Nov 2009
GOOD SMALL CHURCH
Friday, November 20, 2009
The churches in the province of Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, with the church that meets in their house.
I Corinthians 16:19 NET
The older I get and the longer I serve as a pastor of a small church, viewing the church world and its various trends from my unique position without trying to feel sorry for myself, really, I am convinced too many people attend larger churches to hide. Not many people really “see” you. Sure, large churches can have various programs for specific ages and groups, but still the family cannot see you. And you don’t want them to. With all the corners to hide in (quality music, skillful group speakers, a variety of special effects, felt needs defined and “met” from so many venues), that spiritual and holy quality is missed; the one that can do a believer much good and more good than the others.
Consider what should be our starting point, the Bible. The Apostles addressed “families” within churches. Most churches met in homes where family life and spiritual health could truly thrive. Accountability, loving confrontation in the truth, and awareness were apparent. Then a couple centuries or so later buildings were built to “meet” in, and there it went, from then onward.
Some of the most precious and special memories of my early days as a new believer were not the larger venues I was “supposed” to attend, but the spiritual “family” ties that came from the smallest and often from those wise ones from outside my age-identifiable niche. I thank God for them. I would not change how that went for anything.
TOO BASIC?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come with superior eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed the testimony of God. For I decided to be concerned about nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
I Corinthians 2:1-2 NET
Christ crucified. Wasn’t that something from the past? It was a major part of the Good News, we heard about it, and received it. But do you understand all you can about who died on that cross and all that was accomplished there for you? From Christ crucified, everything flows.
It is unfortunate how believers fall into the trap of self-justification. It may not be in relation to making sure about their salvation. They have some understanding Jesus did that for us in his death. But it’s those times of self-delusion, times when we think we have to look the look or talk the talk to be accepted, to justify ourselves to ourselves and others. We even argue for self-justification.
But Jesus did that. He brought ultimate justification before God forever because of who he was and is and all accomplished in his crucifixion. Grow in your understanding of that awesome event, and then on a very practical level you will be less concerned about self-justification in so many ways; and you will be a free and liberated person indeed.