This is the eighth, of a hopefully weekly series, that explores faith, religion, and Christianity. The idea is to share with you my faith, issues I am working on, and to promote discussion.
There is a great disconnect.
for links to previous discussions.
The prevailing culture of technology and ideas shapes the way we discuss what is going on in the world around us.
Without going into a History lesson tracking the progression of humanity from the time of Pre- and Post-Industrial Revolution, I will merely make mention of the more generalized differences between the Agrarian focused society and our current modern Technology focused society.
The Bible is full of illustrations, parables, and teachings in a language based on Agrarian type culture.
In our day and age, this lifestyle may be learned about, but rarely understood in the same capacity as someone who lived that type of life.
Instead we try to supplement or adapt by using more modern phrases.
In the past you might hear someone describe how they got “planted” (i.e. established) and “grew” in where they lived or went to church.
Now we “get plugged in” and “connected”.
The problem with that is we inherently know from the language that we can just as easily become disconnected.
This may happen intentionally or unintentionally.
“Showing up is 80 percent of life” - Woody Allen
A shift in language alone will not make the church better.
We need meaningful relationships that seriously seek to help others above ourselves.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. - Luke 9:23
The quote above from Woody Allen the “Showing up is 80 percent of life” may seem on the surface not that special.
However, part of the great disconnect that I see is a lack of showing up.
It starts with not having enough volunteers for various programs and missions the church is sponsoring or running.
We need people to run the organization.
Adult presence is required to care for the children on Sunday morning.
People are needed to help with a community event or project.
Next comes not getting together outside of church on Sunday.
We are too busy.
Yes, the Tyranny of the Urgent is real.
And a real distraction.
The last great disconnect is from the church on Sunday.
I know the pain of not going, but longing to be there.
But not everyone wants to be there.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24-25
Friends, loved ones, if you have fallen into this, I call you to break this habit.
But merely meeting together is not good enough.
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” - Matthew 9:35-38
Brothers and Sisters, we need your help.
Last night, I had the opportunity to hear about a growing organization that is seeking to aid local pastors around the world.
Over the next few weeks, and as it grows, I hope to share with you the exciting developments and provide more information on how you can be involved to help us.
In the The Parable of the Great Banquet the call went out “Come, for everything is now ready”, the harvest is plentiful, “but they all alike began to make excuses”, and so the laborers are few.
We can ignore language that is unfamiliar, but the message is clear.
"Some that observed the prosperity of the wicked, especially comparing it with the afflictions of the righteous, were tempted to deny a providence and to think that God had forsaken the earth." - Matthew Henry
Friends, don't let that be you.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
There is much talk about voluntaryism, a philosophy which holds that all forms of human association should be voluntary, but where are the volunteers?
If this relates to you and you are interested in knowing more, please ask someone. Me. My wife. A local pastor. A neighbor you know who is a Christian. But please ask and I guarantee you that they will be excited to tell you more. They will especially appreciate that you asked them so that they are not forcing their beliefs upon you but getting your permission to share. It may even be something they have been praying for.
Lord willing, see you all next Sunday!
Thanks,
@strangerarray
Please follow me, @strangerarray, to keep up to date with my other fiction, nonfiction, and other post. Also feel free to send donations to: PayPal.Me/michaelpaine because I can’t do this alone.
Please check out the previous discussions:
Disparity on Display.
This discussion takes a look at disparity and injustice and proposes guidance on a response.
Comfort and Contentment
This post examines my struggle with the differences between being content and being comfortable.
Testify
This post documents part of my journey that lead me from being an enemy of God to being saved by Jesus Christ.
Praise and Worship
This takes a look at the awkward feelings about publicly praising and worshiping the Lord and what difference that has made in my life.
Reasons to Believe
We take a micro tour of Christian Apologetics and the impact it has had on my faith. I am not the best at it and so I direct to sources greater than myself to help others.
Do I have to go?
The question of church attendance is addressed from my perspective of being on both sides of the equation as a non-believer and believer who did and didn’t attend Sunday service at different times in my life.
In God We Trust
Trusting in God is not an easy thing sometimes, especially when you don’t know the next step.
Hey y’all for more great content check out my friends:
(All robot images from steemd.com)
