The Upper Room

Christian or Christ follower

The name Christian has now become so maligned that it is causing a stir. What do you think of when the word "Christian" is tossed around? Do you think of a true disciple or someone who is rather annoying?

Efforts and directions

Image: ASBO Jesus.

I was driving in south Minneapolis today and noticed a sign fixed to a bus stop. The sign was an advertisement for a local church.  I couldn't help think about all the meetings and discussions I had been in on "how to get people to come to church".  In many places this had been such an intense topic that all sorts of plans were developed. There was the, turn the church into a social center strategy. Then there was the, develop a program model. Who can forget the professional Christmas play, with live animals.

Jesus never endorsed such marketing methods. The early church never spent a penny on the Christmas play. They had a simple command, "go it all the world and preach the gospel". Then they could, "teach everything I have commanded you". 

Maybe reaching people is just about talking to them, showing love and spending time. But wait...I don't have time for that, I have to get the animals for the Christmas play.

An end to self

Never doth a soul know what solid joy and substantial pleasure is till, once being weary of itself, it renounces all property and gives itself up to the Author of its being.

Henry Scougal

It's been a long time since I have picked up Henry Scougal powerful book. I think it is time to grab that volume again.

Persecution or Consequence

I should probably just let this go, but to be honest I can't.   I am fascinated with the debate around Carrie Prejean's comments.  Some in the Christian community are saying this is persecution, others are saying she is a a bigot. I think she is neither.  Ms Prejean is just experiencing a backlash from a Christianity that has lost it's moral center.  One blogger (Lawman) writes "One woman dances in a "gentlemen's club," in a seedy part of town. Another woman is a model and participates in "beauty" pageants on the world's stages. Both disrobe for money. Yet many Christians would say the former needs Christ while, at the same time, they prop up the latter as a Christian role model. Does anyone else see the hypocrisy in that?".  Many both in and out of the Christian community do see a hypocrisy, this is the main reason why the subject will not die.

The Lawman has a more in depth post. Give it a read and tell me what you think. Click HERE to read more.

Is it about looks

Image: ASBO Jesus

Have you noticed how Pastors all seem to look the same. Middle-aged,  fit, dynamic, full of vision, these men seem like they have all come from the same production line. Pretty much like the same model of car roles off the production line.

I think GOD is more than that. He takes those who different, those who are broken and uses them.  Maybe it is not how we look that matters, but what is in our hearts.  Should we be open to many different kinds of leaders, I say "yes",  even if that leader is blind or in a wheel chair.

Community and prayer

I have not blogged a lot lately. I am starting to question the value of online communities. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed many great relationships through blogging. But I feel it is shallow. There is something much deeper needed, and that is to connect with people in there daily lives. 

This past week I have made a point of getting together with three friends.  One person had a very bad family crisis, another is facing employment issues and the last is looking for GOD's direction. None of these things are small and each offered the opportunity for encouragement.   There is nothing like being with people through the ups and downs of life. As the old saying goes, "there are only two types of people in the world, those who are hurting and those who one day will be hurting".

During these meetings I come away with much to pray about. Prayer is a practice and so is listening. I am discovering that I am poor at both.

We like those who are like ourselves

Image: ASBO Jesus

We like those who are just like us. This narrow attitude has caused many in our churches to go unnoticed.  Have you ever experienced the above situation?  How did you feel after this has happened?

Maybe this Sunday we can find someone who no-one has talked to and be their friend. Just a thought.

Just a little respect

I subscribe to several magazines. But by far, my favorite is Biblical Archeology Review. Every time a copy arrives at my home I instantly devour it.  Some of the scholars I agree with, some I don't. But I appreciate all contributors,  even those who see things differently.  For it is in the differences that I become more educated.

One thing I have noticed is how often Christians write in to cancel their subscriptions. Mostly  it is for some article that disagrees with their theology or biblical outlook. It never ceases to amaze me that Christians who want respect from schools, government and the world around them are never willing to give respect to others.  Christians who claim they are not being heard, will not take the time to listen to those who disagree with them. It is like they want to shut every voice out,  and then at the same time cannot understand why people won't listen to them.   Why is that?

Stand by me

The vid below is artists across the globe singing one song in unity.  The idea is simple, to unite for a common goal regardless of background or culture.

To me this is exactly how the church should be. As disciples we are called to unity, compassion and common purpose. We are also called to "stand by each other".  It is easy to be an agent of criticism, it is redemptive to be an agent of healing.

Take a look at this vid and tell me what you think.

When GOD moves

Image: Adventures of ASBO Jesus

I have been in many church services where emotions have been manipulated. Loud worship music falling off to a hush. Preachers charging  up and down the stage claiming that GOD is moving. After a while it all seems the same.  I am always left with the feeling that GOD really was not at work...but man was.

Here is a simple thought.

When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?"  They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"  "Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.  1 John 1:37-39.

We really don't need another power service. We just need to spend the day with Jesus.  What do you think?