July 14, 2008 by Matt.

I just read a very interesting blog post here. In this blog post a pastor rants about his anger towards people who had stolen the trailer in which they stored many of the tools they used in their ministry. The pastor goes on to tell about how they (the church) has forgiven the individuals that stole the trailer, but that there are consequences for this and that if they (the church) found these individuals as he said, “I can promise we will kick the crap out of you.” He then goes on to say, “As soon as I hit publish on this blog post a church of about 1000 crazy people will know that our black, children’s trailer has been stolen and I can promise they will be on the lookout for it. You would much rather me find you then one of them.”

I think of two verses when I read this,

 Matthew 5:39 (NIV) “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. and if someone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” I like the way The Message paraphrase says it even better, “Don’t hit back at all. If someone strikes you, stand there and take it.”

Or, how about Ephesians 4:26 where Paul tells us, “Be ye angry, and sin not” (KJV).

While I do not condemn this pastor, or his congregation, I do question his stand. I have given two examples of where the bible tells us not to retaliate against those that sin against us. Heck the Lords prayers asks that God, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us. If this how we “forgive” those that trespass against us, then how is it that we should expect God to “forgive” us.

I certainly don’t claim to know everything there is to know about everything. As such I ask anhybody reading this to show me the scripture that tells us we should respond in this manner. Again, I amnot judging this pastor for his post, I just question the wisdom of it. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “Everything is permissable - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissable - but not everything is constructive.”

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June 30, 2008 by Matt.

Ok, so what exactly do I mean by that? Shouldn’t our churches be full of light? After all Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, “Ye are the light of the world…”. So, since our churhes are full of the saved, then shouldn’t they be places of light, not darkness…

 Well, I want to challange that thought. Jesus did indeed say that we were the light of the world. However, I don’t think that means our churches should be completely filled with light. After all, when Jesus said we were the light of the world, he was referring to those that had salvation. So, if there is no darkness in our churches, we are missing the mark.

If you are still not following me, here it is. If Christians are the light of the world, then a church service filled with the saved would be very bright. However, when we introduce some lost people into that same service, then things begin to darken a little. If we are not bringing lost people into our churches, then how can they ever come to know Jesus. Yes, I know that some will come to know Jesus without ever stepping foot into the church. However, I think that most will accept salvation through the influence of the church.

So, I ask again, is your church dark enough? Are there enough lost people in your church? If not, what are you doing to get more lost people there. I must admit that I don’t do all that I feel I should to get people into my church, but I am making a fresh commitment to do so. My goal is going to be to invite at least one person per week.

I have heard it said that the way to bring lost people into the church is to “Invest and Invite”. What this means is that we are to invest in people and then invite them to church. After all, noone cares how much you know untill they know how much you care. So, we should invest in relationships with lost people, showing them that we love them, even as God loves them. Then when we invite them to church, they are more receptive. I have also found that when I have invested in this manner that it often becomes easier to invite them to church.

So, Is your church dark enough? If not, what are you doing to bring more lost people in?

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June 23, 2008 by Matt.

Ok, so I really tried to think of something profound to say, but couldn’t come up with anything. So, I am going to share something that I read in a book. The book is Shape by Erik Reese. This book expounds upon (you like those big words don’t you) an idea that was first brought up in Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life.The idea is that each of us has been created with a unique shape for ministry. The book goes on to help you discover what your shape is and how to use it to minister. Anyways, as I was reading today it was talking about building a team of Christians that can help you discover your shape and help guide you in using this shape to minister. It talks about being authentic and transparent with the people that are close to you. All to often when someone asks how we are doing we answer “I’m fine.” Well, you and I both know that the vast majority of people that ask us this question don’t really want to know how we are doing. If you don’t believe me, then try this; the next time a casual acquaintance asks you how you are doing say, “Well, actually not so good.” Then go on to tell them some pain filled story, true or not. See how long it takes them to glaze over.

So, I am not suggesting that we open up to every person that asks us how we are doing. However, what I am suggesting is that we should open up with the few people that we are actually close to. In the book I mentioned before they suggest that FINE stands for Feelings Inside Never Expressed. I think there is a lot of truth in this. Society tells us that to express our pain makes us week. This is a lie told by the enemy. We must express ourselves. Otherwise our pain and bitterness corrodes us from the inside out. So, next time someone close to you asks you how you are doing, tell them. Not only will this help you, but it will bring you closer together.

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