A couple of additional comments: Phil, those who come for an aesthetic experience, or for community fellowship, will in the end find it easy to find the same things at a ballgame, or an art show, or a concert performance, or a curling rink. And in fact they are finding it there, perhaps because they assume that if that's really the only reason to go to church anyway, so what's the difference. In reality, the primary legitimate reason is to worship God together, and members ought to know and understand that first of all. If they don't, its the fault of the preachers. If they don't, they are being led astray by somebody. Figure out who it is... Change the message about the purpose of church getting together.
Now I realize that new visitors and seekers will have different reasons, and we also ought to pay attention to that. Fellowship in particular is also essential (but not foundational). But other reasons can never be a long term foundational purpose.
Last week I wrote a sermon about the "high places" in our lives, similar to old testament Israel. (tied in with Romans 6). It is those "high places" that divert people to different purposes, and decrease both attendance of members, and membership itself. If we don't have a good grasp of the purpose of worship, then it will be impossible for us to have any kind of grasp of the purpose of creation care, or christian education, or home missions, or christian relief efforts. Instead of honoring God thru these other efforts, they will simply become false idols and other altars, if we do not understand the purpose of gathering together for worship (and make it our priority).
I appreciate what Bev is saying too. More prayer! I can feel from week to week, when prayer is weak, then my faith life slides and suffers.
Mavis, as a dedicated Christian, when you are out of town, do you still find a place to worship with believers? Last Sunday we had a few missing as well, but I'm quite sure that they were worshipping at a very small church one and a half hours away, another church an hour away, or at another church seven hours away. On the other hand, we had some guests too.
One more comment regarding Joe who said that Jesus did not put much emphasis on weekly worship. First, Scripture gives no indication that Jesus missed Sabbath worship. Often it indicates that he was invited to speak in the synogogue on the sabbath. Second, Jesus often had his own worship, with many more people than would fit in a regular synogogue. And his sermons were better too. He spoke with authority. Third, Jesus did say that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. But that does not mean he was suggesting that everyone should just do whatever they did every other day of the week. The fact that the Sabbath was made for man, meant it was a gift to man. A gift to be used for what it was intended, not a gift to be squandered and wasted. Many people squander and waste the sabbath on their own selfish desires, on their own false gods of money, or business, or recreation, concerts, meetings, vacation, and organized sports. For some, only a thin thread keeps them connected to the path that Jesus wants us to follow Him on.
Melissa, your song is great too! O Lord my God! In awesome wonder sings my soul! We sing this one often. Really nice when you can sing it "out of the church building" and spontaneously!
Stan, the main thing is what we cannot do without. The main thing is primary. But that doesn't mean that other things are not important or significant. What you call social justice, and others might call social mercy, is part of loving our neighbor. But it should be a result of the main thing, which is loving God as a result of His love for us. To me, Matthew 28 doesn't talk about earth-keeping, and obeying everything Jesus commanded is much broader than just making sure that poor "Lazarus" at the gate of the rich man, has a job and his wounds cared for, although it does include that. It also includes the commandments against idol worship, adultery, theft, etc., and includes the commandments from the Lord outlined by the apostle Paul against perversions. (Rom 1:25) Is earthkeeping bad? Of course not; the earth is the Lord's and He commanded us to care for it, but he gave it to us for our use and benefit as well. On the other hand, Jesus very clearly said that His kingdom is not of this world. So it's not about neglecting certain things; its about keeping the main thing the main thing. Outside of a correct context, earthkeeping can become an idol; it has been an idol for millenia... think gaia worship. The earth is the Lord's, and Christ's kingdom is not of this world. This is the balance.
Wondering out loud.... would it be useful for us to have a way of people testifying to their core beliefs in common with Christians, as a way of acknowledging that they belong to God? Children born in the covenant of believers would identify and feel a belonging even before they make an official profession of faith, but those who come in thru evangelism might not have a way of making their faith and committment known unless and until they understand the confessions they would need to agree to, and have dealt with life issues in a way that is in harmony with their faith. Yet they believe and are progressing and working on their discipleship. It would seem that a different type of profession/confession would be very useful in the lifepath of new believers or even young baptized members. In some cases, individuals may have difficulties with certain small aspects of the confessions, or difficulties with lifestyle that would prevent a formal official profession of faith; yet they believe and are children of God. And it is no answer to suggest that they find a different denomination or church, particularly since there is no guarantee that they will find one that there may not be a sticking point with.
Perhaps these individuals cannot be office bearers for now... but we ought to find a way to acknowledge their participation in the body of Christ. And we should not create another form, but rather facilitate a process where they are able to make their own testimony. (Even most weddings have personal vows individually written; surely we should do no less for a profession of faith, regardless whether it is an initial "core" profession, or a later "membership" profession).
Shawn Ferrie has made an eloquent case for his position, and I agree with it, to my own surprise. Those who have been abused, and abusers themselves, are a small percentage of the population - they are somewhat marginalized. To marginalize even further those who are not members of the expected gender in these situations is a subtle form of abuse or addtional victimization in itself. Shawn makes clear that it is not the gender that is at stake, but the hearts and actions of the perpetrators and the humanity of the victims, and the grace of God.
A change is as good as a rest.... I would not say that a bible study or sunday school class should be regarded as work; most of the work is in preparing it ahead of time. If well prepared, then such an activity for the teacher is mostly just a good time in sharing the good news of Christ.
The purpose of Sabbath is not just to sleep all day; it is to spend special time getting closer to God. If Sunday school is too much work, while watching a football game, or playing scrabble, or reading a book, or going skating, or eating a sunday meal and doing dishes is not too much work, then it is not really about what is work and what is not, but it is about our priorities. It's like saying that warming up the car for your wife or bringing her a cup of coffee is too much work. No its not. It's about loving your wife and loving your God.
Most of us work 40 hours a week, five days a week. We get Sabbaths every day, and often two full days per week. Sometimes we fill it with other work, non-paid or sometimes paid work, but often we are just doing things for ourselves that we call recreation. When people use to work twelve or fourteen hours a day six days a week, the sabbath was a way of changing their activities to allow them to celebrate God and what He had done for them. In this era, we need to remember that the sabbath was a gift, yes to give us rest from the week's work, but mostly to spend time listening and fellowshipping with God and enjoying His goodness, unfettered by work responsibilities. Bible studies and sunday school and family devotions make the "rest" happen. Watching the NBA or the NFL does not.
I don't know where is an appropriate place or way on here to express appreciation for what Jerry Dykstra has done for the last five years for the CRC. I don't know him personally, nor do I know exactly the details of what he did, nor do I know whether or not I would agree with everything he did in all aspects. But at this point that doesn't really matter. I would like to express my appreciation for the time and energy and committment he made to this position and to this task. It is important that people accept the call of the Lord to provide leadership, and Jerry has done that. As far as I know, he has done that very well, and I admire and appreciate his optimism and positive attitude. I would think such a task is never easy even though it may also have many rewards. It may be possible that some of the rewards of such a job well done may come many years later, when a particular endeavor begun now finally comes to fruition. In any case, thanks for serving, Jerry Dykstra, thanks for serving the Lord, and may God bless you in your future works of ministry in His service!
Posted in: Twice (a Month) - the New Normal?
A couple of additional comments: Phil, those who come for an aesthetic experience, or for community fellowship, will in the end find it easy to find the same things at a ballgame, or an art show, or a concert performance, or a curling rink. And in fact they are finding it there, perhaps because they assume that if that's really the only reason to go to church anyway, so what's the difference. In reality, the primary legitimate reason is to worship God together, and members ought to know and understand that first of all. If they don't, its the fault of the preachers. If they don't, they are being led astray by somebody. Figure out who it is... Change the message about the purpose of church getting together.
Now I realize that new visitors and seekers will have different reasons, and we also ought to pay attention to that. Fellowship in particular is also essential (but not foundational). But other reasons can never be a long term foundational purpose.
Last week I wrote a sermon about the "high places" in our lives, similar to old testament Israel. (tied in with Romans 6). It is those "high places" that divert people to different purposes, and decrease both attendance of members, and membership itself. If we don't have a good grasp of the purpose of worship, then it will be impossible for us to have any kind of grasp of the purpose of creation care, or christian education, or home missions, or christian relief efforts. Instead of honoring God thru these other efforts, they will simply become false idols and other altars, if we do not understand the purpose of gathering together for worship (and make it our priority).
I appreciate what Bev is saying too. More prayer! I can feel from week to week, when prayer is weak, then my faith life slides and suffers.
Mavis, as a dedicated Christian, when you are out of town, do you still find a place to worship with believers? Last Sunday we had a few missing as well, but I'm quite sure that they were worshipping at a very small church one and a half hours away, another church an hour away, or at another church seven hours away. On the other hand, we had some guests too.
Posted in: Twice (a Month) - the New Normal?
One more comment regarding Joe who said that Jesus did not put much emphasis on weekly worship. First, Scripture gives no indication that Jesus missed Sabbath worship. Often it indicates that he was invited to speak in the synogogue on the sabbath. Second, Jesus often had his own worship, with many more people than would fit in a regular synogogue. And his sermons were better too. He spoke with authority. Third, Jesus did say that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. But that does not mean he was suggesting that everyone should just do whatever they did every other day of the week. The fact that the Sabbath was made for man, meant it was a gift to man. A gift to be used for what it was intended, not a gift to be squandered and wasted. Many people squander and waste the sabbath on their own selfish desires, on their own false gods of money, or business, or recreation, concerts, meetings, vacation, and organized sports. For some, only a thin thread keeps them connected to the path that Jesus wants us to follow Him on.
Posted in: Twice (a Month) - the New Normal?
Scripture says it better than we do, doesn't it?
Posted in: Faith, Unbelief, and Growing in Grace
Greg, I will just say amen to your words here!
Posted in: The Inbreaking Kingdom
Melissa, your song is great too! O Lord my God! In awesome wonder sings my soul! We sing this one often. Really nice when you can sing it "out of the church building" and spontaneously!
Posted in: Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
Stan, the main thing is what we cannot do without. The main thing is primary. But that doesn't mean that other things are not important or significant. What you call social justice, and others might call social mercy, is part of loving our neighbor. But it should be a result of the main thing, which is loving God as a result of His love for us. To me, Matthew 28 doesn't talk about earth-keeping, and obeying everything Jesus commanded is much broader than just making sure that poor "Lazarus" at the gate of the rich man, has a job and his wounds cared for, although it does include that. It also includes the commandments against idol worship, adultery, theft, etc., and includes the commandments from the Lord outlined by the apostle Paul against perversions. (Rom 1:25) Is earthkeeping bad? Of course not; the earth is the Lord's and He commanded us to care for it, but he gave it to us for our use and benefit as well. On the other hand, Jesus very clearly said that His kingdom is not of this world. So it's not about neglecting certain things; its about keeping the main thing the main thing. Outside of a correct context, earthkeeping can become an idol; it has been an idol for millenia... think gaia worship. The earth is the Lord's, and Christ's kingdom is not of this world. This is the balance.
Posted in: One Faith, Many Answers
Wondering out loud.... would it be useful for us to have a way of people testifying to their core beliefs in common with Christians, as a way of acknowledging that they belong to God? Children born in the covenant of believers would identify and feel a belonging even before they make an official profession of faith, but those who come in thru evangelism might not have a way of making their faith and committment known unless and until they understand the confessions they would need to agree to, and have dealt with life issues in a way that is in harmony with their faith. Yet they believe and are progressing and working on their discipleship. It would seem that a different type of profession/confession would be very useful in the lifepath of new believers or even young baptized members. In some cases, individuals may have difficulties with certain small aspects of the confessions, or difficulties with lifestyle that would prevent a formal official profession of faith; yet they believe and are children of God. And it is no answer to suggest that they find a different denomination or church, particularly since there is no guarantee that they will find one that there may not be a sticking point with.
Perhaps these individuals cannot be office bearers for now... but we ought to find a way to acknowledge their participation in the body of Christ. And we should not create another form, but rather facilitate a process where they are able to make their own testimony. (Even most weddings have personal vows individually written; surely we should do no less for a profession of faith, regardless whether it is an initial "core" profession, or a later "membership" profession).
Posted in: Is Your Teen Safe?
Shawn Ferrie has made an eloquent case for his position, and I agree with it, to my own surprise. Those who have been abused, and abusers themselves, are a small percentage of the population - they are somewhat marginalized. To marginalize even further those who are not members of the expected gender in these situations is a subtle form of abuse or addtional victimization in itself. Shawn makes clear that it is not the gender that is at stake, but the hearts and actions of the perpetrators and the humanity of the victims, and the grace of God.
Posted in: The Inbreaking Kingdom
Great story David!! Music coming not as performance for the group, but from within the group, from within the person!
Posted in: Monday, Monday
A change is as good as a rest.... I would not say that a bible study or sunday school class should be regarded as work; most of the work is in preparing it ahead of time. If well prepared, then such an activity for the teacher is mostly just a good time in sharing the good news of Christ.
The purpose of Sabbath is not just to sleep all day; it is to spend special time getting closer to God. If Sunday school is too much work, while watching a football game, or playing scrabble, or reading a book, or going skating, or eating a sunday meal and doing dishes is not too much work, then it is not really about what is work and what is not, but it is about our priorities. It's like saying that warming up the car for your wife or bringing her a cup of coffee is too much work. No its not. It's about loving your wife and loving your God.
Most of us work 40 hours a week, five days a week. We get Sabbaths every day, and often two full days per week. Sometimes we fill it with other work, non-paid or sometimes paid work, but often we are just doing things for ourselves that we call recreation. When people use to work twelve or fourteen hours a day six days a week, the sabbath was a way of changing their activities to allow them to celebrate God and what He had done for them. In this era, we need to remember that the sabbath was a gift, yes to give us rest from the week's work, but mostly to spend time listening and fellowshipping with God and enjoying His goodness, unfettered by work responsibilities. Bible studies and sunday school and family devotions make the "rest" happen. Watching the NBA or the NFL does not.
Posted in: The Story of the Briefcase
Congratulations, Peter Gordon!! Great changes during your life!
Posted in: The 'Resignation' of Our Executive Director
I don't know where is an appropriate place or way on here to express appreciation for what Jerry Dykstra has done for the last five years for the CRC. I don't know him personally, nor do I know exactly the details of what he did, nor do I know whether or not I would agree with everything he did in all aspects. But at this point that doesn't really matter. I would like to express my appreciation for the time and energy and committment he made to this position and to this task. It is important that people accept the call of the Lord to provide leadership, and Jerry has done that. As far as I know, he has done that very well, and I admire and appreciate his optimism and positive attitude. I would think such a task is never easy even though it may also have many rewards. It may be possible that some of the rewards of such a job well done may come many years later, when a particular endeavor begun now finally comes to fruition. In any case, thanks for serving, Jerry Dykstra, thanks for serving the Lord, and may God bless you in your future works of ministry in His service!
John Zylstra