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SideLines
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What to wear, what to wear?
This might help.
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“The Church on the Front Lines”
from Loving God by Charles Colson
The church is “the only cooperative society in the world that exists for the benefits of its non-members.” Too often, though, the church’s strategy for reaching those who “don’t belong” is exactly backward. Priority goes to constructing an attractive edifice in a location near a growing suburb and as far from criminal-infested downtown as possible. Next come the committees organizing concerts, covered dish suppers, Bible studies, slideshows, and the like. Then, with fresh welcome mat at the door, the members enthusiastically wait for all the lost and needy souls to come in and join them. Of course they never do. What the church attracts are the neighbors who are bored with their old church anyways, or those looking for a group with a bit more “status.” The folks “out there” have no interest in the handsome sanctuary and the progressive programs and wouldn’t feel comfortable inside no matter what wonderful attractions were offered. (And probably the church members wouldn’t feel comfortable if they did come.)
…When the church fails to break cultural barriers, both sides lose. Those who need the gospel message of hope and the reality of love, don’t get it; and the isolated church keeps evangelizing the same people over and over until it’s only mission finally is to entertain itself. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus didn’t set up an office in the temple and wait for people to come to him for counseling? Instead, He went to them – to the
homes of the most notorious sinners, to the places where He would most likely encounter the handicapped and sick, the needy, the outcasts of society.
I’m not naïve enough to think the church can bridge the cultural chasm overnight. But, I do know that we can come out of our safe sanctuaries and move alongside those in need and begin to demonstrate some caring concern. Our presence in a place of need is worth more than a thousand sermons.
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He came to set me free,
From the chains that held me fast.
I opened my heart to Him,
And he broke those chains at last.
He loosed my spirit,
He set my soul free.
Now I can love others,
As He first loved me.
By M. M. Wyatt
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FYI
The word beautiful was first used in the English language by William Tyndale in his 1526 translation of the New Testament. Some considered it an outrage that a new and fashionable word was used in interpreting Scripture.
In Bible lands the sharing of food was, and still is, a very special act of hospitality. It creates a pledge of peace and commitment between host and guest. There are three types of guests; friends, strangers and enemies.
When a guest is accepted, the host is expected to defend the guest from all enemies; whatever the cost. Thus when David said; “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.” (Psalm 23:5 NLT) he was emphasizing his confidence in God’s protection and blessing.
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INVOLVED IN CHURCH LEADERSHIP?
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