I have been writing a book over the past year, and have been in desperate need of a title, I think I have found it... "McDoctirne's" ...the First Church of Fast-Food...
I don't know... the jury is still out.
I came across a video spoof the nails the jist of what I want to convey. I was going to call it something more serious, but some of the content of this book is soooo whacked, most wouldn't believe that it really goes on in Church. So I thought I would demo each chapter here on RR in hopes you (the reader)
can help me finish it !:]
Chapter 1, Drive Through "Worship"
What I have witnessed in "Church" is just crazy! I don't just mean when one walks in on the congregation, like one would when one walks in on a "private moment" you know... everyone laying all over the floor... "soaking in the spirit"?!? No, not just talking about that, I mean the serious "me" centered appetite people bring into the House of God. It reflects the scripture Revelation 3:20 most accurately...
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me."
...the whole picture presents Christ (Lord of all) left outside to knock, and ask permission to enter His own house... seriously? Everyone seems to have dibs on the way they want "Church" to be. Tolerant as they may are, it doesn't last long, and if the "Church" doesn't fit the bill... there is another one just down the road willing to comply. I guess I must be a little naive, thinking that Church had something to do with God... does anyone even care what He thinks anymore?
I was talking to the guys the other day at our men's group, and someone said that there wasn't much that could compete with Sunday Football... what with the hot-tubs at the end zones and bouncy cheerleaders! It got me thinking that some "worship services" do just that... they try and get as close to the "sensual" scrimmage line that they can, and most don't care if they cross it. "All to the glory of God" right? Modesty isn't a hot topic for most sermons... we don't want a drop in male attendance do we? Some think that a "Church" wouldn't get a man to attend if "our women" buttoned it all the way up... say it ain't so!
Nothing is further from the truth... first off all women are attractive regardless; second, God Himself is powerfully attractive and compelling. There is nothing like the Spirit of Jesus touching your soul with forgiveness and purpose, to make you desire a better present and future! I have attended some "old-fashioned" Mennonite Churches (the ones where the guys are on one side and girls on the other) only to be riveted by the grace of God... and blessed by the angelic acapella praise of a choir, without an instrument in sight. No distractions... just Jesus!
Unfortunately I have also been "rocked" in elation and euphoria at the awesome production of some mega-churches... like an ice cream sundae... left me wanting more; and rather picky when it came to enduring a "regular" meeting with under 50 in attendance. This kind of Hollywood production leaves little room for the "second-best" of sincerity... that is if one just wants to be entertained. ON the other-hand nothing but true worship and praise will satisfy, when someone is accustomed to a real relationship with the Living God of the Universe!
Jesus said "A tree is known by it's fruit" ...at the heart of the ministry of Christ were the words of His prayers... "THY will be done" ...yet what we see more and more creeping into the houses of worship is the opposite words... "MY will be done!" A bit of honesty would go a long way... if we don't want to worship God as He desires... don't claim it's all about Him! What we witness today more than not, is nothing less than spiritual masturbation... where the object of our worship is treated like a fantastic means to a selfish climax, rather than the expression of a meaningful relationship. Do we ever even ask... what does God get out of all this?
If we really want to know...
"Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)
" Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.'
" If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
The LORD will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail..." (Isaiah 58:6-11)
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God... this is your spiritual act of worship."
(Romans 12:1)
So the next time you "drive-through" Church...
don't just keep an eye-out for Jesus, make sure you bring Him on in with you !:]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4QFKS4Lz...