What's Right about Church Membership

Every believer is a part of the Body of Christ when they accept Christ.  That Body is seated at the right hand of God in Heaven.  So, since we are a part of the Body in Heaven, shouldn't we seek to be a part of the Body here on Earth?  That Body is the local Church.

Dr. Towns, in our study of his book, states:

"Every CHristian is exhorted to become a member of the local church, called the Body of Christ, where they each give themselves to strengthen others, as they in turn receive the same. And as Jesus Christ indwells every person within a local church, so they have maturing interaction with others who are indwelt by the same Christ. When the church gets koinonia right, it can transform the individuals to become models of love and compassion to the world."*

Our word "church" comes from the old Gaelic kirk. Technically it comes form "kirk of Scotland" which was the Presbyterian Church. The problem today is that most people when they hear the word "Church" think of a building or structure. The biblical concept of a church is a community of believers who meet in the presence of Jesus Christ. Church is not described by what believers do in a building, but by who they are.

Why be a part of a local church today? First, to obey the command of Jesus Christ. Second, to serve Christ in ministry. Finally, to have fellowship/relationship with other believers. The church is a bonding together of those who have a shared experience  - that of being born-again. It is a place that helps to nurture our faith. This best happens when new believers watch older believers model how to be a Christian (so, how is your modeling?).  A healthy church allows for diversity in its members. Corporate values must be consistent, but member can and will be diverse in reading, relaxation, recreation, and other areas. Still at the center needs to be a core of convictions (not preferences) that steer the Body.

The church is a hospitable for sinners, not a huddle of saints.  It is a body of believers who bond together to seek the healing of bodies, souls, and spirits.  It is a place of fellowship designed to transform individuals into models of love and compassion to the world.  we must model Christ to a lost and dying world.  We do this by our being the Body of Christ on Earth.

Today, consider how you can model what Christ is to those around you. And make sure that you continue (or become) a living part of this Body.

* Towns, Elmer L. (2009) What's Right with the Church: A manifesto of Hope. Regal/Ventura CA. p116.

What's Right about Worship #4

"God is seeking every believer to worship Him, because Jesus said, "The Father seeks worship." Worship is a two-way street that first gives praise to God, and second, strengthens believers as they give themselves in worship to God. When the church is right on worship, it is a transforming power to its members and the congregation as a whole."*

We have just finished a brief survey of 6 different styles of worship.  Today we will consider the Biblical basis of the difference in worship styles.

The Evangelistic carries out the biblical mandate of Matthew 28:19 to go and make disciples.  It is concerned with carrying out the word to all who need to hear it.  The emphasis on soul-winning and evangelistic preaching appeals to the need of reaching the lost.

The Bible-expository fulfills the biblical injunction to "Preach the Word" (2 Timothy 4:2). The Jerusalem Church in Acts is described as being a teaching church that gathered to learn of the Apostles teaching.

The Renewal style focuses on being connected with God. The idea of seeking revival and power from God to minister in a lost world. Acts 3 and Luke 24 speak to this concern.

The Body Life style fulfills the need of Ephesians 4, where Paul encourages us edify or build up ourselves together.

The Liturgical style carries out the admonition of Christ in John 4:23, and is exampled in the New Testament in Acts 13:2.

The final, Congregational is found in Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 12:27. We are the Body of Christ, yet we are individual members.

Why six different styles that all seem to have biblical backing for their existence? Does this mean that there are divisions in the Body of Christ? Not at all.  Consider that some worship differently because of cultural differences. We also worship differently because we have differing spiritual gifts. finally, we worship differently because we may apply the scriptures in our lives differently.

Although the outward form of worship is different (method), the purpose is to magnify God (eternal principle). And that leads us to tomorrow - we need to be members of a church.

Today, pause and consider how you can worship God in spirit and truth today. And then go do it.

* Towns, Elmer L. (2009) What's Right with the Church: A manifesto of Hope. Regal/Ventura CA. pp. 78; 97

What's Right About Worship #3

"God is seeking every believer to worship Him, because Jesus said, "The Father seeks worship." Worship is a two-way street that first gives praise to God, and second, strengthens believers as they give themselves in worship to God. When the church is right on worship, it is a transforming power to its members and the congregation as a whole."*

We have started a brief survey of 6 different styles of worship.  Today we will finish the last three.  The final study in this series on Worship will be on the Biblical basis of the difference in worship styles.

Yesterday, we discussed Evangelistic, Bible-expositional, and Renewal styles of worship. Today we start by considering what can be called Body Life style of worship.  This type of worship style is based upon small groups or cells. This is not a pulpit-dominated style of worship. They tend focus on koinonia (fellowship) between the members of the cells.  They seek out each other for support, help and ministry.

The fifth style of worship we will consider is the Liturgical style of worship. This is a long-time traditional form of worship. They tend to call their place of worship a sanctuary (meaning a place where God dwells) instead of a Worship Center or Auditorium. They tend to follow a ritual (not in a bad sense) form services.  You will find that they tend to follow the same order of service week after week. They follow a liturgy - comes from a Greek word, leitoureo, which means to serve or minister.  Thus often you will hear of worshipping God by giving,or praying, etc.

The sixth and final style is called Congregational. It is a style of the people, by the people, and for the people. It is usually law-based and lay-driven. Preaching tends to speak to the hearts of the people. The Pastor is a shepherd, and the congregation is responsible for doing the work of the ministry. The Pastor's tasks are organizing and preaching. The worship time is done by the congregation, and the Pastor speaks to encourage and motivate.

We have considered six styles of worship over the last two Blogs.  Can you find your preference in one of these?  Do you see your church in one of these?

Today, pray for God's guidance in your worship (focus on Him), and to be able to help others to worship God.  We can worship all day long - if we keep our focus on God.

* Towns, Elmer L. (2009) What's Right with the Church: A manifesto of Hope. Regal/Ventura CA. pp. 78; 97

What's Right about Worship #2

"God is seeking every believer to worship Him, because Jesus said, "The Father seeks worship." Worship is a two-way street that first gives praise to God, and second, strengthens believers as they give themselves in worship to God. When the church is right on worship, it is a transforming power to its members and the congregation as a whole."*

We have started a brief survey of 6 different styles of worship.  Today we will consider the first 3, and tomorrow we will finish the last 3.  The final study in this series on Worship will be on the Biblical basis of the difference in worship styles.

Worship is giving "worth-ship" to God.  It is focusing on Him and ascribing all glory and praise to Him. It is not seeking my needs and comfort, but His glory and relationship. The three styles of worship discussed today are Evangelistic, Bible-expositional, and Renewal.

The Evangelistic style of worship emphasizes evangelism as a primary part of their service. It is usually action oriented, a Pastor with the gift of evangelism, preaching is evangelistic in style, the ministry seeks lay-people involvement in outreach, and is platform oriented - the success of the platform determines the success of the ministry.

The Bible-expositional style of worship is noted for its use of printed notes, PowerPoint, and a verse-by-verse exposition of the Scriptures.  The Pastor's gift is teaching, and the congregation can be seen taking notes. It is education-based worship.  It is usually found in upper-middle class, white-collar, and college oriented areas. People worship God because of what they know or learn.

The final one today is called Renewal worship.  It is a worship time designed for feeling and flow. Raising of hands, clapping, and praise choruses can be seen here.  They tend to lay hands on each other for prayer, healing, etc. The emphasis is on personal renewal in fellowship with God. To one who worships in this fashion, the service must be stimulating, uplifting, and exhilarating. They have a good feeling when they leave and go home.

So, today we have considered three of the six types of biblical worship. Tomorrow, we will see the final three.

Today, consider your preference of worship style.  Do you like a meditative service? Hymns? Praise teams? Expository? Topical? Fellowship based? And then ask God to give you an open heart and mind for those who worship differently than you.

* Towns, Elmer L. (2009) What's Right with the Church: A manifesto of Hope. Regal/Ventura CA. pp. 78; 97

What's Right about Worship #1

How was your weekend?  Did you have rest and peace?  Did you attend church? Did you meet God?  Did you touch God and He touch you? Did you really worship? We are considering over the next couple of Blogs what true worship is. Dr. Towns writes -

"God is seeking every believer to worship Him, because Jesus said, "The Father seeks worship." Worship is a two-way street that first gives praise to God, and second, strengthens believers as they give themselves in worship to God. When the church is right on worship, it is a transforming power to its members and the congregation as a whole."*

John Piper states, "Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church.  Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man.... Worship therefore is the fuel and goal of missions.... The goal of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness of God."**

The core of worship is that we worship in "spirit and in truth." The word spirit means we worship God with all our hearts, and the word truth means that we worship the way God wants it done. It is not how we worship, but Who we worship. Worship is not about us, it is all about God. It involves our focus on God and our response to Him. Worship leads to transformation.  If it doesn't, we haven't worshipped.

The word worship comes from an old Scottish word "worth-ship." So, we must recognize the biblical "worth" of God. When He is lifted up in our life, God is worshipped.* It is not about the style of music, the building, the order of service, whether there is liturgy or openness, it is all about focusing on the One who deserves our worship. If we leave a time of worship feeling unfed or touched, check to see if we were seeking our own needs, or focusing upon the Giver.

Over the next couple of Blogs we will discuss 6 forms of worship and also the Biblical reason for these differences. 

Today, consider how focusing on God during your day can bring you into a closer experience with God, and how you can worship Him in "spirit and in truth."

* Towns, Elmer L. (2009) What's Right with the Church: A manifesto of Hope. Regal/Ventura CA. pp. 78; 97
** Piper, John. (2003) Let the Nations Be Glad!: the supremacy of God in missions. Baker Academic/ Grand Rapids, MI.         p. 17

February 23 Prayer

Lord our God, we thank you from our hearts, from the bottom of our hearts, that you consider us worthy to work with you so that redemption may come to the world in Jesus Christ. Already today many are rejoicing in their Redeemer. They are full of hope and comfort because the end is approaching - that evening when your glory shall be revealed, when the whole world and all nations shall glorify you, O great God and Father in heaven. Come into our time, we pray. Help us, Lord our God. Day and night we look to you in the hope of beholding the time of your glory, in the hope of receiving the peace that is beyond all understanding and of finding redemption, the great redemption from heaven, through you, the God over all flesh. Amen.

February 22 Prayer

Dear Father in heaven, open the door for us, we pray. Grant that we may come to you in spirit. Grant that in you we may find peace and courage for our whole lives. Lead us always by your Spirit. Help us to find your will on earth and grant us access to your heavenly powers, for alone we can do nothing. Strengthen our faith so that we can always serve you. Bless your Word in us. May our hearts be opened, for we are your children, O Lord our God, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Being Right in an Ongoing Relationship With God

Billy Graham has said that being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion - it is a daily process where we grow to be more like Christ. Paul speaks of this in Romans 12:1,2; and in Romans 8:29.

So, when we are converted (saved) God takes us out of the "world" of sin around us. NOT. He leaves us here to minister and serve, to be an example to others of what Christ is like.

*"The Christian must be "in the world, but not of the world" which means they must live a godly life separated from sin and be Christ's representatives on earth. When the church is right on godly living, they "shine as lights in a dark world" with a positive influence on society around them."

Christ taught that He is the "light of the world" in John 8:12. In John 9:5, He again states this after saying it is true as long as He is in the world. In Matthew 5:14 He tells us that we are the light of the world. The picture we can draw can come from the Sun.  During the day, the Sun provides light for us to see.  At night, when it is on the other side of the earth, it is dark - if not for the reflected light of the moon.  He is the Sun, and in this sin-darkened world we are the moon.

Two ways that we stay in a ongoing relationship with God is through prayer and worship, We will speak on worship in a following Blog, so let us consider Prayer for a moment. Just as reading the Bible is vital for our being fed, Prayer is vital for us to communicate with God.  Two things you need to do every day - Read Your Bible and Pray. When we neglect one or both of these, we weaken our defenses against the enemy and he is able to slip in and seduce us away from the proper relationship with God.  If we do not attune our ears to the voice of the Father, we can be seduced into listening to the voice of the Evil One.

If you do not already have a quiet time with God, if you do not read and study His Word daily, if you do not pray with Him daily - I can guarantee that you are on shaky ground, looking for a fall. If you haven't made this a habit (one that you look forward to daily), then today make a commitment to include this in your life. This will build up your defenses, attune your ear to God, and strengthen your resolve to make a difference for God in this world.

* Towns, Elmer L. (2009) What's Right with the Church: A manifesto of Hope. Regal/Ventura CA. P. 78

Being Right on Sin

Sin.  Everybody does it. It is the norm for a human being. So, what is so wrong about sin? If it is the norm, shouldn't we just accept it? Dr. Elmer Towns says -

*"Sin is the one problem that keeps people out of heaven and destroys peace and happiness in life.  The church is right when it correctly understands and offers God's forgiveness of sin, and when it correctly motivates its people to live above their sin."

We need to understand that sin is not a thing.  Sin is an act and attitude or a response to the standards of God. Even babies display this fact at birth.  For babies, everything is centered upon them - and they let us know it. Sin is not placing God at the center, but putting ourselves (mind, emotions, and will) at the center.

Even as adults we tend to make ourselves the center of the universe (or at least the space where we are) in ways that we make not even realize.  We seek our own comfort, needs, and wants before others often. We have the first couple - Adam and Eve - to thank for introducing this into our make-up, however, we are still responsible for our choices we make today.

In Genesis 3 we read the account of how our first parents rebelled against God. Disobedience to God introduced into them the full array of sin (1 John 2:16), and the punishment for disobedience (Romans 6:23) They in turn passed that on to their children and grandchildren, and down the line to us.

A bleak picture, if it were not that God in His infinite love stepped in and offered a pardon from the punishment. This pardon cost Him deeply - the life of His Son.  It cost Jesus deeply - all my eternity (and yours too) of punishment. In return, we need to accept Him and receive the pardon offered (John 1:12).

Today, pause and thank God for the blessing of forgiveness and restoration that He freely offers to us. Thank Him that He loved us so much that He would do what it took to buy us back from the horrendous pain of sin, and give us the glories of Heaven and Himself.

* Towns, Elmer L. (2009) What's Right with the Church: A manifesto of Hope. Regal/Ventura CA. P. 62.

Being Right on Conversion

Continuing on in my comments based upon Dr. elmer Towns book, today let us consider conversion.

"Unlike all other religions of the world and modern Universalists, Jesus boldly proclaimed that He was the exclusive way to God. The heart of Christianity is personal forgiveness of sins because Christ died, was buried and on the third day rose from the dead to give transformed life to those who believe in Him. Churches that get salvation right give people a wonderful basis for life on this earth and a hope for life beyond the grave."*

What is conversion? It is simply turning from sin (repentance) and turning to Jesus Christ in faith for our salvation.  This involves three aspects of our being - the mind, emotions, and will.

First, is the mind.  we must know that we are a sinner before God (Romans 3:23), that we are facing eternal punishment for this state of being (Romans 6:23), and that Christ took this punishment for us (Romans 5:8).  This isn't enough though. We can't learn or think our way into heaven.

The second aspect is our emotions. we must be sorry for our sins (2 Corinthians 7:10).   This is more than being sorry we got caught, it is a genuine remorse and repenting of our sin against God.

The third aspect, is our will. Repentance is an act of our will where we strongly choose to quit sinning. So, we must have knowledge of our condition and the punishment, our emotions must be effected to turn to God, and our will must make the choice for God.

Today, pause for a moment and consider - has there been a time in your life where you knew you were a sinner before a Holy and Just God? Did this knowledge effect your emotions to bring about truth sorrow for the fact of sin in your life?  Did you make a commitment to God to renounce sin and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?

If not, why not do that right now.  Accept the free gift of Jesus as your Savior.  Choose Christ.

* Towns, Elmer L. (2009) What's Right with the Church: A manifesto of Hope. Regal/Ventura CA. P. 42.

Being Right about the Bible

Continuing on with the look at Dr. Towns book, What's Right with the Church, we pause today to consider the Bible.

A.W. Tozer in the Pursuit of God says,  "The Bible is the written Word of God, and because it is written it is confined and limited by the necessities of ink, and paper and leather. The voice of God however is alive and free as the sovereign God is free. "The words that I speak to you are spirit and life." The life is in the speaking words. God's Word in the Bible can have power only because it corresponds to God's Word in the universe. It is the present voice that makes the written voice powerful. Otherwise it would lie locked in slumber within the covers of a book."

The Bible, a library of books bound in one cover, gives us a distinct message from the Living Creator God of the universe. The reason that Christians venerate the Bible so much is that it is a living letter written from God to us.  It is alive and speaks to our needs today as freshly as it did in the days of Moses. Written over a period of time with various men as scribes transporting the message of God to paper, we today have what God would say to us if we are speaking to Him face to face. The Bible has three main aspects to consider on the value of the Book. The first is revelation. This is "God speaking to man". The second is inspiration - or "man putting it on paper." And the final is illumination, the message moving from "paper to the heart."* When you have the Word of God being read by a man, the written Word of God is enforced by the Living Word of God (Jesus). Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

Dr. Towns states: "All of Christianity grows out of the unique collection of 66 books, written over 16 centuries, which today we call the Bible. It is more than history and doctrine. The Bible is the revelation of God, the message of salvation; and has God's purpose and wonderful plan for us on this earth. The most uncaring "dude" can read its message and be transformed and potentially then become the next apostle Paul who transforms the culture in his world. Churches that get the Bible right are powerful institutions that can transform individuals."**

Just as I heard, believed and received God's message at 10 years of age, the reader can also receive the good news (gospel) of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Today, be sure to read (or start reading) on a daily basis the precious message that God has for us.

*Marshall, Thomas F., (2007). A Student's New Testament Survey. Tate Publishing Inc./Mustang OK. Pp. 19-21.

** Towns, Elmer L. (2009) What's Right with the Church: A manifesto of Hope. Regal/Ventura CA. P. 26.

Being Right About Jesus

What's Right with the Church is a book by a mentor of mine - Dr. Elmer Towns. In this book, he looks at things that are right with the church of today, in contrast with the many writers who point out the errors in the church. He has 12 chapters each dealing with an aspect of the church - when it is right about something. we will look briefly at the ideas he puts forth in this book in the following series of blogs.

He starts off in chapter one with the foundational issue - being right on Jesus.  He states, 

"The name "Christianity" derives its name from "Christ" who is the foundation, focus, and content of its existence. There is no Christianity if there is no supernatural Christ who died for the sins of the world and rose again to give His believers new life.  when the church gets right on Jesus Christ, it is the most unique, transforming power in the world and the church that preaches Him becomes a revolutionary institution."*

So many churches today "humanize" Jesus so much, that He is devoid of all His power to redeem and disciple them. Paul speaks of the "kenosis" of Christ in Philippians 2, a vital doctrine for us to understand. Kenosis is a Greek word that means "emptying, or veiling." Many try to explain this as Jesus emptied Himself of all God-qualities. He was only a man as He walked on this earth. But as the Scriptures help us to learn, Jesus just voluntarily set-aside His heavenly glory, so that He could identify with us.  Jesus was 100% man, and 100% God. How?  He was God and capable of doing this.

He, Himself declared that He was God. The "I Am's" in the Book of John are references to the Jehovah (I AM) God of the Old Testament, those listening to Him knew it. They called Him a blasphemer. Jesus never gave us the choice of Him being a good man or teacher.  As C.S.Lewis puts forth, Jesus is either a liar (knew He was not God but claimed it), a lunatic (thought He was God but was wrong), or Lord (He was who He said He was).

Today, as we consider thoughts about Jesus, what do you REALLY believe about Jesus?  Is He a liar, lunatic, or Lord? If He is Lord, do you display this truth in your life? It is eternally vital that we get it right about Jesus. today, pray for a deeper relationship with the Creator God of the Universe - a deeper understanding of Him, and a deeper commitment to live for Him.

*Towns, Elmer L., 2009, What's Right with the Church: a manifesto of hope. Regal:Ventura, CA. pg.14

Time Marches On

What do we all have the same amount of? We use it because we cannot save it. We often spend it without thinking. We can give someone some of it. We often waste more than we use. What is it?

Time.  

Time is a precious commodity, and often as we age we really understand how important this item is. We look back and wish we could recoup some of it, delete some of it, and maximize our use of it. The Bible speaks to our different uses of time in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 -

1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
2 A time to be born, And a time to die;
   A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill, And a time to heal;
   A time to break down, And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
   A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
   A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain, And a time to lose;
   A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear, And a time to sew;
   A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
8 A time to love, And a time to hate;
   A time of war, And a time of peace.   

How are using your time? Does it honor God?  Is it worth what you are spending (or wasting) it on? As time marches on, look at every part of it in light of eternity.  Let it measure up to God's plan.  Use it wisely, and hear the Master say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."