Friday, June 29, 2007

What Are We?

I have so much "rolling around" in my head today with revival going on (It is wonderful, by the way) and Anita's post on Lutheran worship. I am not sure that she is a "typical Lutheran" by standard. Not that I would know what the typical Lutheran is since I haven't known one until I *met* her. I am only resting this on the evidence I have witnessed in her writings, which brings me to my point. It is so easy to have a mental conception of some one else's denomination or style of service. What I mean by style of service is how a person lives their life daily for the Lord.....not their church program. That is why we are here....to serve HIM and by serving Him, we will serve others. Anita makes it clear that she is a server. I like that.

I don't believe God EVER intended us to be segregated by religious labels. He hasn't tried to "trick" us with different choices that we hope is the "right" one that gets us to heaven. NO. No. No. He has made it so simple, but man is responsible for "cluttering up" the way with " you have to do this" and "you can't do that" or " if you're not a believer in this particular denomination" and blah, blah, blah......it just goes on and on.

Because of these labels, we have a society that is full of fear. Fear of not doing the "right " thing or saying the "right" prayer that they will lose their soul forever. This is not of God. How does being afraid of our Father bring Him glory? It doesn't. Just imagine your own children. We know it has been said that children are a reflection of their parents. What are your children saying about you if they are cowering in fear while trying to carry out simple chores of everyday life? We know these chores were being done ONLY because of their fear and not because of their love and respect for you. There is a difference. Just as we want a close relationship with our children, one of love and respect, so does our heavenly father.

Another reason labels can hinder one is because they make a person think they have act or behave like everyone else in "their" belief system. It will cause them to stay "stuck" in a group because "I am not supposed to worship or act like that." Even though their heart is longing to feel what others are experiencing. Why are people so afraid of the Spirit of God? Labels. I am convinced it is being labled. Again, I am not saying we should be "willy nilly" and just do "whatever feels good." I am saying get on your face before God and don't be afraid to pour your heart out to Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and He will. Once we do this, we'll know how to serve. His spirit is real and alive. Some have tried to make Him a figment of imagination or a cold, dead statue, but HE IS ALIVE! Don't be afraid. Don't rely on what man tells you.... Find out for yourself!

I have witnessed the Spirit of God this week in revival. It has been glorious. Praise God! I have seen walls coming down while people of different faiths have been worshipping. That is what we were created to do......worship! I have seen people weeping before the Lord with hearts and hands raised. I have seen some sitting on the pews quietly engulfed in the secure presence of the Lord. I have seen others that would have been too embarrassed to lift a hand in honor to God raise both hands. I believe lives are being changed forever! God will pour out His spirit where there is a hungry heart. I don't know about you, but His Spirit is Life to me.

There's only one way to heaven and this doesn't include a *magic formula* or "seven steps to self-righteousness" found in some book written with the intentions of making the top ten. Before you think I am against reading other books, let me just say that I am not. What I am saying is the bible must be read first so that you will be able to comprehend what is truth and how it should be applied to your life or what is false that should be tossed out. JESUS is the ONLY way to heaven. How do I know? The bible tells me so. I believe Jesus is the son of God, that He died for my sins, was resurrected on the third day and now sits on the right hand of God making intercession for me. Hallelujah! Do you believe this simple truth and share in love of Christ with me? If not, you can. Are you ready to trade the tumoil of life for the peace of God? Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and come into your heart to live. He will and it will be glorious and life changing!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey you, Deep Thinker! good stuff!

Denise said...

Beautifully said sweety.

Chocolate and Coffee said...

Great blog!

Blessings to you.

Unashamed said...

What I love about our friendships is that we are first and foremost sisters in Christ. Yes, we all seem to come from different faith backgrounds, but you know, I never think to myself, Oh, I wonder what my friend Beth-the-Pentecostal (for example) is doing? She's just Beth, my dear Sister. You know what I mean? I enjoy sharing about my faith tradition and learning about those of others. It never fails to challenge me to think more, search Scripture more, reflect and meditate. And I tell you, I can hardly wait until we get together and can WORSHIP TOGETHER!! That will be a great day!

Pearls of Wisdom said...

Debbie,

You have put into words what I have been thinking for so long. Wonderful post. Hope the revival is going great . Have a wonderful weekend my sweet friend. Have fun with the kids. I am still praying for your daughter.

Smiles and Blessings,

Angel ():)

eph2810 said...

What a powerful post, Debbie. I can tell that this revival is effecting your heart :)...

BTW - the pastor I uses to work for told me once that I am a Baptist with Lutheran heritage -- whatever that means *smile*. I actually see it as a compliment. Since I have been blogging (matter of fact before that), I am trying to break down my own walls and others. I truly believe that we are one body in Christ!!! No matter which church we attend (as long as Christ crucified is preached) - Yeah, I am a Lutheran by heritage (and fellowship), but foremost I am a follower of Christ.
See, now you know two Lutherans in the bloggy world :).

Be blessed today and always.

Sharon said...

Beautiful post Debbie. You have put into words what lives in my heart.

Our little family follows Christ Jesus and try to live our lives according to His Word. We attend regularly a Congregational Holiness church although we are not "members". We also attend Baptist, Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, other various pentacostal churches while travelling with our daughter's singing group. They sing songs about Jesus and that appeals to ALL Christians. I have felt the Holy Spirit in many different denominations and the reason we will not "officially join" a church is because all man-made beliefs are limited, and God never once said that we have to "join" a church. He said to assemble yourselves together, not divide.

*Blushing* Sorry I went on so long. I should have just posted this on mine. ;-)

Debbie said...

Ladies,
I appreciate each and every one of you and count you none less than my sisters in Christ.

Anita, you know I always enjoy learning things about you from your post. Some have really touched my heart. The one about your husband serving you communion comes to mind time to time. In fact, do you remember when I commented that I would never take communion again without thinking of you?
Angel, Thank-you so much for praying for my daughter. Our revival has been one I don't want to end. It has truly been more than a series of meetings. God has met with us! That makes it worth it all. I am so thankful for the lives that are being changed.

Iris, You are so right! I have been revived during this revival! Praise the Lord! I have witnessed people "loosening" up the collar of staight line denominations recently. I know this must bless God. Wow!I have to say that You and Anita are my favorite Lutheran's...*grin*
Sharon, Don't apologize...I am glad you commented your heart here. I just *knew* you had some "pentecostal" about you. I think it is wonderful that you and your family have crossed the barriers and are able to minister wherever the Lord leads! Afterall, this is what we are suppose to do.

I loved this quote of yours. I think it should be on a bilboard!:)

"He said to assemble yourselves together, not divide."

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings said...

Jumping in late (been wranglin' kids away from DaHubby's construction project all weekend! LOL) but just wanted to add my "AMENS"!

Not to be irreverant, but I've been Catholic, I've been Lutheran, and I've been Pentecostal and historically they have been all right some of the times and they all can/have be tempted to wander from what's to be our Focus.

But, Debbie hit it right on the head - we are made to WORSHIP! The "how" isn't as important as the WHY! Because of who He is, what He's done, and what He's given us!

My two cents to add in: While our local bodies are those that minister and care for us on a regular basis, we always need to remember the Church instead of getting too focused on the church! *wink*

As I type, I keep hearing an old hymn in my head..."when we all... get to Heaven...what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all...see Jesus...we’ll sing and shout for victory!!!

Amen, amen, amen! Love to you all! BIG hugs!

Dapoppins said...

Debbie! Oh, you are a wise woman. I wish I could be sharing that revibal with you!

Blog is no more said...

Sounds like a revival has started in your own heart *smile* Have a great week!

Marilee said...

Excellent post Debbie!

One of my biggest concerns about todays churches is that so many are about preaching what people want to hear instead of TEACHING (straight from the Bible) what we sll NEED to hear.

Maybe I am super sensitive to this issue because I was raised in a supposedly Christian home/church, only to finally realize at age 39 that my whole life had been a big lie. I was born a 5th generation rlds... heard the same "truth" from my entire family - parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins... and many of our friends who were also long time rlds.

Finding out that the rlds is not a TRUE Christian church, but a cult instead, I was thrilled when I left that for VERY sound Bible teaching through Calvary Chapel. In the last 6 years I have learned TONS about what God's TRUTH really is. And I am closer to Him than I ever imagined! It's awesome!

I am also greatly saddened in my heart of hearts as I witness SO MANY people who believe false doctrines!!! The number of pastors who are preaching all the "warm fuzzy" messages about Jesus but leaving out the HARDCORE truth that isn't so pleasant to listen to is very great!

But I whole heartedly agree that worshiping our Lord together is what we are made for. I SO look forward to Sundays when we gather with our large church family and "GET OUR PRAISE ON!" It's awesome!!!

And I can also see in your words that your heart has been intensely touched and it is BEAUTIFUL!

I love you my sister!!! Marilee