Does Anybody Hear Them?

Casting Crowns - Does Anybody Hear Her

What a song! I'd have to say that this is the powerful song in my life right now. What are we doing for those lost ones? The ones who need Christ the most are often the ones we turn up our noses at.

This goes along with the last post. WE need to be out there. We need to look at those in our community as Christ sees them, as we would look at our own children if they showed up looking like that.

In the video it showed a lady turn away from the girl when she looked messed-up for church. You know, I understand the concept of dressing for church. It is a sign of respect for God's house. It shows reverence to God. The problem I have with that comes twofold: where in the Bible did anyone command or even suggest that you dress for church? and: what does that say to the lost and destitute? Are we telling the world that you have to look the part to get into the God-Club? Many would tell you that's exactly how they feel.

John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Are we holding ourselves and others to a 'law' like those in the old testament who had to follow every dot and tiddle, or are we offering grace and truth? Grace to be where we are spiritually, to learn and grow as the Holy Spirit sees fit... And are we sharing the truth in love - when and where it's needed?

Churches today have a reputation for meeting newcomers at the door with a list of do's and do not's . We may not have a written list, but do we have an unwritten one in our attitudes, rituals, and activities?

Romans 15:16
...to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Are we living our lives so that the lost people around us want to learn more? Are we inviting? Are we exciting? Jesus got his disciples excited about what He had to offer.

1Thessalonians 1:4-6 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

If we live our lives to draw them in, they will want to be like us. They will learn and grow, in spite of whatever is going on in their lives.

What will you do today to reach out?

Holy Huddle

"...someone who did her bests to live within the holy huddle, who saw the world in black and white; as Christianized (sanitized), and non-Christianized (everything else)." p. 127, A Pagan's Nightmare


'"Shusheth thy mouth," Marvin cautioned. "Thou needest to listen. I speaketh on behalf of the United States of America. Thou hast been giveneth invites over the television, hints in our movies, clues in our newspapers and our fast-food restaurants; thou hast been reacheth out to in our songs and books, we've even lefteth dozens of pamphlets on your doorstop in order that thou could seeth things our way. And still thou declineth to join us?
Rethinking a fist fight, Lanny propped one foot on the bumper and crossed his arms. "Not only do we, um, refuseth to join you, we don't even know you. All we see is, well, do ya mind if I use a construction term here?"
Marvin frowned and motioned for Lanny to get on with it. "Thou shalt continueth."
Lanny paused to gather his blue-collar thoughts. "All we see is your vinyl siding, either that or your paint. You all seem satisfied to slather religious latex over everything that's broadcast, everything that's printed, and everything that's visiual. But who are you? I mean, even now you're urging us to join you while you hide behind your odd speech and your commando costume." p. 118-119, The Pagan's Nightmare by Ray Blackston

The longer you are a Christian, the worse it can get. You learn a 'vernacular' that makes it easy to be understood at church. It helps you sound professional when you pray. It helps you understand what others are saying. Listen-in to any conversation in any type of profession and you will hear that they all have their own vernacular - and so do Christians. When you are in church or with others who speak your language it helps you communicate.
But how often are Christians alone with other Christians where that vernacular is best used? The true answer is 'a lot'. That saddens me. Christians are followers of Christ. Even Christ didn't hang with the religious types. Growing up, he was taught by his church leaders, but when his ministry began, it wasn't in the temple (church).
Christ purposely sought after sinners. Christ went out into the countryside - AWAY from the holy huddle in Jerusalem - to speak the common language with the common people. He entered into places no 'clean Jew' would look at. He even went as far as to go to SAMARIA, AKA Heathen Central! Jesus sought out the lost. He went out to heal hurting hearts. He healed physical problems, fed those who were hungry, and once all of this happened, he talked to them about spiritual issues.
WWJD? - What Would Jesus Do? Would Jesus be in church on Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night? Maybe. Probably. (Jesus followed the Law.) But it wouldn't end there. In-between times he would be at the bars, the restaurants, the movie theaters, the ball games, and the neighbor's garage. He wouldn't participate in all activities - not if they weren't giving glory to God, but He would be there - out among the lost. Using their language - laughing at their jokes - Building a relationship.
Jesus was all about relationship. That's how he built his ministry. He sat down with the people he wished to reach. He got down on their level, spoke their language, and became a friend. That's the only reason anyone wanted to join up with Him and follow Him - He became a friend! Friends help one another. A friend likes you even when you are unlikable. A friend doesn't drop by for 20 minutes, pray and bolt. A friend asks the hard questions and doesn't run when the answers are uncomfortable.

So what is church for? Church is the place you choose to go to stop, slow down, refill and recharge spiritually as you are going about reaching out to the world. The church helps you 'do' you ministry - it isn't your ministry in itself. We do minister to one another at church, but that is not the extent of it - only the beginning of it!

We need to get outside of our 'holy huddle' that requires the right T-shirt, the right vernacular, and the right password to get in. Turn around and see all the people around you. They need a friend. A true friend who will be there even when you aren't. Spend some time getting to know them, feeding their bodies, finding help for their physical pains, then introduce them the Jesus - the best friend there is - a BFF in all meanings of the word!

Changing Fishbowls

Moving to a new church reminds me of an old Atari game I used to play called Maze Craze. My favorite was the one where the maze was invisible and you had to bump into everything to find your way through. New churches are like that. You show up, but nobody knows where any of the boundaries are. When does the pastor like to take his day off? Who does the bulletin? Who calls and leads which meetings and how do we know? It can even include questions like 'Am I supposed to go with that group or sit over here?' You just never know where the next turn will be, so you go along very cautiously and slowly, almost with your hands out in front of you, fearful that your next step will put you face-first into a wall.

These times never last very long in the larger scheme of things, but just like when you're under water as a kid, it always seems longer when you're in the middle of it. I'll be glad when I've moved through a chunk of this maze and have learned more about a section I can move through with confidence!