03/10/21 I DON'T CARE WHO YOU ARE, YOU SHOULD READ THIS (REALLY READ) AND THEN HEED THESE PRINCIPLES

03/10/21 I DON'T CARE WHO YOU ARE, YOU SHOULD READ THIS (REALLY READ) AND THEN HEED THESE PRINCIPLES

As pastor, I preach, teach, counsel and lead my congregation in order to...
1- Build up individuals, families and the local body.
2- Enable my people to serve Jesus in the midst of a changing society, changing moral standards and changing laws.
3- Lead my people in Biblical faith and service, obedient to legitimate authority while recognizing the absolute authority of God and His word.
4- Protect their families from avoidable State oppression, which comes through laws, schooling and the social order.

This kind of life (typical for believers throughout the centuries and prevalent in most of the world today) is strange to western and modern societies. Modern and Western models of discipleship and churchmanship are not only foreign to most Americans today, they are repugnant to most church folks (including many Christians).

I am glad for the liberties and opportunities I have enjoyed as a believer, living in a "Philadelphian" world, however the basic model for the local church is not found in our historic traditions but in New Testament revelation. Programs and events and various ministry opportunities for Christians are desirable, but Bible teaching and preaching are essential to church life. A worship service includes Adoration (of God), Confession (of need and faith), Thanksgiving (to God from the heart for all things), Exhortation (of God's word) and Dedication (of self to God and His service).

"Church" is not a venue or a physical atmosphere. Church should be experienced, whether in a "cathedral," a storefront, a living room, a lean-to, a cave or through an internet connection.

If folks are not excited and thrilled to meet in worship, fellowship, learning and service, regardless of the physical and social setting, then they are in love with form rather than substance. We get-out what we put-into a service. New Testament "church" was not based on venue, program, events, style, format or personalities but on the preaching and teaching of God's word and worshiping God in Spirit and in truth. Singing had more to do with Divine worship and personal praise than with performance, feel good songs, musical style or "exciting worship leaders."

The old saying is, "What kind of church would my church be if all of the members were just like me?"
LET ME RESTATE THIS.
"What kind of meetings would our meetings be if the preacher approached meeting just like me?"

We have no right to complain about the style, form, format, location of a meeting. Regardless of the setting, if we don't come in the joy of the Lord, overflowing with the Holy Spirit and with our "cup turned up," ready to receive everything God wants us to receive, and giving ourselves in service to others, then we don't deserve a better situation, because our purpose is askew.

Remember, adults and parents set the tone for worship and study for the children, whether at a "praise festival" or in front of an online screen. In fact, I don't believe anyone deserves a better worship setting if they are not coming to their services in faith, joy, love, excitement and humility.

When the adults are coming to meetings to be pampered, stroked, coddled, accommodated, then they are teaching the children that church meetings are more about the desires of the people than the glory of God. I have thought from time to time that children and youth would reach a deeper and higher spiritual reality if they did not grow up under the ceiling of selfishness set up by some parents and adults. If you are not happy with worship, don't complain about it. Your demeanor and your words rob other people (especially children and young people) of true worship and they also rob God.

Come to "meeting" in the fullness of the blessing. If you can't come in the fullness of God's blessing, don't be a burden, stumbling stone, hindrance to the children. Confess your sins, selfishness, shallowness and repent. If it takes a setting to lift you up or a setting to bless you, then you are not seeking the blessing of God.
Romans 15:29
29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.