06/19/14 PROBABLY NOT INTERESTING TO MOST FOLKS

06/19/14 PROBABLY NOT INTERESTING TO MOST FOLKS

I admit, you could come to one of our meetings and wonder, "what is going on?" Sometimes (not always) I start our time together talking about events from my (our) past, current events, sports, religion, economics, health or some other life event. In fact, I may let the discussion become a free-for-all, with people sharing their own views and experiences, including the children. If you can focus on the discussion, you may actually learn something that will edify and challenge you to align your life more with the Scriptures and Christian values. And, before the service is over, you will be led into worship, praise, prayer, study, exhortation and challenge.

There is method to my madness, there is reason to my rhyme. The Christian experience is a working, dynamic reality. It is relevant and practical. If it does not work (function) in our present world (the real world), it is not Biblical. Our past was a prelude and preparation for the present. The things we have learned from God in the past through experience must be remembered and passed along to others (especially the children) because other people have not had the advantage of those God moments. (Let me restate, ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN). Why should we allow the lessons that God taught us be lost in silence? This approach is not intended for every church or every service. It is not a form, or a formula, or a format, it is just a part of how we gather, sometimes.

I see "church time" as a gathering of believers for fellowship, exhortation, worship, learning, dedication. As I said, by the time the service is over, there will be plenty of Bible truth to apply to one's life (more than most people have ever heard or more than they are applying). I do not do the one and neglect the other. BTW, for those who are concerned about Worshipology, I do subscribe to A-C-T-E-D as a working model.

A-C-T-E-D
Adoration (praise, worship)
Confession (confess our needs, confess our faith, confess Him)
Thanksgiving (in song, in testimony)
Exhortation (Bible teaching and preaching)
Dedication (surrender, commitment, service)

Addendum...
If my congregation was too large for this kind of interaction during scheduled services, I would want to provide it in another setting, maybe during area home meetings, since I believe the need is valid.