My thought was not published last week due to my being away.
Since my last posting a couple of weeks ago, we've been made aware of some disturbing events in the news: the deaths of several Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan (the most since the Korean Conflict in the 50's); the tragic shootings (deaths and injuries) in Virginia; and to a lesser degree, the ramblings of Don Imus.
Of course, there have been other news items, but these 3 quickly come to mind. I heard someone say on a television program last week, that perhaps there isn't any more violence (action or spoken) in the world today than in the past - it's just that with the easy and quick access of TV and the internet, we hear and see it much more in today's world. I'm sure that that is open to debate, but it certainly sounds plausible.
Of course, violence and hate language have been around forever. Just think of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel - and the many, many examples since then. There is something within us that seems drawn to violence. Even in sports, watch the crowds when a bench-clearing brawl starts or a fight in hockey. Now, granted, most people do not support murder and acts of violence towards innocent people - but within the heart of man, there is the possibility to do some nasty things. Look at how the vast majority of the Germans were 'conned' into what they accepted and participated in during WWII. They certainly were a civilized and cultured people.
If we think back to the French Revolution in the 1700's, we see a time of chaos and violence. There was much suffering and bloodshed in that nation. It's been said that England was on the same path as France, but something significant took place there to help turn things around. When John Wesley began his ministry in 1738, morality and religion had collapsed in England. In May of that year, Wesley had his Aldersgate (conversion) experience and went out to minister to the multitudes in the open fields. A century later, the social and moral climate of England had changed dramatically. Queen Victoria was on the throne and “Victorian” became a synonym for piety and morality. Conditions can change for the better. It has happened.
What John Wesley and others like him proclaimed, was that the way to change the heart and frustration of man was to accept the grace and forgicveness of Christ and to live as a True Follower. Oh, some will say, look at what the 'Christians' did during the Crusades, or in the difficult days between Ireland's Protestant's and Catholic's. Well, I would counter that many of those believers were in name only and had not experienced a changed/transformed heart.
The true Christian lives a life like that of Christ - full of compassion, love, help and heart holiness.
Be in prayer for the families who have been affected by recent acts of violence - but also check your heart; do others know that you're a Christian by your love?
Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Rockin' Robin
As much as I enjoy a large stowstorm (when I don't have to travel), I truly love the perks that come with spring - warmer weather; flowers, new life (green grass, tree buds), and being able to go for walks without having to bundle up. And as summer gets closer, it only gets better for me.
A sure sign that spring has arrived is when you begin to notice the robins. As I look out my office window, I see several of them hopping around the yard. I remember a time back in kindergarten when our teacher told us that if we took a shaker of salt and ran after the robins that were gathered in our play area, we could catch one and make it our pet if we got close enough to throw the salt on its tail. I certainly can recall running around the yard many times with a salt shaker trying to do just that. But I have to tell you, I never got close enough to actually sprinkle the salt on any bird. So, in theory, I'll never know whether or not what she was telling us was true or not. (Though, as an adult, I certainly can reason that it was simply a way to keep our young minds and bodies busy).
We, who share the Christian worldview, will be celebrating Easter (Christ's death and resurrection) this coming weekend. Many others (neighbours, friends, family) will only be celebrating a holiday. Then there will be those who ignore Easter altogether.
For most, outside the Christian faith, there is a struggle to buy into the resurrection component of Christ's story. It seems quite outlandish (ie: a childish fairytale) to believe that anyone can come back to life once truly dead. Our adult and scientific minds don't allow for that sort of thing to happen.
However, if it could be done, then it only stands to reason that God Himself could do it - if in fact He is the giver and taker of life. Most people in Canada (75+%) suggest that they believe in God, though less than 25% attend church on any sort of regular basis. There is a disconnect there - especially if we feel that God wants to have a personal relationship with us. In fact, that's what Easter is all about - Jesus providing a way for mankind to bridge the gap that keeps us from knowing God.
Like I did as a child, when I bought into the notion of catching robins with salt - we too, must use simple faith when considering the great sacrifice of Christ on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. Some will say that they are one in the same - foolishness...but because of my experience with God in the past and the present - no one can ever convince me that Jesus is not the risen Lord and forgiver of my sin.
This blog is not designed to 'convince' anyone of the facts - simply to say that in order to buy into this age-old story - we must begin with a first step. Child-like faith that says, 'ok God, I'll trust You...now help me to know it.'
In Luke 24, we read of where the angels asked the women at the empty tomb, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" Perhaps too many of us are doing the same. We expect that Christ is dead, and so we look for His bones and tomb. Instead, reach out to Him - seek Him - and see if He is not real. Let Him prove Himself. Have a blessed Easter. Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival. Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
A sure sign that spring has arrived is when you begin to notice the robins. As I look out my office window, I see several of them hopping around the yard. I remember a time back in kindergarten when our teacher told us that if we took a shaker of salt and ran after the robins that were gathered in our play area, we could catch one and make it our pet if we got close enough to throw the salt on its tail. I certainly can recall running around the yard many times with a salt shaker trying to do just that. But I have to tell you, I never got close enough to actually sprinkle the salt on any bird. So, in theory, I'll never know whether or not what she was telling us was true or not. (Though, as an adult, I certainly can reason that it was simply a way to keep our young minds and bodies busy).
We, who share the Christian worldview, will be celebrating Easter (Christ's death and resurrection) this coming weekend. Many others (neighbours, friends, family) will only be celebrating a holiday. Then there will be those who ignore Easter altogether.
For most, outside the Christian faith, there is a struggle to buy into the resurrection component of Christ's story. It seems quite outlandish (ie: a childish fairytale) to believe that anyone can come back to life once truly dead. Our adult and scientific minds don't allow for that sort of thing to happen.
However, if it could be done, then it only stands to reason that God Himself could do it - if in fact He is the giver and taker of life. Most people in Canada (75+%) suggest that they believe in God, though less than 25% attend church on any sort of regular basis. There is a disconnect there - especially if we feel that God wants to have a personal relationship with us. In fact, that's what Easter is all about - Jesus providing a way for mankind to bridge the gap that keeps us from knowing God.
Like I did as a child, when I bought into the notion of catching robins with salt - we too, must use simple faith when considering the great sacrifice of Christ on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. Some will say that they are one in the same - foolishness...but because of my experience with God in the past and the present - no one can ever convince me that Jesus is not the risen Lord and forgiver of my sin.
This blog is not designed to 'convince' anyone of the facts - simply to say that in order to buy into this age-old story - we must begin with a first step. Child-like faith that says, 'ok God, I'll trust You...now help me to know it.'
In Luke 24, we read of where the angels asked the women at the empty tomb, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" Perhaps too many of us are doing the same. We expect that Christ is dead, and so we look for His bones and tomb. Instead, reach out to Him - seek Him - and see if He is not real. Let Him prove Himself. Have a blessed Easter. Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival. Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Almonds, anyone?
With April's Fools Day just around the corner - I wonder how many of us will attempt to pull a practical joke on someone.
Even though I think that I have a pretty good sense of humour, practical jokes aren't my specialty. Oh, I try, and sometimes I'll have some success, but for the most part - I just sit back and enjoy what other people try to do.
I recall a time when at Bethany Bible College, a friend of mine - who we'll call Kirk Perry - offered some almonds to me. Now if you know me, I enjoy eating most kinds of nuts (cashews being my favorite). I ate them and enjoyed them. However, as I was gobbling down this treat, I kept thinking that there was a slight hint of chocolate to these almonds. Oh well, nothing too serious. Well, it turns out that this friend of mine - who pastors on Grand Manaan - had originally had chocolate covered almonds, sucked off all the chocolate and gave them to me; pretending to be kind and generous. You can imagine my disgust when the truth came out.
That is an example of a practical joke that got completely out of hand. Well, to be honest, if it had been me giving them away, I too, would have thought it to be quite funny. Kirk, I hold no hard feelings - it was a good joke. However, humour can sometimes be lost on us if we're the brunt of the joke.
It's interesting how our words or actions can affect other people. I am saddened that sometimes we in the church say or do things towards others that are not uplifting, edifying or encouraging - but rather slanderous, painful and outright wrong (dare I say evil?). James reminds us in 3:10, "My brothers, this should not be." As opinionated and self righteous as we might like to think we are, God's word reminds us to consider others before ourselves. What does this mean? If I wouldn't want to eat disgusting almonds, then I shouldn't pass them on to others, either. It is easy to get uptight about what someone might do - or what I might perceive them to be about...but as a Christian - a follower of Jesus - then I need to lay down my selfish need to be right, or in control, or judgmental. I need to be a builder, not a destroyer.
If we put both verse 9 and 10 of chapter 3 together, James states, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be."
With April Fool's approaching, will we allow ourselves to be reminded of ways in which we've slandered, gossiped, lied about and caused pain to another - and correct that wrong? It's time to stop being a fool and be a true follower - of the Master.
What do you think? Hit the comment button to let me know.
"Sends Revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Even though I think that I have a pretty good sense of humour, practical jokes aren't my specialty. Oh, I try, and sometimes I'll have some success, but for the most part - I just sit back and enjoy what other people try to do.
I recall a time when at Bethany Bible College, a friend of mine - who we'll call Kirk Perry - offered some almonds to me. Now if you know me, I enjoy eating most kinds of nuts (cashews being my favorite). I ate them and enjoyed them. However, as I was gobbling down this treat, I kept thinking that there was a slight hint of chocolate to these almonds. Oh well, nothing too serious. Well, it turns out that this friend of mine - who pastors on Grand Manaan - had originally had chocolate covered almonds, sucked off all the chocolate and gave them to me; pretending to be kind and generous. You can imagine my disgust when the truth came out.
That is an example of a practical joke that got completely out of hand. Well, to be honest, if it had been me giving them away, I too, would have thought it to be quite funny. Kirk, I hold no hard feelings - it was a good joke. However, humour can sometimes be lost on us if we're the brunt of the joke.
It's interesting how our words or actions can affect other people. I am saddened that sometimes we in the church say or do things towards others that are not uplifting, edifying or encouraging - but rather slanderous, painful and outright wrong (dare I say evil?). James reminds us in 3:10, "My brothers, this should not be." As opinionated and self righteous as we might like to think we are, God's word reminds us to consider others before ourselves. What does this mean? If I wouldn't want to eat disgusting almonds, then I shouldn't pass them on to others, either. It is easy to get uptight about what someone might do - or what I might perceive them to be about...but as a Christian - a follower of Jesus - then I need to lay down my selfish need to be right, or in control, or judgmental. I need to be a builder, not a destroyer.
If we put both verse 9 and 10 of chapter 3 together, James states, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be."
With April Fool's approaching, will we allow ourselves to be reminded of ways in which we've slandered, gossiped, lied about and caused pain to another - and correct that wrong? It's time to stop being a fool and be a true follower - of the Master.
What do you think? Hit the comment button to let me know.
"Sends Revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip...
William Shedd, a nineteenth century pastor and theologian, wrote, “A ship is safe in a harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.”
Obviously, ships are for sailing. Some are built for speed, some for carrying cargo, some for looks, but all for sailing.
I have a 10 foot Sea Doo (not sure whether that qualifies as a ship or not), that I truly enjoy. There's nothing better than getting out on the water on a beautiful day and cruising around. However, at the moment, it is safely stowed away for the winter. Because of that, I'm not able to enjoy it. Oh, I could sit on it and pretend that I'm sailing the ocean waters...but that would be a poor interpretation of the real thing.
Sometimes, as I reflect on the modern day church, I feel that we have settled for a poor imitation of the real thing. As I mentioned in the sermon yesterday morning, too many churches are solely focused on keeping the doors open and the lights turned on. We should never be satisfied with just doing the bare minimum, as God's people.
The church of Jesus Christ is called to reach the world and to impact people with the hope of salvation and of life change. It's a big vision...and it requires a big commitment on our part. If the church is to remain relevant and truly have an impact on the community - then we must get out of the harbor. Jesus showed us that living outside of the comfort zone led to possibilities and opportunities. Yes, it produced risk as well; but who said being a Christian ought to be safe?
There's a ship in Halifax that never leaves the harbor. It has a rich history of effectiveness and naval service. HMCS Sackville served well in WWII and beyond. However, today, it is a museum/memorial to days gone by. It's a good endeavour to have the ship serve as a reminder of Canada's naval past, but the ship was never intended to be a museum. When it was built, it had a far greater purpose - but over time, it became out of date and irrelevant. The church (or its people) should never suffer the same fate. If we become a museum of days gone by, then it's because we stopped ministering to others and finding ways to impact and influence them. Jesus never meant for the church to stay in the harbor - He intends for it to sail.
What do you think? How can the church be relevant in 2007?
"Send revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Obviously, ships are for sailing. Some are built for speed, some for carrying cargo, some for looks, but all for sailing.
I have a 10 foot Sea Doo (not sure whether that qualifies as a ship or not), that I truly enjoy. There's nothing better than getting out on the water on a beautiful day and cruising around. However, at the moment, it is safely stowed away for the winter. Because of that, I'm not able to enjoy it. Oh, I could sit on it and pretend that I'm sailing the ocean waters...but that would be a poor interpretation of the real thing.
Sometimes, as I reflect on the modern day church, I feel that we have settled for a poor imitation of the real thing. As I mentioned in the sermon yesterday morning, too many churches are solely focused on keeping the doors open and the lights turned on. We should never be satisfied with just doing the bare minimum, as God's people.
The church of Jesus Christ is called to reach the world and to impact people with the hope of salvation and of life change. It's a big vision...and it requires a big commitment on our part. If the church is to remain relevant and truly have an impact on the community - then we must get out of the harbor. Jesus showed us that living outside of the comfort zone led to possibilities and opportunities. Yes, it produced risk as well; but who said being a Christian ought to be safe?
There's a ship in Halifax that never leaves the harbor. It has a rich history of effectiveness and naval service. HMCS Sackville served well in WWII and beyond. However, today, it is a museum/memorial to days gone by. It's a good endeavour to have the ship serve as a reminder of Canada's naval past, but the ship was never intended to be a museum. When it was built, it had a far greater purpose - but over time, it became out of date and irrelevant. The church (or its people) should never suffer the same fate. If we become a museum of days gone by, then it's because we stopped ministering to others and finding ways to impact and influence them. Jesus never meant for the church to stay in the harbor - He intends for it to sail.
What do you think? How can the church be relevant in 2007?
"Send revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Monday, March 12, 2007
Part 2
As you may have noticed, I'm a week late in getting to my blog. Sorry for that. I've now adjusted the blog so that anyone can leave me a 'comment' feedback - please feel free to do so.
What should be my reaction - as a Christian - when unexpected difficulties come my way? That was the question that I last left you with. Well, speaking from my own experiences, I often react in the following ways - frustration, anger, worry, grief, disillusionment, sorrow, etc. Of course, depending upon the severity of the difficulty, that determines my exact response.
Some would suggest that a Christian is somehow isolated from the 'reality' of these difficulties (ie: sickness, a death, a job-loss, a bill, a rejection). All we need to do is spout a Bible verse, put on a plastic smile and keep on keeping on. How foolish. Whether we're a Christian or not, we're still human. Feelings are present; uncertainties persist; questions about the future stare us in the face. But I'm learning to understand that it's not the severity of the difficulty that matters nor is it the reason for why it happened all that important. Lessons can be learned, of course, but there's more to the story.
While my reaction to these things may mirror those of an average person (Christian or not), it is the Hope that a believer has in Christ that can make all the difference. Now, the example that I shared last time of the unexpected hospital bill may not shout "HOPE OF CHRIST", but God cares about such things (Blue Cross has since taken care of the bill). When we go through a divorce, God cares; when a spouse dies, God cares; when severe sickness comes, God cares; when we lose a job, God cares...it doesn't matter how large or small - if it affects us, then God cares and He cares deeply.
But it doesn't stop there. If it did, it wouldn't be Hope. I recall being in a deep state of hopelessness. I didn't see any light at the end of the tunnel. I had suffered a great blow and I didn't know what was ahead, and in many ways, I didn't care. Life just 'sucked', for lack of a better word.
But through it all, I had Hope that God was there with me and that He would somehow work things out. In the midst of frustration, anger, worry, grief, disillusionment and sorrow - God showed me that He could heal my hurt; help me get beyond my bitterness and allow me a rebuilt life. You see, it wasn't my circumstance that needed changing, it was me. I trusted Him, though it took awhile to do so completely, and I re-discovered that He is faithful.
So, is a Christian's reaction any different to life's circumstances? Perhaps not. Some of us carry on while some complain. Yet at the end of the day - a Christian has a Hope that none other has - but He is available to all who truly ask.
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
What should be my reaction - as a Christian - when unexpected difficulties come my way? That was the question that I last left you with. Well, speaking from my own experiences, I often react in the following ways - frustration, anger, worry, grief, disillusionment, sorrow, etc. Of course, depending upon the severity of the difficulty, that determines my exact response.
Some would suggest that a Christian is somehow isolated from the 'reality' of these difficulties (ie: sickness, a death, a job-loss, a bill, a rejection). All we need to do is spout a Bible verse, put on a plastic smile and keep on keeping on. How foolish. Whether we're a Christian or not, we're still human. Feelings are present; uncertainties persist; questions about the future stare us in the face. But I'm learning to understand that it's not the severity of the difficulty that matters nor is it the reason for why it happened all that important. Lessons can be learned, of course, but there's more to the story.
While my reaction to these things may mirror those of an average person (Christian or not), it is the Hope that a believer has in Christ that can make all the difference. Now, the example that I shared last time of the unexpected hospital bill may not shout "HOPE OF CHRIST", but God cares about such things (Blue Cross has since taken care of the bill). When we go through a divorce, God cares; when a spouse dies, God cares; when severe sickness comes, God cares; when we lose a job, God cares...it doesn't matter how large or small - if it affects us, then God cares and He cares deeply.
But it doesn't stop there. If it did, it wouldn't be Hope. I recall being in a deep state of hopelessness. I didn't see any light at the end of the tunnel. I had suffered a great blow and I didn't know what was ahead, and in many ways, I didn't care. Life just 'sucked', for lack of a better word.
But through it all, I had Hope that God was there with me and that He would somehow work things out. In the midst of frustration, anger, worry, grief, disillusionment and sorrow - God showed me that He could heal my hurt; help me get beyond my bitterness and allow me a rebuilt life. You see, it wasn't my circumstance that needed changing, it was me. I trusted Him, though it took awhile to do so completely, and I re-discovered that He is faithful.
So, is a Christian's reaction any different to life's circumstances? Perhaps not. Some of us carry on while some complain. Yet at the end of the day - a Christian has a Hope that none other has - but He is available to all who truly ask.
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
Monday, February 26, 2007
When The Unexpected Show Up
No, I'm not referring to the in-laws.
Early in January, when we were in Florida, our son Colby, became sick and was diagnosed with pneumonia. We, of course, had taken him to a local hospital since he was running a fever and would not sleep (it was the middle of the night). We only had to wait a couple of minutes before we were ushered out of the waiting room, and into the area where he could be examined. A couple of nurses were on the scene and soon after a couple of doctors. The service was very good and rather quick, compared to what I've experienced here in Canada, at times.
After some discussion, Colby was given some medication, had a couple of needles, had some x-rays taken and was given a couple of prescriptions to make sure that he was well.
Of course, while we were still there, a hospital accountant came in for a visit. He took our information - including our health insurance - and went off to make sure that we could pay for all the good care that we received. A short time later, he came back and told me that I needed to come and speak with my insurance carrier. After a 20 minute conversation, I was assured that they would take care of everything.
Well, today, the unexpected showed up. A bill from the hospital totalling my weekly salary. Ouch!
Often in life, we encounter the unexpected - a sickness, a death, a job-loss, a bill, a rejection - and the list could go on and on. Generally speaking, these type of situations have a negative affect on us. We perhaps, become discouraged, disillusioned, or even desparate.
Obviously, there are times when the "unexpected" are moments of happiness. Perhaps someone gives us an unexpected gift, or takes us out for a meal, or says something nice to us out of the blue. These are moments to appreciate and enjoy.
However, much of the time, we experience the 'unexpected' in the difficult events of life. As a Christian, how should I react to these events? Put on a smile? Pretend that it doesn't get me down? Re-state that there undoubtedly is someone worse off than me?
I have my thought on this matter - But I'd like to hear from you first. What should be my reaction - as a Christian - when unexpected difficulties come my way? Let me know @ pastorken93@hotmail.com
I'll share my thought with you next Monday.
"Send Revival. Start with me."
Pastor Ken
Early in January, when we were in Florida, our son Colby, became sick and was diagnosed with pneumonia. We, of course, had taken him to a local hospital since he was running a fever and would not sleep (it was the middle of the night). We only had to wait a couple of minutes before we were ushered out of the waiting room, and into the area where he could be examined. A couple of nurses were on the scene and soon after a couple of doctors. The service was very good and rather quick, compared to what I've experienced here in Canada, at times.
After some discussion, Colby was given some medication, had a couple of needles, had some x-rays taken and was given a couple of prescriptions to make sure that he was well.
Of course, while we were still there, a hospital accountant came in for a visit. He took our information - including our health insurance - and went off to make sure that we could pay for all the good care that we received. A short time later, he came back and told me that I needed to come and speak with my insurance carrier. After a 20 minute conversation, I was assured that they would take care of everything.
Well, today, the unexpected showed up. A bill from the hospital totalling my weekly salary. Ouch!
Often in life, we encounter the unexpected - a sickness, a death, a job-loss, a bill, a rejection - and the list could go on and on. Generally speaking, these type of situations have a negative affect on us. We perhaps, become discouraged, disillusioned, or even desparate.
Obviously, there are times when the "unexpected" are moments of happiness. Perhaps someone gives us an unexpected gift, or takes us out for a meal, or says something nice to us out of the blue. These are moments to appreciate and enjoy.
However, much of the time, we experience the 'unexpected' in the difficult events of life. As a Christian, how should I react to these events? Put on a smile? Pretend that it doesn't get me down? Re-state that there undoubtedly is someone worse off than me?
I have my thought on this matter - But I'd like to hear from you first. What should be my reaction - as a Christian - when unexpected difficulties come my way? Let me know @ pastorken93@hotmail.com
I'll share my thought with you next Monday.
"Send Revival. Start with me."
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Forward Living
4 years prior to my birth...that's when it happened. 1967. The last time the storied franchise called the Toronto Maple Leafs won hockey's Stanley Cup. Right now, I'm looking at an art print of the players from that team. They look young and happy as they sit/stand around the fabled Cup. But as I now think about it, those men are all senior citizens. You see, it's been 40 years since they were champions.
But yet, on Saturday night, the organization brought back most of those same players from the 66-67 team. In a moving tribute to a team that showed grit and determination - the modern day crowd stood and applauded in a genuine fashion. In a way, the city (and all Leaf fans) were celebrating a Stanley Cup victory. For a hockey city that has not had a hockey celebration in 40 years - this was as good as it's been in a long time.
I appreciate the past. We can learn so much from it. We are to remember that which has been done and accomplished prior to our arrival. In fact, who we are and where we're going is fashioned, to a large degree, by what has been before us. But we cannot live there. Following the ceremony to the the former hockey heroes last Saturday - the puck was dropped and a new game was played. It isn't natural - I'll explain below - to live in the past, and not be forward living people.
Every year we celebrate a birthday (whether we like it or not). Our birthday is a remembrance of the beginning of our life here on earth. But it is not a re-living of that experience. We grow and change as our birthdays increase. We're not living in the past, but celebrating today. Without the past, we're incomplete, but to not move ahead is to not truly live our life.
For the church to not be forward living is detrimental. Some of what used to be effective and powerful needs to stay in the past. It was effective then, but now God is using other means. It will be the same with those things eventually, as well. If we stay focused on what was and not grow with what God wants to do in our current world, then we'll be missing out on the 'newness' of how God desires to use His people.
I'm certainly not advocating changing the foundations of our faith - and I'm not talking specifically of music or preaching styles. But if the church is not relevant to today's world, then the church is not relevant at all.
We can stand and applaude the past, but the puck is being dropped on a new game. Christ is still the Head of the Church and He still calls us to follow Him.
Will we follow Him - no matter what that may mean - as we march forward to Zion.
Let me know what you think - pastorken93@hotmail.com
P.S. Montreal Canadiens were the defeated foe back in 1967 :)
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
But yet, on Saturday night, the organization brought back most of those same players from the 66-67 team. In a moving tribute to a team that showed grit and determination - the modern day crowd stood and applauded in a genuine fashion. In a way, the city (and all Leaf fans) were celebrating a Stanley Cup victory. For a hockey city that has not had a hockey celebration in 40 years - this was as good as it's been in a long time.
I appreciate the past. We can learn so much from it. We are to remember that which has been done and accomplished prior to our arrival. In fact, who we are and where we're going is fashioned, to a large degree, by what has been before us. But we cannot live there. Following the ceremony to the the former hockey heroes last Saturday - the puck was dropped and a new game was played. It isn't natural - I'll explain below - to live in the past, and not be forward living people.
Every year we celebrate a birthday (whether we like it or not). Our birthday is a remembrance of the beginning of our life here on earth. But it is not a re-living of that experience. We grow and change as our birthdays increase. We're not living in the past, but celebrating today. Without the past, we're incomplete, but to not move ahead is to not truly live our life.
For the church to not be forward living is detrimental. Some of what used to be effective and powerful needs to stay in the past. It was effective then, but now God is using other means. It will be the same with those things eventually, as well. If we stay focused on what was and not grow with what God wants to do in our current world, then we'll be missing out on the 'newness' of how God desires to use His people.
I'm certainly not advocating changing the foundations of our faith - and I'm not talking specifically of music or preaching styles. But if the church is not relevant to today's world, then the church is not relevant at all.
We can stand and applaude the past, but the puck is being dropped on a new game. Christ is still the Head of the Church and He still calls us to follow Him.
Will we follow Him - no matter what that may mean - as we march forward to Zion.
Let me know what you think - pastorken93@hotmail.com
P.S. Montreal Canadiens were the defeated foe back in 1967 :)
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
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