through them too. That it's okay to say that you feel frustrated or angry or whatever. And then we can encourage each other. And find ways to help and support each other.
And it came up that the people whose home is usually used for the Sunday gathering would be gone next Sunday (being Canadian Thanksgiving holiday weekend and all), and nobody seemed worried about there not being the usual gathering at the usual place.
Maybe someone will volunteer their place before next Sunday, and let people know, but if they don't it's not a big deal, so far as I can see, because these folks get together in lots of different ways during the week anyway, so a "Sunday service" missed (on Thanksgiving Sunday! imagine that!) didn't seem to be a huge concern :-)
And then everybody started chatting with each other. Some wandered into the kitchen. Some hung out in the dining room. Some still in the living room. Some had to leave, but they didn't get out the door without caring good-byes.
Church :-)
I like it!
(note: I've edited the following paragraph, because I realized that in making it so long, it could appear that I was supporting the Masons, which wasn't my point in writing this. If you want to know more about why I wrote about this, see tomorrow's post!)
Later on, one of the men told us about the Masons. Well sort of. He's a non-practicing Mason, I guess you'd say, though he was a "master" in the past. Actually, mostly he told us about the beauty of mathematics. Things like Fibonnacci's number and how it turns up all over the place in nature. Pretty amazing stuff; sure makes you appreciate the order in the universe and the One who created it. He talked about how discussion of religion is a "no-no" topic at the Masonic Lodge but how there's this "God" thing running through it all. He said that's what attracted him to it. I think he was seeking God, and he felt like he was finding Him there, in those underlying currents. He also said he was brought up Catholic, and he could relate to the use of ritual in seeking God.
See, this is NOT something I ever expected to hear discussed about with the church. After his talk,
he let us ask questions. Like what about all those secrets? And a lot of other questions. About the Masons. Asked at church.
And nobody freaked out. Or got up and walked out. Nobody seemed to feel threatened. The conversation was friendly, open, honest.
And with the questions, the conversation got around to our freedom in Christ, and how we've been freed from ritual. And how truth is a Person, not an end-point you arrive at by going through a lot of levels - or a lot of good deeds, or anything else you might do to "arrive." And how we are one in Christ, and there aren't some people who are "holier" than others. And how He is the Head. And we all have access to ultimate truth because we all have access to Him. (And I'm thinking to myself afterwards - in Him the greatest secret, God's eternal mystery, has already been revealed! How awesome is that!)
And this past-Mason guy was listening intently to that whole conversation. And asking his own questions about what he was hearing. Hearing the gospel clearly.
So after awhile, this conversation led to someone telling us about a friend, an MAF pilot, who just died this past week in a plane crash, and left behind a wife and some children, too. And how even in the family's shock and grief, there was joy because he had been walking and working with Jesus, doing what Jesus had for him to do. And then that led to other folks bringing up needs they had on their hearts, and that led to a really natural and communal prayer time.
And discussion about what do you do about elders in your family who really need to be in care, but don't want to go there... and it turns out that almost everyone there is in the midst of that situation. So there was lots of conversation around that, and it was awesome to realize we aren't alone in these kinds of things. That others are going through them too. That it's okay to say that you feel frustrated or angry or whatever. And then we can encourage each other. And find ways to help and support each other.
And it came up that the people whose home is usually used for the Sunday gathering would be gone next Sunday (being Canadian Thanksgiving holiday weekend and all), and nobody seemed worried about there not being the usual gathering at the usual place.
Maybe someone will volunteer their place before next Sunday, and let people know, but if they don't it's not a big deal, so far as I can see, because these folks get together in lots of different ways during the week anyway, so a "Sunday service" missed (on Thanksgiving Sunday! imagine that!) didn't seem to be a huge concern :-)
And then everybody started chatting with each other. Some wandered into the kitchen. Some hung out in the dining room. Some still in the living room. Some had to leave, but they didn't get out the door without caring good-byes.
Church :-)
I like it!
Saturday, 24 September, 2011
Church life 7 days a week including at wedding receptions!
Today I was at a wedding reception. The couple at the table across from me, and the lady sitting next to me, mentioned that they meet with a few other believers in a home gathering.
When I asked them what that looked like, they said that they get together Sunday mornings for brunch (to which they all contribute) and then they spend time together, adults and kids alike.
Someone might bring a little message, or they might do a study together, or have a discussion. They talk about life with Jesus. they pray. On occasion they sing. They share about needs they can
help others with.
During the week they get together to go and help out with those needs. And they get involved, individually or together, serving in the community with other believers. Like helping out at the street
ministry and such.
Sounds like church life - Jesus life, Kingdom life - for them is a 7 day a week thing. A lifestyle that does include a small group of believers who gather on Sundays to eat together and learn and pray. But also reaches out the rest of the week into the community, serving the needs of believers
and nonbelievers with the love of Jesus. And includes doing that serving with other believers, not just with their own little bunch.
That sounds like church to me :-) As Josh puts it in his post, "church-life-more-than-a-meeting" :
Eric Carpenter talks about this kind of living out the Christian life in his post, "Sunday to Sunday." He says:
Eric also suggests we can occasionally skip the Sunday gathering and trust the church family to get along without us; and we can even meet as a church family on a different day of the week. He also
encourages us to pray for opportunities to be servants every day, and follow those opportunities the Lord gives us. Which these folks obviously do.
So I think I'll go spend some time with this gathering of the church in my community. Maybe Father had me sit across from these folks at the reception for a reason. I've been asking Him to show me how He wants me to walk with Him, after all. And with His family. Maybe He brought us together
today on purpose. :-)
(Come to think of it, wasn't it at a wedding reception that Jesus began modeling the kingdom, demonstrating the ekklesia, with His disciples?)
When I asked them what that looked like, they said that they get together Sunday mornings for brunch (to which they all contribute) and then they spend time together, adults and kids alike.
Someone might bring a little message, or they might do a study together, or have a discussion. They talk about life with Jesus. they pray. On occasion they sing. They share about needs they can
help others with.
During the week they get together to go and help out with those needs. And they get involved, individually or together, serving in the community with other believers. Like helping out at the street
ministry and such.
Sounds like church life - Jesus life, Kingdom life - for them is a 7 day a week thing. A lifestyle that does include a small group of believers who gather on Sundays to eat together and learn and pray. But also reaches out the rest of the week into the community, serving the needs of believers
and nonbelievers with the love of Jesus. And includes doing that serving with other believers, not just with their own little bunch.
That sounds like church to me :-) As Josh puts it in his post, "church-life-more-than-a-meeting" :
Church life, you see, is togetherness. It is sharing life together under the headship of Jesus Christ. It is not virtual or theoretical, it is practical, in-your-face community living.That sounds like these folk's description of the church (and yes, church is the word they used) that they gather with.
Even the first "meetings" of the church in Jerusalem could hardly be called meetings, at least not in any formal sense. What they appear to have been more than anything else was just a bunch of wide-eyed saints spending a lot of time together in their homes eating meals, singing songs, sharing prayers, and talking joyfully about their newfound experience with the Lord Jesus Christ...
This drawing together, this instinct for fellowship, is proof to the world that we are His, and it is proof of one other thing as well: The church is more than a meeting!
Eric Carpenter talks about this kind of living out the Christian life in his post, "Sunday to Sunday." He says:
Sunday becomes dangerous when we place too much emphasis upon ourEric encourages us to contact and fellowship with our church family other days of the week. He recommends coffee shops, but the folks I met at the wedding reception today were doing that right there! And in the process, without even trying, drawing the others sitting at the table into the conversation, answering their questions, sharing their love of Jesus!
gathering. The danger occurs when Sunday becomes "when we do church"
or "when we are the church" to the exclusion of other days....
Jesus Christ never told us to take a day off and wait for Sunday to
be spiritual.
Eric also suggests we can occasionally skip the Sunday gathering and trust the church family to get along without us; and we can even meet as a church family on a different day of the week. He also
encourages us to pray for opportunities to be servants every day, and follow those opportunities the Lord gives us. Which these folks obviously do.
So I think I'll go spend some time with this gathering of the church in my community. Maybe Father had me sit across from these folks at the reception for a reason. I've been asking Him to show me how He wants me to walk with Him, after all. And with His family. Maybe He brought us together
today on purpose. :-)
(Come to think of it, wasn't it at a wedding reception that Jesus began modeling the kingdom, demonstrating the ekklesia, with His disciples?)
Friday, 23 September, 2011
Checking in on what Jesus is doing
Very often folks who check out of the institutional church find themselves on a long winding road.
They might already have formed an idea of what the destination will look for, and they are constantly peering down side roads they pass, hoping to find what they are expecting. Or perhaps they really don't know what the destination will look like, but they're willing to try out whatever neon signs flash most attractively along the way.
Either way, they pull up hopefully, here and there, take a look, and sometimes even check in for awhile, but end up being disappointed. So back they go onto the road, wondering if they'll ever get there, and be able to check out of the wilderness.
And yes, I've been in that situation myself. For far too long.
But now I'm realizing that checking out of the wilderness means getting back on the road and traveling with Jesus. And checking what He (and His Father and Spirit) is doing.
Staying on the road. Forgetting about my search for the destination. And discovering that, when we travel with God, the journey is the destination with Him is what we've been seeking. And when we see it that way, we realize it isn't a wilderness after all, but the richest, most fulfilling LIFE - more than we could ever have imagined ourselves. His Life!
Jesus said something like that, didn't He? In Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message), we hear these words:
Jesus set an example for His disciples. That means us too. That's how we are supposed to live. That's what it means for us to be His disciples. We, the church, are meant to live that way, His way. That's what it means, isn't it, to be the church, to live in the Kingdom of God? To have one head, one leader, and to be united in Him. Right?
Then why, as Dan Edelen asks at cereleumsanctum,
Why not, indeed? It's time to stop looking for destinations that I or others have imagined or created. Time to get onto the road with Jesus, walk with Him, work with Him. Really be open to hear Him, see Him. Follow Him. Like He showed us.
Time to start. Check out of me, check out of my "destinations," and check into His journey, His way. Into Him! Now.
Please, dear Jesus. Help me to really see You, hear You, know You. To be a disciple of You. As you were of Father. Please. Thank You. Amen.
They might already have formed an idea of what the destination will look for, and they are constantly peering down side roads they pass, hoping to find what they are expecting. Or perhaps they really don't know what the destination will look like, but they're willing to try out whatever neon signs flash most attractively along the way.
Either way, they pull up hopefully, here and there, take a look, and sometimes even check in for awhile, but end up being disappointed. So back they go onto the road, wondering if they'll ever get there, and be able to check out of the wilderness.
And yes, I've been in that situation myself. For far too long.
But now I'm realizing that checking out of the wilderness means getting back on the road and traveling with Jesus. And checking what He (and His Father and Spirit) is doing.
Staying on the road. Forgetting about my search for the destination. And discovering that, when we travel with God, the journey is the destination with Him is what we've been seeking. And when we see it that way, we realize it isn't a wilderness after all, but the richest, most fulfilling LIFE - more than we could ever have imagined ourselves. His Life!
Jesus said something like that, didn't He? In Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message), we hear these words:
"Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.It's how Jesus walked with His Father when He was here on earth in the 1st century AD. He listened to His Father's words and then repeated them to others. He looked to see what His Father was doing in people's hearts, and then joined in with His Father. He truly lived with the Spirit of God every moment. He prayed and sought God's guidance - and He didn't do anything unless He had that guidance.
Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Jesus set an example for His disciples. That means us too. That's how we are supposed to live. That's what it means for us to be His disciples. We, the church, are meant to live that way, His way. That's what it means, isn't it, to be the church, to live in the Kingdom of God? To have one head, one leader, and to be united in Him. Right?
Then why, as Dan Edelen asks at cereleumsanctum,
Why then do we not do this? Why do we charge ahead and waste time on works that God is not in? ...
Jesus didn’t see what the Father is doing by any means other than a deep prayer life and listening to the Holy Spirit. You can’t fake that, though, and expect to see what the Father is doing.
Why not, indeed? It's time to stop looking for destinations that I or others have imagined or created. Time to get onto the road with Jesus, walk with Him, work with Him. Really be open to hear Him, see Him. Follow Him. Like He showed us.
Time to start. Check out of me, check out of my "destinations," and check into His journey, His way. Into Him! Now.
Please, dear Jesus. Help me to really see You, hear You, know You. To be a disciple of You. As you were of Father. Please. Thank You. Amen.
Wednesday, 21 September, 2011
Getting over that wilderness feeling
In the last few posts here, we've been thinking about different aspects of that "wilderness feeling" we sometimes get when we've stepped away from institutional church and are seeking to follow Jesus as the very center of our walk. Today I just want to share with you some quotes from other bloggers that have really helped me personally as I've sometimes struggled with "that wilderness feeling" myself.
Jeff McQuillan, in his post, "Tribe" at communitas collective, points out that the need for community isn't just about Christ-followers. He believes that it is a need inherent in all of mankind;
In some ways, institutional church does provide a sense of community. In fact, true community, centered in Christ, can be found in traditional churches, but so often the structures and systems that have been built around the church of Christ actually interfere with the community in which we are meant to live as God's family. So many believers are seeking to be part of a local church community that has moved away from those structures and systems (well-meaning as those things are often meant to be), to seek out church that is Christ-indwelled. And often, for a time, they find themselves with that "wilderness feeling" as they move out to seek to follow Jesus and be one with Him and His body.
Here are Jeff's encouraging words of hope, even as he still finds himself at that "wilderness place" in his journey:
Josh, in his blog post, "Church Life More Than a Meeting," also encourages us when we experience that "wilderness feeling." He reminds us that the wilderness time can be a positive time of isolation, in which we experience heart-healing, we unlearn many things, and Christ reveals Himself within the believer in a very personal way.
He also reminds us what it is that we are truly longing for - that "tribe" that we were created to be a part of. Josh writes:
All these blog posts I've quoted have been helpful to me when I've had that "wilderness feeling." But one post, "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" by Bobby Auner, really has pulled it together for me, because in this post he centers on what we are really looking for - and how it will really come to pass:
What do you think? Are you still suffering from that "wilderness feeling"? Is it time to move beyond it? How does that happen? By a "form" of church we design? Or by constantly focusing on Christ-centered life? Read that last paragraph again!
(And if you haven't yet listened to the "Epic Jesus: The Christ You Never Knew" podcast with Frank Viola yet, I urge you to do so today. If you find listening difficult, email me at norma.hill@yahoo.ca and I'll send you the notes I took when I listened to it!)
Jeff McQuillan, in his post, "Tribe" at communitas collective, points out that the need for community isn't just about Christ-followers. He believes that it is a need inherent in all of mankind;
At heart, we are tribal, and we are looking for our tribe. We are looking for that place where we belong.I agree with Jeff. Because we are created by a God whose very being is wrapped up in community, whose character IS LOVE, as creatures in His image, it is also inherent in our character to love and be loved. Even though mankind is "fallen," we still need and seek community - and the only way that longing will be fulfilled is to find our way back to community with our Creator and with His children whom He created for community with Him. We are meant to be part of a "tribe" - a particular people living in a community and family whose Head and center is Jesus Christ.
In some ways, institutional church does provide a sense of community. In fact, true community, centered in Christ, can be found in traditional churches, but so often the structures and systems that have been built around the church of Christ actually interfere with the community in which we are meant to live as God's family. So many believers are seeking to be part of a local church community that has moved away from those structures and systems (well-meaning as those things are often meant to be), to seek out church that is Christ-indwelled. And often, for a time, they find themselves with that "wilderness feeling" as they move out to seek to follow Jesus and be one with Him and His body.
Here are Jeff's encouraging words of hope, even as he still finds himself at that "wilderness place" in his journey:
And so I do not believe it should be the ultimate goal for people to exit organized Chrisitianity just to wander the wilderness alone forever. It’s where I am now, and it’s how I feel–and it aches–but I know one day I will once again find my tribe.Erin, in her post "A Hole In My Heart," also at communitas collective, talks about some of the ways "God has soothed my fears about lacking relationships in this new, unchurched place I now live." These ways include, for Erin, the following:
- meeting people from all over the world and building some true friendships through her blog
- meeting new friends in her community in various ways: her children moved to public school, and there she met parents of other children; joining a relay team; and inviting her son's friends to hang out in their home to play video games, be fed, and feel accepted.
Poverty, racial tension, gangs and lack of hope for the future are central parts of the lives of many of the children and teenagers in our community. I am not naïve; I know that as a white-middle-class family we have a wall to break down. I’ve already seen it and know what we face. But I can’t help but also know that a small positive contribution to the life of any one of these individuals could be the thing that sticks with them; that one day is a catalyst for change in their life.
I hate to say it, but for me, there is far more community out in the real world than there is inside a church. We live among with real, diverse, and human people; not cookie cutters of morality and belief.
I believe my role in life isn’t to spend time discussing the same things with the same like-minded people, or to serve a community that serves me back. I believe my role is to make whatever small contributions I can to whichever lives cross my path, one day at a time. I do believe I find God there among the suffering and the grief and the laughter and the insanity of a broad, deep, diverse and imperfect people.
And there no longer exists a hole in my heart.
Josh, in his blog post, "Church Life More Than a Meeting," also encourages us when we experience that "wilderness feeling." He reminds us that the wilderness time can be a positive time of isolation, in which we experience heart-healing, we unlearn many things, and Christ reveals Himself within the believer in a very personal way.
He also reminds us what it is that we are truly longing for - that "tribe" that we were created to be a part of. Josh writes:
It is truly a wonderful thing to experience life together in the Body of Christ not once, not twice, but seven days a week!Yes, you say, I know that. But how do I get there? Here's Josh's advice, and I think it is something we need to really focus on:
Church life, you see, is togetherness. It is sharing life together under the headship of Jesus Christ. It is not virtual or theoretical, it is practical, in-your-face community living.
So no matter what difficulty I (or you) may be faced with, we have to take this before the Lord, travail before Him over it, and settle for nothing less than that the Lord might raise up a true expression of the church in our locality.And for those who are still hanging onto systems and programs, Josh also has this to say:
I've said this before and I'll say it again: Shut down the meetings for a while and see how much time the saints still spend together. This will give you a pretty good idea of how much true church life is going on. If Christ is really our life and we are indeed being built together as His House then we won't be able to stay away from each other. This drawing together, this instinct for fellowship, is proof to the world that we are His, and it is proof of one other thing as well: The church is more than a meeting!
All these blog posts I've quoted have been helpful to me when I've had that "wilderness feeling." But one post, "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" by Bobby Auner, really has pulled it together for me, because in this post he centers on what we are really looking for - and how it will really come to pass:
I walked out on institutional christianity for one main reason. I wanted a deeper knowledge and intimacy with Jesus Christ.
I continued reading scripture and praying. I also began to study books and scripture to see if I could find the missing pieces. What I found was that the church gatherings I had been a part of were nothing like the picture of the 1st Century church in the New Testament.
So what is it I am looking for? If I am not complete with the status quo of the Christian masses and I am also not satisfied with a simple/house church gathering that looks more like the New Testament Church, what more is there? Where do I go from here? Starbucks? The golf course?
I am convinced that what I am looking for will not be found in an institutional church and many simple/house churches are only focused on the proper form and pattern of church to bring out desired effects. What we are looking for is people who are feasting on Christ and living by His life in the Spirit. When we have that the forms and patterns will follow.
As Paul wrote letters to the Churches he had planted he did not give them special instructions on how to "do church". We do not have a prescriptive blueprint for what a gathering of saints should look like. What we have is a constant effort to keep everyone focused on Christ. It is this Christ-centered living that results in the church we have described for us in the NT. I'm afraid that when we put forms and patterns first we have the cart before the horse. Worse, we have abandoned Christ for our own schemes.
What draws me is Christ and his depths and riches are unfathomable for me but together we can plummet into His depths. First we must give up all our efforts to build the right church and seek oneness with the Spirit within. He will build His Church as we are One with Him. May we consume and be consumed by our risen Lord and seek daily the bread that comes down from heaven. Then and only then will we be satisfied.
What do you think? Are you still suffering from that "wilderness feeling"? Is it time to move beyond it? How does that happen? By a "form" of church we design? Or by constantly focusing on Christ-centered life? Read that last paragraph again!
(And if you haven't yet listened to the "Epic Jesus: The Christ You Never Knew" podcast with Frank Viola yet, I urge you to do so today. If you find listening difficult, email me at norma.hill@yahoo.ca and I'll send you the notes I took when I listened to it!)
Monday, 19 September, 2011
Would going back to institutional church solve this loneliness?
Would going back to institutional church solve this loneliness?
I'm pretty sure that everyone who has moved out of the institutional (legacy, traditional) church system has asked themselves at least once, "Should I go back?" It might be only a fleeting thought, or it might be something you have seriously considered, or even done.
There are lots of reasons you might consider going back. There are all your friends back there, some of whom are still your friends, but many others no longer are. Maybe they were just "friends" because you happened to be doing the more-or-less same thing. Or maybe they really were friends, but the step you've taken has shaken them, and they don't understand, or may even believe you are doing something heretical. Maybe you miss the communual worship music, or some other aspect of the institutional church that you really did enjoy.
Maybe it seems to be taking a long time to find other believers who really want to walk centered in Jesus, and you're feeling awfully alone. Maybe you miss the perks of being useful and recognized by
others. Maybe you feel you've been alone in a wilderness for a long time, and you are getting more and more discouraged and lonely. Maybe you just miss those delicious after-church fellowship potlucks!
Whatever your reasons, maybe you have indeed asked yourself, "Would going back to institutional church solve my feelings of loneliness?"
I read a post awhile back, "loneliness and the journey," by Wayne Jacobsen, that has really helped me to realize that the only real solution to any of my "problems" related to "church" lies in my
relationship to Father, as His Son lives in me and His Spirit reveals Jesus to me. God - Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit - loves me (and you!) completely and He is working out His eternal purposes in each of His children, individually and together as His church, His family.
Wayne puts it far better than I can, so let's hear what he says:
I'm also realizing more and more that what I really need is "Christ in me." That what we as a church need is Christ in us, as our true Head. Being the church isn't about principles, or programs, or
systems, or even "looking like the New Testament church." It's about Jesus living in us, in me and in you. It's about Jesus indwelling us. It's about living by Jesus, the tree of Life.
Recently, Frank Viola gave a message at the 2011 Momentum Conference, "Epic Jesus: The Christ You Never Knew." If you have not heard this message yet, I urge you to listen to it by podcast now. Today. If you find podcasts difficult to listen to, I have made extensive notes of his talk, and would be happy to send them to you (email me at norma.hill@yahoo.ca and ask for the "Epic Jesus" notes). It is an amazing message, and you will meet a Jesus you quite possibly have never truly known. A Jesus that you will want to know.
Here are a few notes from the concluding remarks of the message:
I'm pretty sure that everyone who has moved out of the institutional (legacy, traditional) church system has asked themselves at least once, "Should I go back?" It might be only a fleeting thought, or it might be something you have seriously considered, or even done.
There are lots of reasons you might consider going back. There are all your friends back there, some of whom are still your friends, but many others no longer are. Maybe they were just "friends" because you happened to be doing the more-or-less same thing. Or maybe they really were friends, but the step you've taken has shaken them, and they don't understand, or may even believe you are doing something heretical. Maybe you miss the communual worship music, or some other aspect of the institutional church that you really did enjoy.
Maybe it seems to be taking a long time to find other believers who really want to walk centered in Jesus, and you're feeling awfully alone. Maybe you miss the perks of being useful and recognized by
others. Maybe you feel you've been alone in a wilderness for a long time, and you are getting more and more discouraged and lonely. Maybe you just miss those delicious after-church fellowship potlucks!
Whatever your reasons, maybe you have indeed asked yourself, "Would going back to institutional church solve my feelings of loneliness?"
I read a post awhile back, "loneliness and the journey," by Wayne Jacobsen, that has really helped me to realize that the only real solution to any of my "problems" related to "church" lies in my
relationship to Father, as His Son lives in me and His Spirit reveals Jesus to me. God - Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit - loves me (and you!) completely and He is working out His eternal purposes in each of His children, individually and together as His church, His family.
Wayne puts it far better than I can, so let's hear what he says:
Sorry you’re having some difficulty finding some folks to travel with. And believe me, I know how lonely it can feel. But fellowship is not to fill our loneliness. That ultimately can only be swallowed up by a loving Father as he continues to makes himself known to you and shows you how to follow him. He knows the fellowship you desire and he will bring it into your life as you simply begin to love the people God has already put around you. They may not even be believers yet, but as you simply grow in learning to care about them and recognize those God’s wants to give you a friendship with.
That doesn’t mean you can’t try out fellowships, or look on line for others from your area. All of those can be helpful in this process. You may even find some in a more traditional congregation. Not all congregations are harmful. There are some out there who help people get to know Jesus and provide some wonderful relationships. Let him
lead you and try not to be anxious. Sometimes it is better to go it alone with Jesus for a bit and learn to live in him rather than try to do that in a religious setting that trades in guilt and performance.
But be assured of this, Father knows the fellowship that he wants to bring into your life. Look where you can, but beyond your own abilities, know that he is at work. Right now I suspect God wants you to learn dependence in him so when others come along, you can find the friendships that trust in him allows as people encourage each other to live loved. It is a process. I know this isn’t the easiest part, but as you get through this season you’ll find it well worth it...
...it is a journey. These things work out in time as we simply live inside the love he has for us and learn to love others around us in the process.
I'm also realizing more and more that what I really need is "Christ in me." That what we as a church need is Christ in us, as our true Head. Being the church isn't about principles, or programs, or
systems, or even "looking like the New Testament church." It's about Jesus living in us, in me and in you. It's about Jesus indwelling us. It's about living by Jesus, the tree of Life.
Recently, Frank Viola gave a message at the 2011 Momentum Conference, "Epic Jesus: The Christ You Never Knew." If you have not heard this message yet, I urge you to listen to it by podcast now. Today. If you find podcasts difficult to listen to, I have made extensive notes of his talk, and would be happy to send them to you (email me at norma.hill@yahoo.ca and ask for the "Epic Jesus" notes). It is an amazing message, and you will meet a Jesus you quite possibly have never truly known. A Jesus that you will want to know.
Here are a few notes from the concluding remarks of the message:
How did Jesus live his peerless life?
"What I hear the Father say, that's what I say. What the Father judges, that's what I judge. It's not I that does the works; it's the Father that does the works through me. As the living Father has sent Me, and I live by the Father, so he who partakes of Me shall
live by Me. I can do nothing apart from My Father. And you can do nothing apart from Me."
Jesus lived by an indwelling Father, but the passage has moved. As the Father was to Jesus Christ, so Jesus Christ is to you. He's our indwelling God.
Definition of an organic church: It is a group of people who are learning how to live by the indwelling life of Christ together. And they are sharing that life together and they are displaying that life together. Watch what Jesus is doing through me, through you, through us.
You can live by the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, or you can live by the tree of Life. And we are called to do that with other believers in the Kingdom of God. That's when the Kingdom of God is manifested.
May God raise up men and women who are humble enough to learn what it means to live by the indwelling life of Christ and are bold enough to proclaim the insearchable riches of Christ to others.
"That which was from the beginning, that which we have seen with our eyes, heard with our eyes, and handled - this Life we proclaim to you so that you might have fellowship with us, and we have fellowship with the Father and with the Son." Amen.
Saturday, 17 September, 2011
maybe I've been hiding
Here's another possibility regarding this "being in the wilderness" feeling. Perhaps it isn't just a transition between the familiarity and security of the institutional church, and the move into the ... well, into what???
That's a good question. What comes after the institutional church? Maybe you've read a book or heard stories of how wonderful it is to be part of the "New Testament church." Maybe you've just bailed out of where you were, but have no idea what happens next.
Maybe you found a little group, a little gathering, that seemed to you (at first, anyway) to function like those wonderful descriptions of the early church in Acts. But maybe it didn't take long before your expectations were crushed and disappointment crept in; and maybe you're wondering if it can be "fixed" or if you should look elsewhere or if there's a "real New Testament church" anywhere. Maybe it's safer to just stay in the wilderness. Hidden.
Maybe you live in a town where it seems that all believers, all the ones you've met anyway, are content with the traditional status quo, and you are pretty sure you really are alone. (And maybe it seems like it's easier to hide away, away from their questions, and their judgements. Because you really feel like finding real church is going to be impossible.)
Maybe you've heard rumours that there's a little group out there gathering and focusing on living together centered in the headship of Christ, but you don't know how to contact them, or you're shy ... or afraid. Afraid that once again, "church" might not work out. Afraid that maybe you'll be rejected. Afraid that you'll be asked to accept some doctrine or theology you're not comfortable with - or that they will be opposed to what you believe. Afraid that hidden behind their apparent loving community there might still be human control and authority and that it might just end up being "going to church at home." (So maybe it's safer to just stay put in your little wilderness cave, right?)
Maybe some part of your heart is still back there in the group you left; maybe you miss people, or the particular "worship" form, or the "security" or whatever. Or...
Maybe some part of your heart is elsewhere. Maybe you're still clinging to some "idols" in your life. Maybe you're preoccupied with some favored activity in your life. Maybe you're longing for some thing you believe will make you happy. Maybe something in your life already gives you a lot of happiness and you're afraid you'll have to give it up.
When it comes down to it, maybe you are actually afraid that you'll be required to give all of your heart to Jesus. (Aren't we all afraid of that? I know I am. Sometimes I'm sure I've given it all over - and then He gently points out another thing I'm holding back. So maybe I'm afraid of that, too. Because maybe I'm afraid that His gentle requests hide disapproval now and judgement down the line. Isn't that a "lesson" I learned a long time ago? I "know" it isn't true, but sometimes maybe I'm still not convinced...)
Maybe you're wondering if you might be wrong after all, even heretical, and that you're sliding down a slippery slope. That maybe you really should go back to ... well, back to Egypt, maybe? Though you desperately don't want to. But... what if? (No, I just can't go back. But if I go forward, and I'm wrong, what then? I've been wrong so often. Haven't I? Haven't I?)
Maybe the idea of seven day a week togetherness, that sharing-community-life kind of living, is a bit overwhelming when you've been used to putting "church" into a safe compartment of your life. (And do I really want "those people" to truly be family? Living right here in my every single day life? With no safe cocoon to retreat to? Do I?)
Maybe the freedom Christ promises you in Him scares you. Maybe it doesn't sound very safe. Maybe you're afraid that the real Christ, the one that you've seen glimpses of in the New Testament and even in your own walk with Him, the Christ who is unfettered by the scaffolding that man has built around Him, maybe you're afraid He really isn't safe. Maybe you're afraid He'll ask you to go way beyond your comfort zone. (And probably you're right. Oh. Is He worth it? Is He?)
Maybe you left institutionalized Christianity with your heart deeply wounded, and while you know Jesus has been healing you, you're still afraid to step back into anything "church" again because your experience with that word brings pain just thinking about it. (Maybe "church" - even the "real church" - will hurt me again. Can I take that?)
It could even be that you've even actually been having an amazing personal journey with Jesus, just the two of you, and you really don't look forward to the idea of stepping out and sharing that journey with others. Maybe you're pretty sure that other folks would mess up your beautiful little safe space. You don't see it as a wilderness but as a beautiful little secret garden and you really don't want it invaded by others, and you also don't want to open the gate and step outside because you are pretty sure it is a jungle out there. (And even though you sense pretty strongly that Jesus is asking you to join Him out there, you're really not sure you want to go.)
Maybe any or all of these "maybe's" are keeping you (and yes, me) in the wilderness. Keeping us hiding out. Alone. Separated from the church, our family, our brothers and sisters in Christ. And because of that, separated in some sense from the fulness of Jesus Himself, because the family is in Him and He is in them. And it is only in being one with His family that we can be and have all that He wants for us in Him.
Are you in hiding? Am I in hiding? Are we holding ourselves back from all the potential He is offering us, wanting us to experience in Him and in His family? Holding ourselves back from our part in His Kingdom, from our inheritance as children of the King?
Perhaps the wilderness I feel I am in now, was, in the beginning, a necessary transitioning place where Father wanted to meet with me, to reveal Himself to me, to show me how much He loves me, to clear away all the scaffolding that was keeping me from meeting Him and knowing Him face to face.
But clearly, He doesn't intend for me to stay in the wilderness. The promised land is just ahead. The gates to the fulness of the Kingdom are wide open. My King and Lord and elder brother is standing there with His arms held wide open, begging me to come on in and take my place as His honored and beloved child.
So why am I hanging back here in the shadows? Why do I cling to the wilderness? Why don't I want to go all the way in? What am I hiding from? Are my reasons for hiding worth what I am giving up? Why won't I trust Him?
Why oh why don't I trust Him?
Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit ... I do want to trust You. I do want to stop hiding. I do want to walk wherever You take me. I do want to be part on Your family - on Your terms, whatever that means and however that works out. (Whether I "like" it or not. Oh dear).
No more hiding, Lord. (Please help me. Thank You).
(Oh, by the way... Here are a couple posts that have helped me see that I have been hiding. And that have encouraged me to leave behind my "safe" little hiding spot, barren wilderness though it be, and take Jesus hand, and take the hands of all my brothers and sisters whenever and however He chooses to bring them into my life. Walking together. In and through and by His love and His life.
"Coming out of the theological closet" by Kurt Willems at redletterchristians.
"Loneliness and the Journey" by Wayne Jacobsen at lifestream
"12 steps to identifying your functional saviors" at the thinklings
Thanks to all of you for these articles.
(Oh yes. And thank YOU, Lord. Most of all.)
That's a good question. What comes after the institutional church? Maybe you've read a book or heard stories of how wonderful it is to be part of the "New Testament church." Maybe you've just bailed out of where you were, but have no idea what happens next.
Maybe you found a little group, a little gathering, that seemed to you (at first, anyway) to function like those wonderful descriptions of the early church in Acts. But maybe it didn't take long before your expectations were crushed and disappointment crept in; and maybe you're wondering if it can be "fixed" or if you should look elsewhere or if there's a "real New Testament church" anywhere. Maybe it's safer to just stay in the wilderness. Hidden.
Maybe you live in a town where it seems that all believers, all the ones you've met anyway, are content with the traditional status quo, and you are pretty sure you really are alone. (And maybe it seems like it's easier to hide away, away from their questions, and their judgements. Because you really feel like finding real church is going to be impossible.)
Maybe you've heard rumours that there's a little group out there gathering and focusing on living together centered in the headship of Christ, but you don't know how to contact them, or you're shy ... or afraid. Afraid that once again, "church" might not work out. Afraid that maybe you'll be rejected. Afraid that you'll be asked to accept some doctrine or theology you're not comfortable with - or that they will be opposed to what you believe. Afraid that hidden behind their apparent loving community there might still be human control and authority and that it might just end up being "going to church at home." (So maybe it's safer to just stay put in your little wilderness cave, right?)
Maybe some part of your heart is still back there in the group you left; maybe you miss people, or the particular "worship" form, or the "security" or whatever. Or...
Maybe some part of your heart is elsewhere. Maybe you're still clinging to some "idols" in your life. Maybe you're preoccupied with some favored activity in your life. Maybe you're longing for some thing you believe will make you happy. Maybe something in your life already gives you a lot of happiness and you're afraid you'll have to give it up.
When it comes down to it, maybe you are actually afraid that you'll be required to give all of your heart to Jesus. (Aren't we all afraid of that? I know I am. Sometimes I'm sure I've given it all over - and then He gently points out another thing I'm holding back. So maybe I'm afraid of that, too. Because maybe I'm afraid that His gentle requests hide disapproval now and judgement down the line. Isn't that a "lesson" I learned a long time ago? I "know" it isn't true, but sometimes maybe I'm still not convinced...)
Maybe you're wondering if you might be wrong after all, even heretical, and that you're sliding down a slippery slope. That maybe you really should go back to ... well, back to Egypt, maybe? Though you desperately don't want to. But... what if? (No, I just can't go back. But if I go forward, and I'm wrong, what then? I've been wrong so often. Haven't I? Haven't I?)
Maybe the idea of seven day a week togetherness, that sharing-community-life kind of living, is a bit overwhelming when you've been used to putting "church" into a safe compartment of your life. (And do I really want "those people" to truly be family? Living right here in my every single day life? With no safe cocoon to retreat to? Do I?)
Maybe the freedom Christ promises you in Him scares you. Maybe it doesn't sound very safe. Maybe you're afraid that the real Christ, the one that you've seen glimpses of in the New Testament and even in your own walk with Him, the Christ who is unfettered by the scaffolding that man has built around Him, maybe you're afraid He really isn't safe. Maybe you're afraid He'll ask you to go way beyond your comfort zone. (And probably you're right. Oh. Is He worth it? Is He?)
Maybe you left institutionalized Christianity with your heart deeply wounded, and while you know Jesus has been healing you, you're still afraid to step back into anything "church" again because your experience with that word brings pain just thinking about it. (Maybe "church" - even the "real church" - will hurt me again. Can I take that?)
It could even be that you've even actually been having an amazing personal journey with Jesus, just the two of you, and you really don't look forward to the idea of stepping out and sharing that journey with others. Maybe you're pretty sure that other folks would mess up your beautiful little safe space. You don't see it as a wilderness but as a beautiful little secret garden and you really don't want it invaded by others, and you also don't want to open the gate and step outside because you are pretty sure it is a jungle out there. (And even though you sense pretty strongly that Jesus is asking you to join Him out there, you're really not sure you want to go.)
Maybe any or all of these "maybe's" are keeping you (and yes, me) in the wilderness. Keeping us hiding out. Alone. Separated from the church, our family, our brothers and sisters in Christ. And because of that, separated in some sense from the fulness of Jesus Himself, because the family is in Him and He is in them. And it is only in being one with His family that we can be and have all that He wants for us in Him.
Are you in hiding? Am I in hiding? Are we holding ourselves back from all the potential He is offering us, wanting us to experience in Him and in His family? Holding ourselves back from our part in His Kingdom, from our inheritance as children of the King?
Perhaps the wilderness I feel I am in now, was, in the beginning, a necessary transitioning place where Father wanted to meet with me, to reveal Himself to me, to show me how much He loves me, to clear away all the scaffolding that was keeping me from meeting Him and knowing Him face to face.
But clearly, He doesn't intend for me to stay in the wilderness. The promised land is just ahead. The gates to the fulness of the Kingdom are wide open. My King and Lord and elder brother is standing there with His arms held wide open, begging me to come on in and take my place as His honored and beloved child.
So why am I hanging back here in the shadows? Why do I cling to the wilderness? Why don't I want to go all the way in? What am I hiding from? Are my reasons for hiding worth what I am giving up? Why won't I trust Him?
Why oh why don't I trust Him?
Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit ... I do want to trust You. I do want to stop hiding. I do want to walk wherever You take me. I do want to be part on Your family - on Your terms, whatever that means and however that works out. (Whether I "like" it or not. Oh dear).
No more hiding, Lord. (Please help me. Thank You).
(Oh, by the way... Here are a couple posts that have helped me see that I have been hiding. And that have encouraged me to leave behind my "safe" little hiding spot, barren wilderness though it be, and take Jesus hand, and take the hands of all my brothers and sisters whenever and however He chooses to bring them into my life. Walking together. In and through and by His love and His life.
"Coming out of the theological closet" by Kurt Willems at redletterchristians.
"Loneliness and the Journey" by Wayne Jacobsen at lifestream
"12 steps to identifying your functional saviors" at the thinklings
Thanks to all of you for these articles.
(Oh yes. And thank YOU, Lord. Most of all.)
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