Three show-stoppers
On Wednesday, April 21st, about 5:30 in the morning, I was laying in bed, thinking about “my sheep hear my voice” (John 10), the gospel reading for Sunday. All of the sudden, down in my spirit, I heard this from the Lord:
Insignificance, intimidation, and fear of failure are holding you and most of the church back.
I ended up using that as the basis for my sermon Sunday. The audio is at http://allsaintsonline.s3.amazonaws.com/dms-2010-04-25.mp3
Doug
It's about the people!
One of the first things I had to come to terms with as a pastor was my need to develop stronger people skills. I’m reminded of what Jesus said just before He was crucified:
John 13:34-35 (NKJV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
and later
John 14:15 (NKJV)
If you love Me, keep My commandments.
and
John 15:9-12 (NKJV)
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
In other words, the church is about love. Teaching has its place, singing has its place, spiritual gifts have their place (1 Corinthians 14:26), but they have to be in the framework of love for God and love for people (1 Corinthians 13, Luke 10:27).
Today I read this quote today from USA Today:
The first German pope of the modern era took the helm of the Catholic church after 24 years in the backroom of power with a clear design: to make its 1.1 billion member flock more in line with church teaching even at the cost of shedding members and without catering to the mass media.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-04-16-pope-anniversary-abuse_N.htm
I will not criticize the Pope, who has been serving God longer than I’ve been alive. But to see such a goal makes me sad.
Doug
