Whilst I was in Latvia (and I will tell you all about that soon, but I need to get this off my chest first) we were having a conversation amongst our team, which has just come back to me, and got me thinking.
The Church. Some go as a Sunday obligation, others to socialise, and some to actually worship God, hear his word and share fellowship with each other. Today I was thinking about the latter group. In the church today, we sing lots of songs, many of which are good songs, praising God and what He has done. But how much do we think about what we are singing? Sometimes I feel like aspects of the gospel are romanticised and dramatised in our songs, as if they need dressing up, to make them more palatable (not just in songs, but that is my main area of focus at the moment). Sometimes I feel like we are focussing on a few aspects of God, the ones we feel comfortable with, like His love, mercy etc (which is great, nothing wrong with that) and forgetting that His love meant sending His Son to die on a hard wooden cross...
We use flowery imagery for the Cross and romanticise it like it is something out of a Hollywood movie. To put it another way, there are a lot of wishy-washy songs out there that are all very nice, but they do not convey the reality of God's word.
Are we becoming wishy-washy Christians?
Ephesians 6 describes how we need to put on the full armour of God in order to take our stand against evil. The church today needs Men (and strong Women) who will be able to stand firm. We are in end times; the forces of darkness are closing in. Today God is calling his Bride to 'arise, shine' and be a light in the darkness. More than ever, we need to be able to stand, and keep standing. So are you dressed and ready for battle?
A fellow blogger, Josh, over at his Perspectives blog, has expanded a bit on my post, so do check it out as he has adeptly summed up what I could not put into words myself.
More Powerful Than We Think
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The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, not of THIS world. No, we grab
from the unseen and pull it into reality! Our words become weapons as we
pull dow...
19 hours ago
7 drops in the ocean:
This is a very good and thoughtful post. Sometimes, I do have a feeling that Christians have strayed a little, though I do know that it is not done with purpose. Part of me believes that as long as you have a good humble heart and soul, you will experience love and truth, whatever your religion.
This is an interesting post...it is definitely causing me to ponder some things...I might do a post and link to yours if that's ok?
I'm not sure the post quite sums up exactly what I wanted to say...I think it is still missing something, I might come back to it later - it was 2am when I wrote it... However, if it is controversial and makes you think, it was supposed to be.
Justina - I do partly agree with what you are saying, and I do believe that if a person is seeking the truth with all their heart, then they will find it, whatever they may label themselves as. But I do not believe that all religions are paths to God. I believe there is only one path.
Josh - feel free, but I would be grateful if you would put a link to your post below.
Cheers,
RJ
I wholeheartedly agree. There are so many things that we practice in religion that we do without thinking. I think everyone would find a greater love of God and His Son if they thought about the words of the hymns and the prayers.
I can't wait to hear about Latvia! Man, I can't wait until I am old enough/rich enough to travel outside the states.
Here you go! :)
http://realfaith832.blogspot.com/2011/09/forgetful-bride.html
Thank you again for the post!
Cheers Josh, you summed up what I was getting at in a most eloquent way :)
God bless,
RJ
Thank you! :)
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