Perspective
Having the right perspective is critical to a Christian seeing things the right way. If I stand behind a door it is easy for me to assume that there is nothing on the other side. It is only when I change my position and open the door that I can have a proper perspective and see what is really on the other side of the door.
The Christian walk is the exact same thing. In every situation, every relationship, and every conversation with God we must have proper perspective to see clearly. King David is a great example of this. Every time David had the opportunity to take offense at something Saul did, David simply fell back on his love of God and knew that Saul would be dealt with (see 1 Samuel 22 / Psalm 52). When writing about situations in his life, David only name God. He didn’t named Saul, or Doeg, or any person that did him wrong or stepped out of line. David always had the proper perspective on where his attention should be.
Abraham Heschel said, “We should know what we see rather than see what we know.” I think that means that it is really easy to only see within our own life’s experiences. But the real visionaries and leaders see things from every angle and perspective possible.
“ If church takes on only celebration structures, it will be like celebrating a wedding a week, and our behavior will soon be so far removed from real life that it will cease to make sense to ordinary people.
Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky
Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky: “social”
(Via Church Marketing Sucks.)
Mike Bickle on “What The Church Will Look Like In 20 Years”
Mike Bickle
International House Of Prayer
Charisma Magazine Article
Today’s church leaders are moving in two different directions that will become more solidified by 2010.
Among the first group are those who have set their hearts to live deeply connected to Jesus and who are committed to full obedience in a fasted lifestyle. They will prayerfully devour the Word of God and encounter the Spirit’s power in different ways. They’ll reach out in justice with compassion to bring God’s love to people and to transform society. They’ll call people to love Jesus on God’s terms as they faithfully proclaim the whole counsel of God (including its “unpopular” aspects). As they impart these values to others, they will raise up praying churches that will be small-group based and have varying expressions of meeting and ministry style (both within and outside the church). Such groups will regularly experience God’s presence together with a spirit of prayer and prophecy. As they faithfully speak out in ways true to Scripture but unpopular to the masses, they’ll be ridiculed more and more by mainstream religion and media.
Within the second group are those seeking to grow their ministries by promising people ease, comfort and pleasure. Their present dullness and man-pleasing spirit will escalate into a much bolder distancing from the foundational principles of the Word. These leaders will also be involved in many outreaches and service-oriented works, even as they label the first group as fanatics. Both groups will function under the banner of Christianity and will aggressively reach out to others, yet they will do it with a very different spirit and message.
Atlanta Church says they will take any baby
This is what the church is supposed to be doing. We should be in the business of helping the hurt and unwanted, not the government.
Getting Married Young
Interesting article on churches pushing young adults to get married younger, and younger.
The Church in 2034
Interesting, funny, and probably very true in some reguards…(the Big 6 made me laugh)
