Making a difference in our day

[BroMatt]

In the era of mega churches, HD video, on demand this and that, and so many bright and tasty enticements, our ability to compete with the circus is poor indeed. The good news is, we are not called to compete with the things of the flesh.

Our strength is in the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Our calling is the highest of all, our authority is the highest of all, and our responsibility is the highest of all.

Everything we do matters, from the smallest prayer we pray to the smile we give at the grocery store. We carry in us "exceeding great and precious promises", this treasure we have in earthen vessles, and walking by, others that have nothing can't tell you have what they need, unless you let them know somehow.

Out of our bellies flows rivers of living waters, how can that not make a huge difference?

If you have failed in some way in days gone by (including just yesterday), repent and get back to the battle, you are needed, there are many that have no hope, except they discover that which you have been freely given.

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by BroMatt

In the era of mega churches, HD video, on demand this and that, and so many bright and tasty enticements, our ability to compete with the circus is poor indeed. The good news is, we are not called to compete with the things of the flesh.

Our strength is in the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Our calling is the highest of all, our authority is the highest of all, and our responsibility is the highest of all.

Everything we do matters, from the smallest prayer we pray to the smile we give at the grocery store. We carry in us "exceeding great and precious promises", this treasure we have in earthen vessles, and walking by, others that have nothing can't tell you have what they need, unless you let them know somehow.

Out of our bellies flows rivers of living waters, how can that not make a huge difference?

If you have failed in some way in days gone by (including just yesterday), repent and get back to the battle, you are needed, there are many that have no hope, except they discover that which you have been freely given.

What is often viewed as viewed as "bright and tasty enticements" that appear at a "circus", is in reality, inspiration and creativity that comes as a result of hard work and seeking after God, asking Him for help in reaching people with the gospel.

There are some churches where this isn't true, but for the most part, the "Show" isn't just a show for the purpose of having a show. It's a strategy of using all of our creativity, not just a little of it, to reach people with the grace of Jesus Christ.

[BroMatt]

Hmmm, ok then.

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by BroMatt

Hmmm, ok then.

Beautiful response. I guess the "Deep Waters" here aren't so deep.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by notofworks

Beautiful response. I guess the "Deep Waters" here aren't so deep.

His post wasn't about megachurches.

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

His post wasn't about megachurches.

I didn't say it was.

[BroMatt]

I was not expecting to have poked someone's sensative area.

I meant to encourage anyone that the gospel we have received grants access to us and others into substantial supernatural expectations. No amazing display of man's wonderful creations can compare to the riches we have been entrusted with. That glitter and neon cannot really compare to the Glory of God manifest in His people, the church.

I did indeed use the words "In the era of megachurches...", which likely set the tone that appears to have offended notofworks, however, I did not mean to address megachurches specifically, but rather that we are in the era of them.

Things that formerly prevented the possibility of a true megachurch are gone in the age of so much rapid travel available to nearly all the general public in the developed world. Still, the most active and well finianced megachurch cannot and should not (in my opinion) try to be more of a circus than a professional circus, nor more of a special effects production studio than a professional special effects production studio.

My point is that Jesus Christ is far more amazing, far more exciting, and certainly much more applicable to the needs of mankind, whom He created. Everything else the world offers with great pomp in the end is useless.

However, if you feel called to make things out of glitter and neon, or to compete head on with a circus, or to try to get people saved using "bright and tasty enticements" as a strategy, go for it.

I would rather be in the Spirit and on a prison island with John, or in a dungeon with Paul. And since I can't work up a lot of enthusiasm (a : belief in special revelations of the Holy Spirit ) for your efforts in this regard, I gave a far less than enthisastic cheer of "Hmmm, ok then."

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enthusiasm

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by BroMatt

I was not expecting to have poked someone's sensative area.

I meant to encourage anyone that the gospel we have received grants access to us and others into substantial supernatural expectations. No amazing display of man's wonderful creations can compare to the riches we have been entrusted with. That glitter and neon cannot really compare to the Glory of God manifest in His people, the church.

I did indeed use the words "In the era of megachurches...", which likely set the tone that appears to have offended notofworks, however, I did not mean to address megachurches specifically, but rather that we are in the era of them.

Things that formerly prevented the possibility of a true megachurch are gone in the age of so much rapid travel available to nearly all the general public in the developed world. Still, the most active and well finianced megachurch cannot and should not (in my opinion) try to be more of a circus than a professional circus, nor more of a special effects production studio than a professional special effects production studio.

My point is that Jesus Christ is far more amazing, far more exciting, and certainly much more applicable to the needs of mankind, whom He created. Everything else the world offers with great pomp in the end is useless.

However, if you feel called to make things out of glitter and neon, or to compete head on with a circus, or to try to get people saved using "bright and tasty enticements" as a strategy, go for it.

I would rather be in the Spirit and on a prison island with John, or in a dungeon with Paul. And since I can't work up a lot of enthusiasm (a : belief in special revelations of the Holy Spirit ) for your efforts in this regard, I gave a far less than enthisastic cheer of "Hmmm, ok then."

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enthusiasm

Oh stop it. Offended? You're words weren't THAT important. I'll just move on. I didn't even know there were "Deep Waters" here until a couple days ago! As it turns out, it's just a puddle.

Paul was willing to become all things to all men in order to reach them. Anyone who isn't willing to "Become something" won't reach anyone.

Carry on!

[BroMatt]

I didn't say my words were important.

Paul in saying he became all things to all men that he might by all means be able to reach some did not imply that he needed to become something, rather that he was able to identify with and to communicate with various ones on their own level of understanding and experience.

I am also new here, and my expectation here is that we would discuss things, not measure one another and then dismiss one another so off handedly.

Your need to speak down to me indicates that you are indeed offended, and your response appears to be intended to "put me in my place".

Once again, I meant only to encourage, not to attack megachurches, and not to attack you personally.

[Godsdrummer]

The point is most megachurches don't get into the light shows and stuff it is the middle churches that run acouple of thousand that seem to be trying to draw in others by light shows etc.