Church Segmentation - Part 10, Worship Style Services

There is a church that the Christ-worship ministry I lead has visited that boasts three styles of worship services. They have a traditional church service, a contemporary church service and a youth service. The goal is to meet every one's personal worship styles.

Do you think Christ is interested in worship style? Ought believers be gathering with people who have a certain worship style? One that is similar to their own personal preference?

This focus is not Christ at All. This type of segmentation divides the body. It separates the unity that is Christ. Is Christ divided? Is Jesus one who wants us to separate the seniors from the youth? The traditional musical style from the contemporary? May it never be! Jesus is the head - we are His Body. May we be unified in Him alone.

Christ is all.
Troy

Another Gospel

The Gospel is about the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the message of Jesus alone. More specifically that Jesus is God's only true, unique Son. That Jesus came to die for the sins of the world. That He did in fact die and rise from the dead. That Jesus is the promised, prophesied Messiah of the World. The Anointed one, the Christ. It is about knowing the only true God, the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Son of God - begotten of the Father.

But many are teaching another Jesus. One who desires that you will be healthy, wealthy and comforted by material things. This is not the Jesus of the scriptures. Click on the video above for an excerpt from Desiring God ministries about this so-called Gospel that really is no gospel at all. (2 Corinthians 11:4).

Church Segmentation - Part 9, Contemporary Topical Preaching

Preachers and Teachers. Evangelists and Exhorters. Word-bearers in the Church of the Living God. Those called to be Elders and Deacons. Pastors of the flock...

Stop teaching so many culture-topical messages. What do I mean by this? I mean, stop looking to the culture to find what you should teach.

If you need to correct your local church because they have followed the world, do not hesitate to rebuke. But be sure to teach them the Word of God. Start with The Word - end with The Word. Every answer your local church needs is in the Word. The Word of God IS Christ. He is the most awesome message that could ever be preached or taught! Preach the Word (Christ) in Season and out of Season. Teach them the Gospels. The Epistles. Revelation. The Books of Wisdom. The Law. Teach them The book of Acts and the Prophets. They need to know the mind of Christ and it is ONLY found in the Word of Christ!

Reproof corrects us, but there is no reproof apart from the Word of God. Your sheep need Christ, they just don't always know it.

They have been conditioned by the cosmos to hear advice from Oprah, doctrine from Dr. Phil and the extra-biblical traditions of Church Going men. But do not forsake The Word of Life which is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is our only hope. You need not entertain them, merely share the truth and pure nourishment of the Word of God.

What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? - Part 3, Self Control

Is Spirit filling active worship?

I was raised in a very conservative church (according to traditional "black" church standards). But even though I went to First Community AME, it was not unusual (especially during "revival") for people to "catch the holy ghost").

"Catching the Holy Ghost" in a traditional African American religious conference is defined by a person, dancing, shouting, sometimes screaming and passing out. Whenever these things happened at my childhood church, someone would say..."She just caught the Holy Ghost"; or maybe someone would say..."The Spirit just hit them..." or, "He was dancing in the Spirit".

So, in this context, the Holy Spirit is normally blamed when a person begins to shout, scream and dance uncontrollably. But one of the fruits of the Spirit of God Is Self-Control. Our Lord was Never out of Control. He was always totally aware of what He was saying -- He was 100% in charge of His actions. His motives were never evil and His actions never were contrary to His intentions. In fact, because He only did what He saw His Father doing, (John 8:38, 15:15) For Jesus to be out of control would indirectly accuse God the Father of lack of control. How then can the Spirit of God who was sent to testify of Christ direct a Human in an manner that is without self-control.

Dancing, singing, praising God are excellent unto HIM -- but let us worship God with all of our mind.

"Vulgar" Praise

2 Samuel 6:20-22 is one of my all time favorite swatches of scripture...

When David returned home to bless his household, Michael daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!' David said to Michael, "It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord's people Israel - I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor."

There is so much that could be said of this verse, but let us highlight this point. David's statement, "It was before the Lord". His worship, his dancing was solely dedicated to the Lord. It was not for the eyes of his wife. He was disinterested in how it made him look before the world. He was not concerned with the opinions of men, but he was reflecting on the goodness of God and decided to demonstrate it in praise that was deemed shameful and undignified in the eyes of his carnal wife. Ironically, that which was for God was viewed as "vulgar" by the one who had no regard for God.

Isn't this just like the world? They take the things which God enjoys and claims they are unholy, and takes the things which God deems as unholy, unrighteous or vain and makes them to be worshiped. God alone is forever to be worshiped. May our worship be for God alone, in Christ alone by the power of the Spirit alone.

Christ is all!

My "Alma Mater" - Things I hate about Notre Dame

Men often take the name of Jesus to the most common places.

I went to a very strange school for undergraduate - the University of Notre Dame. The school seeks to develop a lot of nostalgia in its students. While Notre Dame claims to be a Christian (albeit Catholic) institution, as I reflect on my experiences there, I find the school to be markedly Anti-Christ.

One think I can't stand about Notre Dame is the use term "Touchdown Jesus". There is a huge mural of Christ on the side of the main library at ND. From the football stadium, the mural is directly behind the goal posts. Given that Notre Dame is a school noted for its football tradition, students "affectionately" give the name of this mural, "Touchdown Jesus". I hate this.

Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is not a mascot that should be pulled out and cheered to for sporting success. Jesus is THE CHRIST - forever to be praised. He is I AM.

Touchdown Jesus is another Jesus and is thus Anti-Christ. He is the Notre Damic friend who encourages football success, is OK with Saturday night drunkenness, leads mass on Sunday morning, looks over your shoulder when you have an exam, and answers prayers offered by candle at the grotto.

The real Jesus Christ is the infinitely better, awesome, creator and King! The Alpha and the Omega. The Prince of Peace. Mighty God. From Everlasting to Everlasting. The Ancient of Days forever to be praised! Amen.

Our Rock of Escape

I look for the Lord Jesus Christ whenever I open the pages of the scripture. Here is a favorite text of mine I read again a few days ago...

1 Samuel 23:28, "Therefore Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; so they called that place the Rock of Escape."

The Lord Jesus Christ IS the rock. He is the Rock where living water is located. He is the stumbling stone and the rock of offense to those who deny Him. But in this passage he is the Rock of Escape. He is a place of shelter. He is our YHWH Nissi under which we find refuge, escape and protection in the time of trouble. David escaped from the hand of Saul in this Rock and we can find refuge and protection in the Lord Jesus Christ, our Rock of Escape.

What does it Mean to be Filled with the Spirit? - Part 2, Toungues or Jibberish?

Watch people who argue premises which can neither be proven or denied. Many today preport to be speaking in an "unknown language". When you ask..."What is this language you are speaking", they will claim, "it is an angelic, heavenly language." When you question, "How do you know it is an angelic language?", they will reply, "I prayed and God enabled me to speak in it...I know this is the Holy Spirit!"

How can we ever examine whether such a thing is of God or not. This is an unprovable premise. But, I would argue that based on the scriptures, we can deny such a premise. Mainly because it does not characterize the spiritual intent of the Holy Spirit of God - namely to illuminate us to Jesus (John 15:26).

I have been attacked by fellow brothers and sisters for doubting whether or not this is "speaking in toungues" as it is demonstrated in the scriptures.. What do you think? If I don't see Christ, his person, thinking, compassion, love, and identity being clearly communicated, I do not assume it resonates from the Spirit whose focus is to draw men closer to Him (Christ)..

Church Segmentation, Part 8 - Prophetesses and Sister Evangelists

Have you noticed the trend in many inner-city churches to endorse prophetesses and evangelists. For some reason in current American Christianity, there is still a traditional lack of tolerance for women pastors, but prophetesses and evangelists have been wholly embraced.

I don't really understand where this comes from. It may come from a re-interpretation of New Testament teaching on the role of the teacher and elder, but I suspect the root is more simple and more human. May I suggest that the reason for the upsurge in prophetesses and female evangelists is a combination of the women's liberation movement and the fact that a more diverse set of teachers will increase church attendance (numbers).

Take a look at Revalation 2:20 and the Lord Jesus Christ's rebuke of Thyatira. Is his rebuke only because of the content of the woman's teaching, or is because the church allowed her to teach at all (or both)? Or why don't we hear more sermons today that address 1 Timothy 2:12-13. This passage is normally marginalized and skipped in most US pulpits. Nor have I seen anyone of late confirm their claim to being a prophet through any signs, miracles, or most importantly the exaltation of the deity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So then, Little Children test the spirits and do not believe every so-called messenger of God for there are many false prophetesses who will deceive.

The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat

Some of you who are my age or older probably grew up watching "The Wide World of Sports". The show was on ABC and was hosted by Jim McKay. Last week Jim McKay died. He was one of he most famous sports announcers of all time. On his 70's and 80's television show, The Wide World of Sports, he began every show with the famous line, "The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat".

People love watching sports because they feel like they are vicariously winning through the athletes. The human heart enjoys rooting for a team and participating in their victory. Unfortunately, these "victories" are all vanity.

Last night the Boston Celtics one the NBA championship, their 17th Championship. Kevin Garnett one his first. This past weekend Tiger Woods won the U.S. Open for his 14th major championship. The New York Giants won the Super Bowl this year and the Boston Red Sox won the World Series. But, in a few months, someone else will win the Super Bowl. Another team will win the World Series. They will all hoist the same trophies and say the same things. But the thrill only lasts for a short time. It will eventually pass away.

But in Christ, we hope to receive a crown from our eternal King. We seek a reward that will not rot or rust. We desire an affirmation from the judge that sees all performance, never misses any effort and knows our motives, the true and holy judge with eyes of fire. We await a true and holy king that we will worship, serve and enjoy forever. Lord, come soon.

The Role of the our Great High Priest

Priests are mediators of worship. They are the ones who are responsible to serve as God's mediator between God and men. They mediate the covenant and all worship must flow through them. In the old testament, a priest was required to provide a sacrifice.

I was reading 1 Samuel today. Saul made a crucial mistake early in the book by offering a sacrifice in lieu of the presence of Samuel. Saul waited for Samuel, but when he (Samuel) didn't show, Saul decided to offer the sacrifice himself (1 Samuel 13:8-13). Saul lost the Kingdom and favor of God because he "foolishly" approached worship without a priest. He thought he could simply provide a sacrifice on His own accord - but this is insulting to the person and Holiness of God.

Did he fully understand how much his behavior disregarded God? Maybe not, but in fact, this act was anti-Christ. It was anti-Christ in the sense that Saul took over the role of priest. He decided to be the mediator himself, when he was not a Levite. By denying the priest, Saul disregarded the necessity of man to have a mediator between himself and God. Man needs a mediator. The Old Testament priest was a type for the Lord Jesus Christ, and Saul in essence said, "I can come to God without a priest".

But we have a GREAT High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) who has passed through the heavens. Our Great high Priest only had to offer one sacrifice. His sacrifice is all-sufficient. His ministry is everlasting. He is blameless both as priest and sacrifice. His worship comes from one with clean hands and pure heart (Psalm 24).

We have a beautiful savior. Our Worship is always in Spirit and Truth when it is found in this Great High Priest (John 4).

Church Segmentation - Part 7 "Let's...It will bring them in..."

I talk to many pastors, believer friends who talk about using emotional means to bring 'em in...

• "Let's have a hip hop night
• "Let's have some food"
• "Let's have a youth outing to Great America...",
• "Let's talk about relevant issues..."
• "Let's have a big name speaker or artist come in..."

These things will really, "bring 'em in..."

So how would you feel if at your birthday party or an event that was meant to celebrate you that, the organizer felt like they had to find a gimmick to attract people to come? I know if the party were for me, I would rather not have the event. If my friends didn't want to come, just for me, then I would rather not have the event at all.

Today, well meaning believers are using gimmicky approaches to attract the masses.

Christ never did this. He never used the old bait and switch to get people to follow Him. In fact, when Jesus sensed that people were coming due to the miracle rather than the miracle worker, he often refused to do a work. When the miracle over shadowed the messenger, Christ never did a miracle to satisfy the crowd's thirst for "wow factor". (John 6)

Let God arise and leave the gimmicks alone.

News today, Gone tomorrow

The death of Tim Russert seemed unexpected to many. Of course to God, it was not unexpected. The Father always knew the date, time and second Tim Russert would die. But I found it interesting how literally the day before Tim Russert died, he was reporting the news. A day later, he was the news.

Life is fleeting. We could all die any day, any hour, any minute. The time we have is precious. Not necessarily because we are precious but because Christ is precious. Christ died that we might have abundant life. The abundant life is that spent enjoying, learning, and obeying Christ. It is in this zoe life that we will never die. What a shame it is that many believers die, while wasting their times on earth doing things that are mundane, self-seeking and vain. Let's live in zoe life now. Let us serve the Lord Christ fully, wholeheartedly and consistently - with no regrets for how we lived.

Worship is an Offering...but how?

So if worship is an offering, does it matter how it is offered? Does God receive any offering from any person? Can an unbeliever in the Lord Jesus Christ, one who does not receive Him as the raised-from-the-dead, living, Son of God, deity Messiah...can he or she worship God?

Does it matter if worship is not presented in Christ? He says that He is looking for true worshipers, those who will worship in Spirit and Truth. So what does this mean?

If worship is an offering, we must understand how it must be offered. I am interested in your biblical, Christ-focused comments on this topic.

Christ is all.

What does it Mean to be Filled with the Spirit? - Part 1

So here is a common phrase used in the scriptures and in contemporary church culture: be filled with the Spirit. I hear people say this all the time, but what exactly do we mean when we use this phrase? I have found that people of differing backgrounds use "filled with the Spirit", differntly.

Some will not use it at all for of being categorized with a group they do not admire. Others use it all the time. So what exactly does this phrase mean? How is it used in the scriptures? What is God's intent in allowing and chosing to fill people with His Spirit?

We will explore this topic during the next few months, but for starters, post a response and let me know what you think the phrase means...

Christ is all.

The Christ Campaign

Americans are currently cheering John McCain and Barack Obama. On earth, they currently are in the running to lead the most powerful nation on earth. But just like other powerful world leaders like Alexander the Great, Caesar Augustus, Napoleon, Constantine, the Kings of England, The Czars, the great Emperors of Japan -- they will all die. Their, thrones (power and authority), Kingdoms (span of authority) and lives (ability to rule) will all come to an end.

The campaign we support is for the Lord Jesus Christ. It is HIS Kingdom. HE is the King. He is the ruling sovereign. All that we do is aimed at acknowledging, obeying, submitting to, enjoying and falling in line with His Kingdom.

So then...

• What are the priorities of this Kingdom?
  
• How are decisions made? Who makes the decisions?
• How is Justice administered? Who writes the laws? Is there a congress?
• Is voting allowed? How does this Kingdom come into power?
  
• What is the lifestyle honored by this King?
  
• What kind of honor does this King require and deserve?
  
• What makes this King unique beyond other kings?

His Kingdom is not of this world, but it does contain this World. His Kingdom is not of this present age, but it will stand in judgment of this present age.

Christ's Kingdom will never end. He is the King who will never die. He rules a Kingdom that cannot be defeated. His campaign will require no Human affirmation. It will stand no human or spiritual (demonic) threats. He will not be voted in, but the King of Glory Shall come in. He will simply return and crush all of His rivals and Reign forever.

Jesus, come soon!

Churches Segmentation, Part 6 - Politically-Centric Church

In recent days, much has been made of Michael Pfleger's speech about Hillary Clinton. Basically Pflager accuses Hillary of expecting the nomination for the Presidency because she deserved it due to her political pedigree and race.

Why is everyone so surprised at this type of speech? As a former member of the AME Church, I heard this type of "preaching" my entire childhood. Nothing Pleger said was a surprise to me. Whether Focus on the Family or Trinity United Church of Christ, the emphasis of these ministries is, politics not Christ.

Ashamedly, many of those who lead these organizations continue to teach their followers to place their hopes in men, political processes and parties rather than the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who will soon rule and reign on an eternal throne. This type of teaching goes beyond the purpose of the body of Christ. It is a form of Godliness, while denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5). "Churches" that teach political hero worship have, "exchanged the Truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creator rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:25).

I ask that the Lord would come soon and set right the nations who defy Him. Just like the Israelites, man always desires a Saul in lieu of a Messiah. May the Messiah come and set up His kingdom - Soon.

Maranatha.

Christ-style Discipleship

Luke 14:26 reads...
If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

and...

John 15:18
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.

or

John 6:67, Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?"

Have you noticed how the Lord Jesus is very forward, transparent and direct about the cost of discipleship?

There is a current movement in the body of Christ that focuses on the importance of discipleship. This is a good thing. The emphasis is on the fact that our Lord wants more than to create believers but rather that he demands discipleship. He wants us to become learners of Him alone.

20th Century American church thought places the onus on the teacher. However, the Lord Jesus Christ expected a lot out of the disciple. He simply presented teaching, taught His thinking, led the way and expected those who would follow to follow. He would restore if necessary, but He did not spend a lot of time attempting to convince others to follow him if they desired the World.

How bad do we want HIM? How much do we want to become a disciple of Christ? Ask the Lord Jesus to help you to evaluate your heart for Him as His disciple. May the we be unashamed, unhindered, "sold-out" disciples of Christ.