Systems
I have been pondering thoughts about “systems” and have discussed them at length with my husband. The first system that we have discussed is that of the church. We are currently out of the traditional church and are attempting to meet from house to house. (I will discuss my thoughts on other systems in another post)
But I am coming to the point of realizing, it is not about what we create “each week”. It is about being available to do whatever God is instructing us to do in “each day”. Letting go of some of the bondage of what is required according to church structure has been very liberating for us….also very difficult. We want interaction with like-minded individuals, desperately. But we also realize it is not about what we can create ourselves. We must be available to go as God guides us or wait when He tells us to do so.
So, today, we wait…
Alan, at The Assembling of the Church, has some excellent thoughts on how we can step outside of our box and be the church, in his post, The Church Meets Here… His thoughts on this issue have encouraged me today. I am sure they will encourage you as well.
So, today, I ask you. How can we be the church to others? In what ways can we come out of our comfort zone and be uncomfortable in order to love someone else?
I think there is opportunity to witness and be a testimony to everyone we meet during the day, even if it’s only the lady at the cash-register. A good example was a post from Leila. It sure got me thinking!
Have a very blessed weekend!
God’s Grace.
May 19th, 2007 | #
Sorry, I forgot to include the link to Leil’a post, but here it is: http://penofiron.blogspot.com/2007/05/this-is-going-to-be-my-epitaph-until.html
May 19th, 2007 | #
Corry- Thanks for the link. What a great example of sharing the gift of salvation. You are right, when we look around us each day, there is always an opportunity to share the love of God.
May 19th, 2007 | #
Christy, Thanks for the comment on my blog this evening. I am so sorry that you could identify with my situation in any way. (((hugs)))
Trish
(I promise I’ll get back here more often, I’ve missed you!)
May 21st, 2007 | #
Trish- Sometimes, in going through rough times, we can encourage one another in similar circumstances. This is my prayer for you.
The bottom line is…God loves you and wants you to live a life in the reality of that love.
I’ve missed you too
May 21st, 2007 | #
Christy good post. Thats why I go to walmart’s once a month and share our God with others while I am shopping for my groceries [ I have to use electric cart ] and there are more oppurtunitys than one would think ? Many times I am blessed by my experiences ? Blessings. Ron.
May 22nd, 2007 | #
Interesting article though I can tell that young brother has never actually met with other believers who do this sort of thing. It does happen in various locations around this country and in other countries. We have a church in Albania who often meets in the local pub or at the beach. Their songs are self written to the tune of national songs so when they sing total strangers attach themselves to the group to sing along because they recognize the tunes…
The Church is a powerful woman. when She does meet She can be seen by those around her and things happen…She makes a striking picture and witness of Her Lord. it happens..really it does…She is alive and walks on the face of the earth!
May 22nd, 2007 | #
There are many out there that think being a christian is a “Sunday” only activity, in reality, it is a 7 day a week, 24 hours a day walk with Christ. Thanks for this post. I look forward to hearing more on the subject.
May 22nd, 2007 | #
Jada’s Gigi- Thanks for commenting on this post. Just wondering if you could clarify your statement “I can tell that young brother has never actually met with other believers who do this sort of thing”. I’m not sure if I’m understanding this statement.
I totally agree with your statement indicating that when the body of Christ comes together to truly be the church to those around us, it is evident to many. A resounding Amen!
Amy- You are so right. It is a daily, moment by moment, ongoing relationship with Christ. May we all be open to that relationship!
May 22nd, 2007 | #
rrbj- Sounds like a wonderful way to share God’s love! I am sure others are blessed by you
May 22nd, 2007 | #
Excellent thoughts.
Amen. Amen.
May 24th, 2007 | #
Hi Christy
Not sure “how” I can tell but speaking as one who has met with Christians in many very different types of meetings and done similar things to which he is referring..it just sounds to me as if he is theorizing rather than speaking from experience. perhaps i am wrong…just a feeling. There is a lot of theory out there but very few who have actually experienced many other ways of meeting or ministering than those traditionally approved…I certainly don’t mean to judge him nor to criticize his zeal. His ideas are wonderful…there just isn’t much place for them in a traditional structure…which he is definitely in the middle of.
May 24th, 2007 | #
jg, actually Alan is a wonderful personal friend, and I can personally attest from numerous conversations with him that he is doing a lot to move beyond “theorizing”. He could definitely use some encouragement, and I think that you could probably contribute some really good stuff to conversations on his blog.
May 24th, 2007 | #
Bonnie!- So glad you stopped by my blog. Thanks for the encouragement. I welcome your thoughts anytime. What a blessing to see you here
jadasgigi- As Steve stated, Alan is someone that we have spent time with (in various settings) and I can attest to his passion for seeing unity between brothers and sisters in Christ. So, I guess I will have to politely disagree with you (having actually spent time with him). I think we all come from areas where we question, but don’t yet have the full picture. In fact, I think we are all still there. We are always learning new things that God is showing us, daily. Respecting where each person is and walking with them into the reality of what God is showing them is what it means to live in a community. And that is where I choose to focus my energy. Thanks so much for commenting here. And feel free to discuss this more…I’ll be more than happy to hear more thoughts that you might have.
May 24th, 2007 | #
[…] In my previous post, Systems, I discussed some thoughts about a type of system that many of us take part in, that is, the traditional church system. I alluded to the fact that my husband and I have discussed other systems as well and I’d like to share my thoughts with you. […]
May 25th, 2007 | #
Steve and Christy,
Thanks for speaking up for me. I really appreciate your confidence in what God is doing in my life.
jadasgigi,
First, I appreciate you calling me a “younger brother”. Regardless of how old you are, I always appreciate being called younger.
You are correct. I have not seen this much. I have seen and participated in much that was service related - individually, as a family, even in larger groups. In this post, I was trying to go beyond serving as an activity of the church in order to see serving as the church meets. (In other words, not placing speaking gifts above serving gifts when the church gets together.)
While I can understanding your concern, I am not speaking solely from a theoretical or idealistic (Steve likes that word) viewpoint. It is my desire to live what God is showing me, and I try to do that as He provides opportunity and strength. I am excited that many other believers that God has placed around me are also interested in seeing what God will do as we serve as the church. Are we there yet? Nope. But, as I said, we are excited about what God is doing.
-Alan
May 27th, 2007 | #