I don't believe we will ever see revival in our churches until we return to some very basic principles. I know we love our church, it's doctrine and it's heritage. But we are part of a far greater church with a much more enduring heritage .... the bride of Jesus Christ. Please note .. the "bride" singular, not 'brides'.
My point is that we really need to somehow, start to work together with other Christian groups within our community in order to reach our community. I don't know how, but some churches have facilites, some have resources, some have programs, some have leaders etc. All of us are trying to do the same things ..... run a church service, Bible Study, men's group, youth group etc.
Every group or church is frightened of loosing members to another group, and our disagreements are pathetic to say the least. One thing we all have in common, is the one thing Jesus came to change. We all agree that we are all sinners and that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. Wesleyans believe this, Lutherans believe this, and Calvanists believe this. There is only ONE big problem that we have to deal with ..... "SIN."
Another thing we all have in common and we can all do together .... is pray. Every single Christian church believes in the power and importance of prayer. So where will the Church of the Nazarene be in 10 years time? I have no idea. But if we continue to isolate ourselves from the rest of the Christian community .... then no where. Perhaps we need to start reminding our people that we are "Christians". We don't hear other denominations proclaiming proudly "I'm a Baptist" or "I'm a Church of Christ" ...... except us "Nazarenes".
No .... we are not special. We are simply saved by grace just like any other Christian who has found Jesus Christ. No, we are not more holy and No, we are not more sanctified either. May God have mercy on the Western church in it's lukewarmness, and may those Nazarene churches that are embracing community outreach and community Christian fellowship rub off on the rest of us.
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Agree with you man, we need to be intentional about working with other churches, looking for ways to partner and ways to love one another.
ReplyDeleteWe dont need to lose our identity in that process, but we need to remove our old ways of seperating ourselves, claiming to be the 'cream of crop' and we need to begin living missional holiness, not 'close the shop' holines.
It starts with you and me and each of us individually, WE must be intentional.
Peace trev, great to journey with you in the great mission!