American Church

You've heard of American pie, let's talk American church. I was reading this morning in 1 Cor.1 where Paul speaks of preaching the cross and of desiring not to empty the cross of its power. I have often thought on that phrase and prayed over it because as a preacher the temptation is to use 'words of human wisdom' as Paul says in 1 Cor. 1:17. The American church has few similarities to the N.T. model. Today, a majority of church goers have made their most recent choice based upon style of music, style of preaching, programs for children and youth, etc. As a pastor I have seen the subtle but radical shift so that it's about man, not about God. The gathering of the saints that we call 'church' is to be a time of corporate celebration of God's holiness and grace. A time of equipping and encouragement. A time of accountability and exhortation. A time of sharing our journey, passing the faith along to the next generation, praying for one another. Today the challenge is to create a better entertainment model than the church down the street. American church is about entertainment and feeling good. It is man centered instead of Christ centered. The result is we have emptied the cross of its power. The mega-church model with all its hollywood show and feel has become the coveted model. As a pastor it is fun to be the church in town people want to come to; however, I know too many come because they 'like' the singing or preaching, etc. Paul goes on to say God choose the lowly and despised things to use for His glory. There is nothing wrong with the mega church or with a hollywood style presentation-at least I'm going to say there is not. The motive and intent are critical and only God measures that. Those of us in the church must be cautious about what we are looking for in a church-we are the church. It's not about music style or preaching dynamic, it's about the power of God and the wisdom of God. Our boast must be in the Lord. Think about it church. Have we emptied the Gospel of its power with our desire for personal gratification?

Roadstar Ride

I just completed a 3000+ mile motorcycle ride from Lubbock to Ohio and back. If you think that is crazy, I had lunch with a pastor from Indiana who had just done a 6000 mile ride. The open road, wind in your face, road kill stench, and a good strong rain storm will make you wonder if you made the right choice. It sounds like a long distance, but it takes place one mile at a time. It's a lot like life. One day at a time, one step at a time, one choice at a time, but the cumulative effect is startling. The key in all of it is to know what road you are traveling, and to know what your intended destination is. Each day the road is the pathway of Jesus Christ. Each day the goal is to be like Him and bring glory to His name. At the end of the journey the goal is to know you have lived life well, and been His good and faithful servant. Sometimes the journey is a blue sky and winding roads of creation beauty. Some days it's raining and you can't see through your goggles. The key in all of it is to stay focused and move forward in faith, motivated by a radical love for Jesus Christ because you have discovered and tasted His radical love for you. The biker saying (I'm not a biker but I like to ride) is ride to live, live to ride. Paul, has a better version, "For me to live is Christ..."